Josh Goodlett talks about balance family alongside music career

Josh Goodlett

Growing up in Taylorsville, Kentucky, Josh Goodlett was always drawn to music.  When he was 26 years old, he performed his first show in front of an audience at Aunt Bees.  It was that day at the ice cream and pizza shop in Georgetown, Indiana, that he would decide that he wanted to try a career in music.  These days, Josh has been burning up the road opening shows for the likes of Craig Campbell, Tyler Farr, and even Big Smo.  This Saturday, he will be part of the WFKY Froggy Field Party in Eminence, Kentucky.

While out on a radio tour, the first station that he heard his songs playing was one out of Louisville.  According to Josh Goodlett, "even though that was the first one, I will have to say that WFKY Froggy out of Frankfort has consistently played my singles.  I am very thankful for the support that they have given me."

Being a newcomer, Josh Goodlett has opened up for several popular acts in music.  When asked who has given him the best advice, one would be suprise that it was Big Smo, country-rapper making a name for himself.  "Big Smo was very influential," Josh recalls.  "He told me not to quit, play whenever, wherever, and get the music out there, even if it is free."  Another artist that has provided advice was traditional country artist, Ray Scott.  "I met Ray Scott at Unbridled Eve Derby Eve event.  We hung out and I know that I can text him with any questions.  He is one of those people that enjoys helping others.  He and Big Smo are guys giving back to others because they have been in that same spot," Josh said.

What can fans expect when they see Josh Goodlett perform live?  Josh explained that "I give everything I have and leave it on stage.  I try to mirror other people, like Waylon Jennings, Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, those guys.  I want to make sure that the audience feels it.  I'm excited that my 82 year old grandma is coming to the Froggy Field Party.  She doesn't get to see many shows, so this one will be very special."

Off stage, Josh Goodlett is a very busy family man.  Not only does he work full time with his music career, but he holds a full time job, along with coaching Little League, and balance family responsibilities.  How does he balance this hectic schedule?  Josh said, "It is hard to balance it all, but when I'm with my family, I put them first and don't take calls while at home."  To him, family comes first and that is how anyone should be.

Currently, Josh Goodlett's latest single, "I Don't Usually Do This," has been released to radio, as well as a music video.  Fans can expect a new album in the next year.  In the meantime, fans can keep up with Josh Goodlett and his touring schedule by visiting www.joshgoodlett.com, or Facebook at www.facebook.com/joshgoodlettband.

For more information on the WFKY Froggy Field Party, featuring Sundy Best, Josh Goodlett, Larry Williams, Jamie Tingle, and Don Endlin, be sure to visit www.froggykycountry.com

I was there when...

Remember in the movie “O, Brother Where Art Thou?” when the guys saw the women at the river?  One of them exclaimed “I seen them first!”  These days, there are so many music acts that we each have had that moment of seeing them before their career took off.  Here are a few of my personal favorite memories over the years.

Partnering for a Cure

Sometimes the smallest things can bring back a good memory or push you to do something for someone.  I recently got married and in the process of moving things over to my husband's house, I came across one particular guitar that I've hung onto for several years.  It isn't just any ordinary guitar.  Instead, it is one worth thousands, of dollars turned into a search for a cancer cure.  This simple black guitar was full of autographs from both new acts and legendary artists in the field of country music.  WFKY hosted its first St. Jude Children's Research Hospital radio-thon and those that pledged to become a Partner in Hope were put into a drawing.  During their St. Jude Acoustic Jam, the guitar was given away.  Needless to say, I was extremely surprise to have won it.  I made sure to keep it in a special place so it wouldn't get damaged.

As I opened up the case, I began thinking about those here in my hometown that have lost loved ones to cancer.  In the last year, our high schools lost several teens due to cancer.  This was unheard of really when I was walking through those same halls many years ago.  Then I sit and recall hearing the news that one of my nephews had a classmate that was diagnosed with leukemia.  I went to high school with his mom.  Seeing and hearing her stories of how cancer doesn't just affect the patient, but it affects the whole family and close friends around them.  My high school friend has had to make sacrifices from working any hours that she can, on top of household chores, running errands, paying bills, things that we consider "normal" alongside going to doctor visits and caring for her other son.  Her son still faces more treatments, more blood draws, more tests, and other obstacles.  However, thankfully with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, they share their research with other hospitals, including University of Kentucky.  There is still hope for a cure and better treatments than before.

Today, WFKY is hosting their annual St. Jude Children's Research Hospital radio-thon.  Please consider donating to help find a cure for a multitude of childhood cancers and illnesses.  The research they do is shared with hospitals around the United States, including ones here in Kentucky.  Furthermore, patients that are at St. Jude don't have to worry about paying for their medical care there.  Here is the link if you would like to donate today.

Froggy Field Party to host Aaron Lewis and Brian Davis

It is no secret that the Froggy Field Parties are legendary here in Kentucky.  If you have never been, let me tell you that you need to go!  Country radio station, WFKY out of Frankfort, Kentucky, will be showcasing both local and national talent during their 7th Annual Froggy Field Party.  It will be held on August 15, 2015, at the Kentucky Renaissance Fairgrounds on 955 Elm Street in Eminence, Kentucky.  Doors open at 5:00 pm.

Headlining the Froggy Field Party is Aaron Lewis with special guest Brian Davis.  Aaron Lewis has well known for being a singer-songwriter in both the rock band, Staind, as well as setting out on his own as a solo act in country music.  

"Growing up with my grandparents, I was raised on traditional country music. It was the very first music that I listened to. From Waylon to Merle, grandpa would pull out his vinyl records and we would listen," Lewis recalls in an interview that I did with him in 2013.

North Carolina native Brian Davis is no stranger to the stage, whether it is a honky tonk or stadium.  He recently celebrating being a co-writer of Brantley Gilbert's number 1 song, "Hell of an Amen."  His high octane energy filled set is sure to get you grooving.  

When it comes to fans, Brian Davis said, What blows me away on a regular basis is that these guys could have done anything on a Friday night. They could have stayed at night, went to a ballgame, or go out to a vacant field and have a bonfire. But they chose to come here to see us perform. That means everything because ultimately without them we wouldn’t be able to do what we do. To know that we are connecting on that level is massive for me. It’s humbling for me,” Davis recalled. Check out my interview with him by clicking here.

On the Local Stage, Jamie Tingle will be hosting R&R (Rayna & Ramsey), CJ Cumberland, and Ashley Renae Smith.

Tickets are $25 for general admission online, $30 at the door.  All ages are allowed.  Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs if they choose to sit.  Food and drink will be provided on site, so keep your coolers home.  You should slap on some sunscreen and some bug spray - it is a field party outside!  Most importantly - wear comfortable clothes.  There is no need to wear heels (yes I've seen chicks wear them) or a big fancy dress.  

Tickets for the event are available at https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/856011/tfly and more information at www.froggykycountry.com

Artist Interview: Drake White on his southern outdoor way of life

Drake White - photo by Rick Diamond

When you turn on the radio, you hear about the same blend of songs and singers being played. Then your ears turn to the attention of a southern rustic sounding voice that fills with twang and soul. Drake White would be that true southern country soul that the listener can identify with. Today he will be co-headlining with Maggie Rose the WFKY Froggy Field Party in Eminence, Ky. Things kick off at 5:00 p.m. with a singer-songwriter stage and then the main entertainment. Prior to his show, I had the opportunity to speak with Drake White on his music and southern living.

Recently, you signed a deal with Dot Records as part of Big Machine Records. Last time we chatted, you were on Mercury Records. Was there any particular reason for the change?

It was just a career change. Changes happen, things happen, and you have to go do what is best for you. I loved my team over at UMG. This is definitely my home now and where we're suppose to be. There's a lot of intertwined parts in this business and we've lined ourselves in the best possible place to succeed. There is a great staff at Mercury, but we're absolutely ecstatic to be with Scott Borchetta and Chris Stacey at Big Machine and Dot.

You released "The Simple Life" as a single, but no record came to play. Is there a new approach, new single, album, etc. in the works?

We're in the process right now and we've got a bunch of good songs that we've wrote that we really like. The whole creative process has been cool the last few months. We'll have a new single this fall in late August/early September that will go out to radio.

Will we hear it Saturday night during the Froggy Field Party?

Yes, probably so.

Your career has evolved over the years. I remember hearing about you through Wayne Mills many years ago. Then you were opening as part of the Bluebird Cafe stage on the Willie Nelson Country Throwdown and we met then. Next was opening for Blackberry Smoke. Did you imagine back when you first started out where you would be today?

I've done a lot of thinking. Everyone has their own path in this business. Everyone has their own path in life. I know it sounds like a cliche, but this music business is different. You can't come in here and do it just like Eric Church did it, or how Garth Brooks did it. It's about carving out your way and carving out your own path. You need to be a trail blazer because there is no way, no pamphlet on how to make your way in this industry. You've got to do it yourself and wake up with a faith that you got up this morning. It's really your own path. Everyone has got their path. I've got my own path that is unique to me.

There are many talented musicians from Alabama from Hank Williams and Vern Gosdin to Ashton Shepherd and Wayne Mills and more. Describe the music coming out of Alabama.

I think a lot of music comes from the landscape, the geographical location of where we're placed. In Alabama, we tend to spend a lot of time outdoors because it's a beautiful state. To me, I think it's the Appalachian Mountains in northeast Alabama down to Auburn and then to the Gulf Shores. I think the music lives inside of that. The music lives in the landscape and it lives in the people. The landscape determines the natural resources of where you're at. It determines the jobs really. It's a lot of hardworking people that work hard, have family, and have faith. I think that's why Alabama is so well verse in musicians. It's in the water, in the trees, in the mountains, and music is in the landscape.

You have a strong touring schedule. What do you do in your down time?

My wife and I like to have people over. I like to cook and have events at the house where people come over. We'll throw horse shoes and cook, hang out and talk; really invest in relationships with people I love and enjoy hanging around. I really enjoy the outdoors and everything. I like to kayak, water-ski, fish, and hunt for sure. I like see and explore many things.

Considering your song "50 Years Too Late," who would you have loved to record with back fifty years ago?

Ray Charles

What do you hope fans will take away from your performance at the Froggy Field Party?

I tell everybody during the show that we get out there and play and take the stage, I only want to do is give somebody a brief moment in time where they can forget about bills on the table, forget about a sickness or hurt or hangups or whatever. We can go out there and we can make people become lost in the present. We can create a moment. I hope we can take away a moment and a memory. Feel the spirit of what we're trying to do.

Be sure to check out Drake White online over at www.drakewhite.com.

Blackberry Smoke leaves a major impression with Kentucky concert

Blackberry Smoke at Froggy Field Party - photo by Amy Poche

When it comes to entertainment, there could not be a better pair than the WFKY Froggy Field Party and the band Blackberry Smoke. Saturday evening proved to be filled with musical entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Despite the humidity, over 1,700 fans showed up to rock the night away.

Prior to Blackberry Smoke taking the stage, Korey Wayne Sorg, Jordan Bales, and Donald Hinely took part of the Songwriters Stage, showcasing their musical and songwriting abilities. Nashville recording artist, David Adam Byrnes, joined in to play some of his hit songs including "Alcoholiday," "Sweet Distraction," "She Only Wanted Flowers," and "I'll Be Your Whiskey." On the main stage, Eddie Barber warmed up the crowd mixing original songs as well as cover songs throughout his set list.

Blackberry Smoke came out with a bang, opening with "Leave a Scar." Kicking it into high gear, the band played a mixture of their hit songs from their current album "The Whippoorwill," as well as previous albums. The crowd kicked up the momentum by singing along to the music while dancing to "Up In Smoke," "Good One Coming On," and "Like I Am." The band would mix in "Midnight Rider" with "Sleeping Dogs Lie," much to the excitement of the fans. Charlie Starr would show off his groovy dance skills along with mastering the guitar.

Being in Kentucky, it was only fitting for the band to cover "Man of Constant Sorrow," which was originally recorded by Dick Burnett of Monticello, Ky. The 90 minute set would conclude with an encore of "Ophelia" and "Shake Your Magnolia."

After the last note was played, fans were left with a real appreciation of good music. With each Froggy Field Party, the radio station raises the bar in pure fun and entertainment for the whole family.

Blackberry Smoke Set List
Leave a Scar
Like I Am
I'd Be Lyin
Lucky Seven
Six Ways to Sunday
Good One Coming On
Pretty Little Lie
Sleepin Dogs Lie
Restless
Everybody Knows She's Mine
Up In Smoke
Ain't Got the Blues
Ain't Much Left of Me
One Horse Town
Man of Constant Sorrow
Ophelia
Shake Your Magnolia

For more information on WFKY and view more photos, be sure to visit www.myfroggyville.com.

Froggy Field party a hit among country music fans

Rhett Akins - by Jessica Blankenship

For the third consecutive year, Frankfort's Froggy 104.9 FM radio station provided quality music entertainment to fans with their Froggy Field Party. This year's event was held at the Kentucky Renaissance Festival grounds in Eminence, Kentucky. It was the perfect day of music and fun for the entire family.

Two stages featured over 9 hours of music from local and national acts. On the local stage, music fans were entertained by Joey Clark, Allen Lane, and the Robby Cox Band. On the main stage, fans were treated by the music of Relic, Cloigheann, Six Miles South, The Roys, Chris Janson, and Rhett Akins.

Relic and Cloigheann showcased their own style of bluegrass music. Both blended the sounds of bluegrass and classic country to make a unique organic sound to their sets. One of the highlights was hearing George Jones classic hit, "Bartender's Blues" sung in the style of bluegrass with also an accompaniment of the flute.

The brother sister duo, The Roys, played over an hour long set filled with their own hit songs such as "Coal Mining Man" and "My Kind of Beautiful." Elaine Roy shined with her vocal abilities on covering "Those Memories."

Six Miles South got the crowd dancing with their mix of originals and cover tunes. In their second year at the Field Party, they have grown as musicians with their stage show. Lead singer Jamie Tingle sang straight from the heart and made sure everyone in the crowd had a good time.

Chris Janson is no stranger to bringing the honky tonk to the forefront. Having played the world's most famous honky tonk, Tootsie's, Janson knew how to get the crowd in a party mode. Audience members brought their own form of entertainment with several joining in to buckdance on stage with Chris during "Til A Woman Comes Along." His energetic set had fans begging for more. He gave it his all while singing his own songs like "Take It to The Bank" to covering one of the coolest renditions of "Folsom Prison Blues," complete with jamming with the harmonica.

Headliner Rhett Akins showcased his songwriting abilities by taking fans on a trip down memory lane. From "That Ain't My Truck" to "Down South" that are on his albums to "Bait a Hook" that Justin Moore has released, Akins brought along the party songs. One of the real treats was getting to hear Rhett sing "Honey Bee," which Blake Shelton recently took to number one on the Billboard Country Single Charts. The song is also nominated for CMA Single of the Year and Video of the Year.

Country music with honesty filled the Saturday night air in the small town of Eminence, Kentucky. Country boys and country girls showed the performers they were there for a good time and that is definitely what they received.

Josh Thompson, Ashley Ray, and Six Miles South know how to throw the perfect field party

Josh Thompson - by Jessica Blankenship

On Friday night, the small town of Owenton, Kentucky, showed how to throw a perfect field party filled with music and memories. Froggy 104.9 FM out of Frankfort held their second annual Froggy Field Party at the Owen County Fairgrounds. It was in conjunction with the Owen County Fair. Joining the Field Party were the likes of Six Miles South, Ashley Ray, and Josh Thompson.

Even with the fear of rain, there was not a drop that fell for the entire evening. Pickup trucks lined the hill above the horse show arena where the stage was set. People would line up their chairs throughout the horse show arena and up the hill. Families brought their children and friends. Overall, it was a relaxing atmosphere full of camaraderie and fun times. Old friends saw each other and new friendships were also made.

First up on stage was Six Miles South of Henry County, KY. Fans of the band were in full force support, wearing shirts with the band's name and logo. Right off the bat, the band got the party started with "Turn it Up." They continued to sing several of their well-written songs before concluding with Baby's Gone. They fed from the energy from the crowd. Collectively the band put on a great performance from vocals to instrumentation. Six Miles South would be one to see again live. In speaking with Jamie Tingle after their set, he said that they are pushing to try to have their cd out within the next month. Check out my interview with Jamie here and check out Six Miles South on Facebook.

As the sun was shining over the horizon, the sounds of a truck came over. Around the corner a yellow pulling truck came towards the stage as the music on stage started. Inside was Texas hit-maker, Ashley Ray, riding in the passenger seat of the truck with the ever-fitting phrase "Ain't Dirt Cheap" across the front window. Ashley Ray took to the stage that was met with the fans screaming and clapping along. Her hour long set included personal well written songs as well as a few covers. Fans knew word for word for "Dirt Cheap," her song that has really done well on the Frankfort radio station. Ashley would also sing "Hurricanes," a song about a lover leaving her damage to her heart like a hurricane makes damage to the land. With "Red Wine with the Blues," Ashley would cover a subject that most record labels are afraid to release - a song about a woman letting herself free. The song has proven to be a hit with radio listeners in Kentucky and hopefully the record label will start listening themselves. Ashley Ray would meet with fans after the show. After speaking to several fans in the audience, they agreed that she is one to watch and they were very surprised with her stage presence. The sassy singer-songwriter really brought her A-game and we hope that she does come back to Kentucky soon.

As the sun was setting over the hills of Kentucky, fans gathered around the stage and all over the hill to prepare for Josh Thompson. Over the speakers, the tunes and Waylon Jennings began to pour out as another pulling truck, in blue, pulled up to the stage. Josh Thompson came out waving with his hand in the air before grabbing his guitar to take to the stage. He went into "Blame It On Waylon," one of his top honkytonking songs to blend it in with Waylon Jennings, "Lonesome, Onry and Mean" before bringing it back to his song. Right off the bat, the fans in the audience knew they were in for a good time. Thompson would entertain the crowd with selections from his current cd, "Way Out Here," as well as new songs and cover songs of Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, and Johnny Cash. The amazing part was that fans knew his songs, including the unreleased songs ("I Won't Go Crazy," note for note singing right along. Josh Thompson's set list also included acoustic versions of "I Like to Believe In That" and "Sinner," which he would bring back the band towards the end. He would cover David Allen Coe's "The Ride," Waylon's "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way," and Charlie Daniels "Long Haired Country Boy." After his two hour set, fans hollered for more and were excited as he and his band made their way back on stage. His encore included the Merle Haggard hit, "Footlights," as well as Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues" with a mix of "Jackson".

Overall, the Froggy Field Party II was a complete success and was an entertaining experience for the entire family. Fans in the audience probably would not have had such an intimate experience with these artists as they did last night. All three acts took time to meet and greet with the fans to have a little one on one time. Josh Thompson will be going back on the H2O Tour with Brad Paisley very soon, so shows like this will be few and far between. It is even more impressive that a local radio station such as Froggy 104.9 showed the big dogs how to have an excellent field party concert that will be the talk of Kentucky for quite sometime. Their risk of having a show of newcomers, along with allowing fans to stand/sit wherever they want, bring a cooler, camera, even some fried chicken for dinner, proved to be a win-win for everyone from the performers to the fans.