Beau Bailey: How He Crafted Hits for Artists like Blake Shelton and Hardy
What does it take to go from a small Louisiana town to writing chart-topping hits for country music's biggest stars in just a few years? Beau Bailey's songwriting journey is as unexpected as it is inspiring.In this captivating conversation, Beau reveals how a dislocated shoulder from an impromptu boxing match at age 15 led him to pick up guitar and accidentally discover his songwriting gift. His path to Nashville began with a pop-rock band and a Universal Records deal that launched right before COVID hit—talk about timing! When health issues caused the band to dissolve, Beau found himself at a crossroads that ultimately led him to country songwriting, where his authentic voice and storytelling talents have flourished.Beau takes us behind the curtain of writing sessions that produced hits like "Dirty Dancing" for Cole Swindell, "Broken Branches" for Dierks Bentley, "Favorite Country Song" for Hardy, and "Stay Country or Die Trying" for Blake Shelton. The viral success of "Oil Money" (25+ million streams) showcases his ability to blend rock sensibilities with country storytelling, creating songs that resonate deeply with listeners. You'll hear the surreal moment of writing alongside his songwriting heroes Ashley Gorley and Hardy, and how these collaborations transformed from intimidating to inspiring.What makes Beau's perspective particularly valuable is his emphasis on idea generation and authentic storytelling. His philosophy of surrounding yourself with like-minded creatives and constantly mining conversations for lyrical gold provides practical wisdom for aspiring songwriters. Beau's humility shines through as he describes the moment he heard his songs on the radio and performed at Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest.Whether you're a songwriter looking for inspiration, a music fan curious about how hit songs come together, or simply love great storytelling, Beau Bailey's journey from Louisiana to Nashville success proves that sometimes the most unexpected detours lead to the most remarkable destinations. Listen now and discover the stories behind the songs you love.
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Ashland Craft: Dive Bar Beauty Queen
This week I sit down with @ashlandcraft !From growing up in small-town South Carolina to sharing stages with country icons, Ashland Craft’s journey is as raw and real as her voice. We talk about her time on The Voice, what it taught her about trusting her gut, and how it led her to pack up everything and take a leap of faith in Nashville.Ashland opens up about the early grind—bar gigs, long nights, and finding her sound in a town full of noise. She shares stories behind her favorite songs, the power of staying true to who you are, and the female artists who paved the way for her.From church pews to honky tonk's, Ashland brings grit, soul, and honesty to every part of her story. You won’t want to miss this one.SHOW NOTES:Keep up with Guest- Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERESBTSongs TikTok - @sbtsongsSBTSongs Instagram - @sbtsongsSBTSongs YouTube - @sbtsongsChris Blair's Instagram - @chrisblairmusicChris Blair's Website - HEREThe Listening Room's Website - HERETLR's Instagram - @listeningroomcafeTLR’s TikTok - @thelisteningroomcafeA special shout out to our sponsorsSennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-usAlclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/
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The Swon Brothers: Songs That Said It All
In this episode, I sit down with @TheSwonBrothers!From their Oklahoma roots to writing songs with @BlakeShelton and touring with @CarrieUnderwood, Zach and Colton share the highs, lows, and full-circle moments of their journey in country music.We dive into the story behind their latest cut with Blake, the emotional writing of “Mamas,” and the crowd reaction that made them believe in their new song “Diamond Rio.” They talk about the ups and downs of the road, the beauty of writing as brothers, and why keeping faith and humility at the center has mattered most.This one’s full of laughter, heart, and the kind of stories you only get from artists who’ve lived it. Don’t miss it!SHOW NOTES:Keep up with Guest- @TheSwonBrothersStay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERESBTSongs TikTok - @sbtsongsSBTSongs Instagram - @sbtsongsSBTSongs YouTube - @sbtsongsChris Blair's Instagram - @chrisblairmusicChris Blair's Website - HEREThe Listening Room's Website - HERETLR's Instagram - @listeningroomcafeTLR’s TikTok - @thelisteningroomcafeA special shout out to our sponsorsSennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-usAlclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/
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Stephony Smith: Johnny & June
In this episode, I sit down with the legendary @StephonySmith!From singing harmonies with her brother in Memphis to writing award-winning hits like “It’s Your Love,” “Johnny and June,” and “Big Star,” Stephony's journey is nothing short of iconic. We talk about how she got her start writing jingles, what it was like moving to Nashville in the late ‘80s, and the magic behind some of country music’s most unforgettable songs.Stephony shares the stories behind her biggest cuts, how she found her voice as a solo writer, and what it means to stay grounded in an ever-changing industry. With heart, humor, and a deep love for the craft, Stephony gives incredible insight for any aspiring songwriter out there. Don’t miss this inspiring and honest conversation with one of the best to ever do it!SHOW NOTES:Keep up with Guest- @StephonySmithStay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERESBTSongs TikTok - @sbtsongsSBTSongs Instagram - @sbtsongsSBTSongs YouTube - @sbtsongsChris Blair's Instagram - @chrisblairmusicChris Blair's Website - HEREThe Listening Room's Website - HERETLR's Instagram - @listeningroomcafeTLR’s TikTok - @thelisteningroomcafeA special shout out to our sponsorsSennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-usAlclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/
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SBTS Takes On CMA Fest: Part Two
In this week's episode, Stories Behind The Songs takes on CMA Fest (part two) !We had the opportunity to interview numerous artists this past weekend, and can't wait to share their Stories Behind The Songs with you! In this episode you will hear stories from -Maddox Batson - @maddoxbatsonBryan Ruby - @BryanRubyGreylan James - @greylanjamesThe Crowe Boys - @thecroweboysBigg Vinny - @biggvinnyThelma and James - @thelmaand jamesCaleb Lee Hutchinson - @calebleehutchinsonDavid Nail - @davidnailmusicLANCO - @lancomusicBrei Carter - @breicarterDave Wilbert - @davewilbertMary Sarah - @marysarahDawson Anderson - @dawsonandersonSHOW NOTES:Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERESBTSongs TikTok - @sbtsongsSBTSongs Instagram - @sbtsongsSBTSongs YouTube - @sbtsongsChris Blair's Instagram - @chrisblairmusicChris Blair's Website - HEREThe Listening Room's Website - HERETLR's Instagram - @listeningroomcafeTLR’s TikTok - @thelisteningroomcafeA special shout out to our sponsorsSennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-usAlclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/
Welcome to Stories Behind the Songs. This is a weekly podcast hosted by Chris Blair in Nashville, TN. After over 20 years in Nashville and owner of the famous music venue The Listening Room, CB has become friends with some of the biggest names in music, the writers behind the hits and amazing industry leaders. In this podcast, he sits down with those friends and shares their stories. You’ll hear about the songs you know from radio, you’ll hear from brand new artists and much more. Whether you have dreams of being in the music industry or just love great music, this podcast is for you!
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