You may have been introduced on here to Kelsey Waldon through her Cabin Country video – which, if you haven’t watched, is a must-see. We’re big fans of her old-school southern style done with modern hand, that is as equally informed by Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark as it is by the classic ladies of country. Kelsey is currently trying to fund her full-length LP The Goldmine, via Indigogo, and we think this is one fundraiser worth your spare pennies (or dollars). We need to keep this woman making – and releasing – music. We will all be better for it. Country music will be better for it.
The record features Jeremy Fetzer on Electric Guitar, Brett Resnick on Pedal Steel, Dan Parks on Rhythm Acoustic, Michael Rinne on Bass, and Josh Hunt on drums. “I believe in my work and in this album, and I believe in Country and Americana music – in it’s purest form. I believe in honest songwriting. It’s something that I want to exist in this world. It’s a challenge for me to ask my friends and fans for help on this record, and it also makes me a little nervous. However, I hope that you can see it as an investment and know that I truly, truly, TRULY appreciate the support that I have gained over the years, and still continue to gain. I have been so encouraged by the fact that people believe in me and what I have to say, and what I am about. It’s difficult for me to be truly satisfied with my life unless I feel that I am progressing in my artist career, and I hope you guys can come along with me and help me progress,” says Kelsey.
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In the spirit of the ladies of country, we asked Kelsey to talk about her Top Five Female Country Singers a few months back :::
By Kelsey Waldon
1. Emmylou Harris – The first few Emmylou albums like “Luxury Liner” and “Elite Hotel” (with James Burton, Albert Lee, Hank DeVito, Rodney Crowell, etc) are some of my favorites ever. She’s the queen. Unlike a lot of other artists in her category that remain stagnant or stereotyped, Emmylou keeps reinventing herself and continues to make new fans young and old. She’s one of my heroes and an amazing artist.
Songs to listen to: “Me and Willie”, “One of These Days”, “Luxury Liner”, “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight”.
2. Dolly Parton – From “Puppy Love” to “Potential New Boyfriend”, yes, I really love them all. Such a huge influence personally, and a true rags to riches story. She is an incredible vocalist, fantastic songwriter and a prolific artist. Dolly knows exactly who she is and she’s not really concerned whether you like it or not. There is a reason why this woman is an icon!
Songs to listen to: “Shattered Image”, “Girl Left Alone”, “The Grass is Blue”, “Mule Skinner Blues (Blue Yodel No. 8)”.
3. Loretta Lynn – Our Kentucky superstar! Loretta called it like it was with her honest songwriting, and holds one of the purest, most raw voices in Country Music. After she got finished raising all those babies, she became a Country Music superstar and is now a legend. Not bad for a girl from the holler…
Songs to listen to: “Your Squaw is on the Warpath”, “I’m a Honky Tonk Girl”, “Don’t Come Home a Drinkin’ (with Lovin’ on Your Mind)”, “There Goes My Everything”.
4. Tammy Wynette – Tammy’s songs, and her vocals, are just downright pitiful and heartbreaking. Yes, perfect! Just the way I like it! “Stand By Your Man” was one of the first songs I ever learned to sing from my Fisher Price cassette tape player with a microphone attached to it. The stuff is gold, and it doesn’t get much better.
Songs to listen to: “Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad”, “D-I-V-O-R-C-E”, “Southern California” (with George Jones).
5. Linda Ronstadt – Last but certainly not least. Although Linda didn’t write many of her songs, she had the amazing ability to know what a GREAT song was, record it, and make a hit out of it. I love her arrangements, and I love Dan Dugmore’s pedal steel playing. Linda knows what’s good, and she’s got the outstanding pipes to show it off. She’s a babe and a queen in her own right.
Songs to listen to: “Old Paint”, “Roll Um Easy”, “Willin’”, “Hey Mister, That’s Me Up On the Jukebox”.
Lockeland Springsteen 