We had an amazing week in Nashville interviewing for the documentary, “She Sang, and that Made the Difference.” Many thanks to Wood Newton who granted us access to the “magic room” in the historic RCA building on Music Row. The “magic room” was once the office of legendary guitarist Chet Atkins.

Credit for this week’s success goes to Juan Serna, my director of photography and Sherri Lovrien, my production manager. These two have worked tirelessly to make sure that every last detail is taken care of.

Kathy Mattea was our first interview this week on January 10, 2023. She was amazing, eloquent and articulate as she explained her commitment to our planet. Her role in this documentary is a big piece of the puzzle for women who have made a difference. I’m going to try and get footage of her on stage during part of her current tour.

Following Kathy Mattea was famed music journalist Robert K. Oermann and his wife, Dr. Mary Bufwack, who wrote the book, “Finding her Voice.“

The next day we interviewed Wood Newton who should be the Mayor of Music Row. He’s a wealth of knowledge and has countless stories about his 50 years in the business.

Justyna Kelley was our focus on Thursday. She was born a singer and grew up touring with her mother, singer/songwriter Irene Kelley of bluegrass fame. Justyna has toured with Emmylou Harris and Jackson Browne, but now devotes her talents to producing records with her partners Steve Cropper and Eddie Gore. One of their current projects is an album by Emily McGill.

We wrapped up the week’s interviews by filming Deborah Allen, Shelia Shipley Biddy, Karen Waldrup and Steve Cropper. Deborah Allen was laying down vocals for her new album and spoke candidly about her relationship with LeAnn Rimes, who she mentored. Karen Waldrup was magical and a natural on camera. The only surprise about her is that she’s not yet a No. 1 country singer, but stay tuned because she will be. Shelia Shipley Biddy was the first woman to sit at the helm of a major record label, Decca. She’s produced 137 No. 1 hits and her resume reads like a “who’s who” of country music. She added so much perspective for what a woman experiences in a male dominated business. Steve Cropper is on the “Rolling Stone” magazine’s top 100 guitarists of all time. He’s in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame.

A simple paragraph is not enough to explain the contributions that all of these people have made to the music industry, so you’ll have to wait for the documentary for that. Until then, I hope you’ll keep reading my blog post journal entries as we continue to film.