The authentic Ashley McBryde
The Rusty Nail is a popular bar in Nashville known for attracting songwriters to celebrate their craft. As country music is centered around storytelling, Ashley McBryde, who had numerous notebooks filled with potential songs, frequented this venue. She shared, “Performing at venues like this helps you gauge your position in the industry.”
She was talented! Fearless in her ability to write lyrics that resonated with listeners and possibly provoked some emotions.
Patti has a stimulant to help her get through her work shift.
Provide a cushion for her to rest with the children.
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Jesus loves everyone, including those who struggle with alcohol, engage in sex work, and identify as LGBTQ.
“Strip Club Gospel Night”
The official music video for “First Thing I Reach For” by Ashley McBryde.Ashley McBryde on
YouTube
She was raised in close proximity to Mammoth Spring, Arkansas where she played the trumpet and later the French horn. However, her true affinity was always towards the guitar. At the young age of 12, she composed her very first song. It revolved around a tragic heartbreak and a tumultuous love affair. The first line of the song was “Looking back on the way things used to be,” which seemed quite mature for a 12-year-old.
She possessed a natural musical sophistication. Moving ahead to the time when she collaborated on this track about mothers and their nighttime guidance shared in the kitchen’s glow.
“Illumination Activated in the Kitchen” found great success, particularly with her mother, Martha, who has consistently been one of Ashley’s strongest supporters.
Martha remembered the moment when Ashley received her very first guitar. Ashley came downstairs in tears and said, “I can’t play and sing at the same time.” Martha responded, “Even Randy Travis couldn’t do it at first. Just keep practicing.” And that’s exactly what Ashley did!
Martha McBryde remembers her father, Bill, who worked as an ER doctor and a preacher, expressing disapproval of her daughter’s dream to pursue music as a career. He told Ashley, “I understand your passion for this, but it’s not a realistic goal.”
Ashley was asked about the significance of his approval to her, to which she responded that she didn’t really care.
When she shared her aspiration of writing songs and having them played on the radio with a teacher during her school years, she was met with harsh doubt. The teacher asked, “What do you intend to do for a career?” and I replied, “I want to write songs that will be broadcasted.” The teacher dismissed this and remarked, “That is foolish. It will never come to fruition. You should have a solid backup plan.”
She had a contingency plan in place. McBryde attended Arkansas State University and focused on music, attending classes during the day and performing at bars at night to earn gas money. She also constantly wrote songs, hoping for some airplay on the radio. However, her unique style often made it difficult for others to know how to market her. She shared, “Sometimes they’ll even look at me and say, ‘We really love your records, we just don’t know how to categorize you.'”
CBS News
Shortly before turning 34, McBryde received an invitation from the Grand Ole Opry to perform and stand in the renowned wooden circle at center stage. In honor of the occasion, she performed a song she had written specifically for this moment.
Stop wasting your life playing that guitar.
You may leave, but you won’t go very far.
You are not the initial one, and you will not be the final one.
You can share your experiences with us when you return.
The path you are currently traveling on continues to twist and turn.
You are not making any progress and you are wasting your time.
But when the lights come up and I hear the band
I have achieved what they thought was impossible.
I can hear the sounds of the audience, and I take a glance at my surroundings.
And I can’t find an empty chair –
Impressive for a young woman with no direction in life.
From “Girl Goin’ Nowhere”
Ashley’s mom remembered the first time she heard her daughter on the radio: “It was awesome. I was asleep, and I had my alarm set to come on to wake me up with music, and it was you.”
Ashley McBryde has transitioned from being a guest at the Grand Ole Opry to becoming a member. She has found her place and her authenticity as a musician has been recognized.
“Occasionally, you may feel like you’re constantly being struck in the face,” she stated. “But if you can remain composed and remain standing, this is the end result. The lights dim and the audience cheers. Then, the stage lights up and the music begins. Absolutely exhilarating!”
To listen to Ashley McBryde’s album “The Devil I Know,” click on the embedded link below. Note that a free Spotify account is needed to access the complete tracks.
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This story was created by Aria Shavelson and edited by Carol Ross.
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Source: cbsnews.com