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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59:42
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/
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2:23:01
SBTS Takes On CMA Fest: Part One
In this week's episode, Stories Behind The Songs takes on CMA Fest! 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 -Alana Springsteen - @alanaspringsteen Callum Kerr - @Callum_Kerr_1 Smithfield - @SmithFieldMusic Walker Montgomery - @WalkerMontgomery John Paycheck - @JohnPayCheck Shane Profitt - @TheShaneProfitt Frank Ray - @FrankRayMusic SHOW NOTES:Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERE SBTSongsTikTok - @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 sponsors:Sennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-usAlclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/
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1:15:24
Zach John King: Slowed Down
In this episode, I sit down with @ZachJohnKing! Whose breakout hit took the world by storm with its raw honesty and unforgettable first line. Growing up surrounded by cowboy culture, he’s navigated the challenges of staying true to himself while breaking into Nashville’s music scene. We dive deep into the making of his new EP Slowed Down, a heartfelt collection of songs that reflect his journey, struggles, and growth. Along the way, he shares stories from the road, the importance of building a strong team, and how years of persistence have turned what feels like overnight success into a well-earned milestone. This conversation is all about authenticity, slowing down in a fast-paced industry, and the passion that drives him forward. And it’s one you don’t want to miss - check it out!SHOW NOTES:Keep up with Guest- @ZachJohnKingStay 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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48:45
McCoy Moore: Something To You
In this episode, I sit down with @McCoyMoore! From growing up in small-town Florida to signing with @SonyMusic and hitting the road with @Lauren_Alaina and @HardyMusic, McCoy’s rise has been nothing short of wild. We talk about the moment he found out he was opening for Hardy, how it felt to go from parking lot parties to playing amphitheaters and arenas, and what it means to stay grounded through it all.McCoy opens up about staying connected to his roots, the influence of his mom and grandma, and how sharing the stage—and dreams—with his brother has brought everything full circle. He gives advice to new artists trying to find their way in Nashville, and talks about the importance of being a good person before anything else.From small-town dreams to international tour stops, McCoy brings humility, heart, and a whole lot of gratitude to this conversation. You won’t want to miss it!SHOW NOTES:Keep up with Guest- @McCoy MooreStay 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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