Country Stars Central

Rebecca Lynn Howard is one of the finest singer/songwriters in the country music community. It is truly a pleasure to speak with her about the latest happenings in her career and growing success as an accomplished songwriter. Rebecca Lynn was born and raised in the Appalachian Mountains of Eastern Kentucky in the small town of Salyersville. She first experienced success with the release of “Softly and Tenderly” which was featured on the Grammy-winning soundtrack for the Robert Duvall motion picture, “The Apostle” in 1997. In 2001 Rebecca Lynn scored a #1 hit with Jim Brickman on “Simple Things” and in 2002 she experienced success both as an artist and a songwriter on the smash hit “Forgive.” Rebecca Lynn has written several songs for other artists such as the beautiful ballad “I Don’t Paint Myself Into Corners” made famous by Trisha Yearwood. Vince Gill, Dolly Parton, and Patty Loveless are just a few of the legendary artists Rebecca Lynn has had the chance to collaborate with! Rebecca Lynn is currently a staff writer for Murrah Music in Nashville, and looks forward to releasing her new album “No Rules” on June 16th!

 

 

(CSC) 1. After a brief hiatus you have returned to the music scene. What have you been up to lately and how have you been?

 

(Rebecca Lynn Howard)

I’ve been great. I’ve been going through a lot of changes in my life, and I just wanted to take some time to more or less reflect. I was busy there for a long, long time with the success of “Forgive,” and touring constantly. I had a sense that I needed to stay home and spend some time with my family, and really develop on my songwriting skills. I became a full-time writer for the past almost three years now, and when I took the hiatus I didn’t know how long it would be before I would want to record again. I was really enjoying my time with my family, and writing. I found a new found love for the creation of writing songs and expressing my emotions during that time. About two and a half years into it I got “the bug” again, and had such an amazing collection of songs that I wanted to share with people. It took on a whole new direction for me. My sound got a lot more sophisticated and grown-up obviously because I am grown-up and getting older and coming into new phases in my life. I’m recording again, and I feel really good about everything that’s happening!

 

 

(CSC) 2. It has been some time since you released a full length album of original material. Tell us about your plans to release a new record and what style of music can the listeners expect to hear?

 

(Rebecca Lynn Howard)

I have a new release coming out on a Time Life imprint label, and the direction of this record is very versatile. There are some songs that are more bluegrass/acoustic which are a throwback to where I am from and the roots in country music, and there are cuts that are more R & B and pop. I wanted to take my sound and make it a little more progressive so I could branch out into other genres of music. I wanted to be able to share my music on a broader base with more people because any true artist wants to reach out to as many people as they can. That’s why it was important to me to be able to cross over into other genres of music. There’s anything from acoustic/country to very rockin’ produced, almost like Bonnie Raitt type songs. I feel really good about the release. The songs are just incredible, and I love the cuts on this project. I hope that people will find at least one that they can truly connect with because that’s what music is all about to me, connecting with people.

 

 

(CSC) 3. You come from a small town in Kentucky which isn’t too far from the birthplaces of legendary artists Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle, and Patty Loveless. Growing up as a young girl how did these women affect you as an “aspiring” artist?

 

(Rebecca Lynn Howard)

Growing up in the hills of East Kentucky we were very aware of the musical heritage that came out of those mountains and those regions. We’re very proud of the legacy that a lot of the artists have left. When I was growing up, I would listen to Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle, Patty Loveless, and The Judd’s. I admired all of them, and it really made my dream not so much a distant dream. It made it very much an achievable dream because I knew that people from my hometown had done it. I knew that it could be done. So it didn’t seem that far-fetched to me. Having those people to look up to really gave me the courage, and a bit of a sense of being a little naïve about pursuing a country music career. I am very fortunate that I had those kinds of role-models to look up to!

 

 

(CSC) 4. One of the first songs that put you on the path to success was the Gospel-flavored “Softly and Tenderly” featured on the Grammy-winning soundtrack for the motion picture “The Apostle.” Would you say that you are drawn to more spiritual-based songs since you grew up listening to Gospel music in the Pentecostal church?

 

(Rebecca Lynn Howard)

I am definitely drawn to those kinds of songs because they speak so greatly to my soul. I always try to incorporate at least one song that has a spiritual undertone of some sort, whether it may be a true Gospel song or not. For instance on this Time Life project, “No Rules” there’s a song called “My Kentucky,” the song is about change and how you go home and you’re like, “where did my Kentucky go?” the Kentucky that I grew up with, the things that made me who I am, and every time I go back those things aren’t there anymore. There’s a verse in there about how the church used to sit up on the mountain, and every Sunday morning you could hear the entire congregation shoutin’ until some corporate devil had it all leveled. (“Now all I see are dump trucks full of coal, where did my Kentucky go.”) These spiritual songs are a part of who I am, and that’s the music I grew up singing. I wouldn’t be the person I am right now had it not been for those spiritual songs! It is very important for me to carry on that legacy in my recordings.

 

 

(CSC) 5. What are a few of the songs that you’ve written that you’re extremely proud of to have become recorded by yourself or other artists?

 

(Rebecca Lynn Howard)

Trying to pick between your songs is like trying to pick between your children; which is your favorite child. One of my favorite songs is a song called, “Seventeen.” It’s not on this Time Life project but it’s a song that really speaks to me as an individual who is coming into an age where she is getting closer to 30, and it just seems like yesterday that I moved to Nashville. It does not feel like I’ve been here almost 12 years. The song is about reflecting and thinking on that time in your life when your mom and dad told you, “live it up because these are the best days of your life.” All I could remember thinking was oh my god if that is true somebody kill me now because life is not worth living. (Laughs) I had such a hard time in high school, and didn’t really have that much fun, I thought back then, but now looking back on it those were the best years of my life. I really wish that I would have seized them, and made more of them, but you live and you learn. It’s really funny to me. That was the one thing that my parents can always come to me and say, “We told you so!” And they were right!     

 

 

(CSC) 6. It is obvious that you have a GREAT respect for “traditional” country music. So tell me who are some of your favorites? (Male and female)

 

(Rebecca Lynn Howard)

My favorite traditional country singer artist is Loretta Lynn. I just think she’s a spitfire, she can still sing her little tush off, and her songwriting abilities is what I respect the most about her. I relate so much to her songs because she writes in a way that people from our home area talk. It’s a little bit different, you know. We have sayings up there that if you go out of that region and say em’ anywhere else, people will look at ya like you have 5 heads, having absolutely no idea what you’re saying. But she incorporates that kind of language in her songs, and tells it like it is! There is no beating around the bush or trying to be poetic about something. She’ll just say, “If you don’t get your hands off my man, I’m gonna’ grab your hair and drag you all around this place until you let go. (Laughs) I think that is so cool being able to say it like you would want to say it! It is so believable that way, and I’ve really learned a lot from her as far as songwriting is concerned. I love Loretta.

 

 

(CSC) 7. What about your favorite male country singer?

 

(Rebecca Lynn Howard)

Probably my favorite male country singer would have to be Don Williams. I love his voice, it’s smooth as silk. His song selection was so amazing and very relatable. I loved the messages in his songs. I think he is one of the most underrated voices of our time.

 

 

(CSC) 8. You’ve played the legendary Opry stage many times since moving to Nashville. Can you recall the first time you played it and what does it mean to YOU to be a part of Opry history?

 

(Rebecca Lynn Howard)

The first time I played the Opry I was 15 years old. I played in the Gospel portion of the Opry and I sang “Amazing Grace” and “The Wind Beneath My Wings.” It was just such an overwhelming experience for me. I was a ball of nerves. I normally never ever get nervous on stage when I’m performing. But that time I just really observed the reverence of what I was about to do, and I knew how important the Opry was as far as just a part of being the biggest part of country music history. You think of the Grand Ole Opry, and that is the Mecca of country music. I have played there several times, and each time I play it never gets old, it never gets mundane. It’s something that I grow very comfortable doing because I always want to show my respect, and show how much I’m honored to be performing on that stage. To have that history in my career that I have been an artist that has performed on the Opry hundreds and hundreds of times means a lot to me. Not many artists can say that. I’m so thankful to be able to say that. Anytime they call me to come play, whether it be last moment, I always want to be there if they need me. I always show them how thankful I am that they keep me in mind. It is the best gig in the world. Its fifteen minutes from my house, and its broadcast all over the world. Traditional country fans love it, and so do contemporary fans. Anybody that is a fan of country music knows how important the Grand Ole Opry really is.

 

 

(CSC) 9. Did you have a chance to get to know Porter Wagoner well before he passed?

 

(Rebecca Lynn Howard)

Porter has introduced me several times on the Opry. It was a great joy to get to know him, and to be able to work with him over the years. I really miss Porter. The Opry really misses Porter and I think it’s going to be really hard to find a replacement. There really is no replacing Porter Wagoner; I think he was the father of the Grand Ole Opry. We’re definitely missing Porter, but music continues and life goes on. There will be people who will fill his shoes eventually one day, as we all get older and start hosting our own shows on the Opry. Porter would want it that way; he would want the legacy to continue, and for people to embrace the Opry as much as he did. Because it was his life, and he loved it! It’s going to be different walking into the Opry house, and Porter not being there. Just thinking about seeing all his pictures hanging up there in his dressing room makes me teary eyed. He was such a presence at the Opry, and its going to be very surreal going back there without him. He is watching over us now, and he’ll be smiling.

 

 

 

(CSC) 10. You had the chance to be a part of the “Grand Ole Opry American Road Show” in 2004 and tour alongside Vince Gill, The Del McCoury Band, and Patty Loveless. What did you enjoy most about that tour?

 

(Rebecca Lynn Howard)

That tour was just incredible. Talk about a group of people to be out with. Patty and Vince were two of my hugest idols growing up. I really learned a lot about how important the Opry is, and how you can take it on the road and create a family atmosphere. It was such a cool way to give little doses of different styles of music to people. The Opry does such a wonderful job at incorporating a variety in their shows. Patty brought more of a mountain/country element, and Vince brought that rockin/country/bluegrass element. Of course Del McCoury and his band are incredible bluegrass musicians. I brought more of a contemporary sound to the stage. It was a really fun tour. I learned so much about being on the road, performing, and rolling with the punches. I was able to get to know Vince and Patty on a much deeper level. We all became really great friends. It was a great experience for me. It’s something I’ll treasure my entire life. I’ll never forget that.

 

 

(CSC) 11. What is one important lesson you have learned since moving to Nashville and being a part of the music business?

 

(Rebecca Lynn Howard)

I have definitely learned that everything happens for a reason. Whether we like it or not, the things that happen and the progressions that take place in our careers do happen for a reason. Looking back I had so many letdowns, and I had so many successes too. The letdowns really taught me to be patient, and very grateful for the times that it does work out. I learned not to take anything for granted when it goes your way. Patty offered me a piece of precious advice that I’ll never forget. When I first started in the business she told me, “It is very important to accept compliments. It makes your fans feel good when they come up to you and praise your work. You should thank them, but the minute you start believing it, you’re done. So be humble, and say thank-you. Remember that you’re just a person too who happens to be a singer, and you’re very fortunate to be able to do what you do for a living. Never take for granted the opportunity that you’ve been given to do what you love everyday!” I always remember that. Every morning I wake up a little too early for my liking, having to do an interview or go perform on an early morning radio show, I always remember that advice from Patty. I could be doing something else that I don’t love to do. I’m really thankful that she offered me that piece of advice because I think that is probably something she learned the hard way. I’m definitely one that does try to learn from other peoples mistakes. (Not to say that she did make a mistake, but she did offer very good advice.) It’s something that I will pass on to peers that are just starting in the business. Patty is a great friend to me, and I’m thankful for her.

 

 

(CSC) 12. That’s very true about country music. A lot of the artists seem really humble compared to artists in other genres of music.

 

(Rebecca Lynn Howard)

Yeah, it’s just a whole different breed of people. Country fans are a lot different too than fans of other types of music. You have a lot of people that are very down-home, go to church, and love their families, and family traditions. Country music fans are very loyal fans. They really respect an artist who seems down-home just like them. They can relate to a lot more to someone like that. I think that is why it works.

 

 

(CSC) 13. As a singer/songwriter to you tend to enjoy one more than the other? Which is more challenging?

 

(Rebecca Lynn Howard)

If I had to choose between being a singer and being a songwriter, which would be the hardest choice of my life, I would choose songwriting. It’s only because it is such a release for me, and it’s really my way of dealing with issues that I face in my life. If I didn’t have that, I think I would go crazy. I would bottle everything up and lose my mind. (Laughs) When you’re a songwriter you’re still a singer, you’re still singing the song. Just not for the people to see a lot of times. As songwriters, we always record our songs, with our demos. That would be the hardest choice of my life. I think I’m answering it honestly, I think I would choose songwriting. That is a big statement for someone who loves singing more than anything. It just shows what a huge part of my life that songwriting is. I do it everyday. I write at least a verse or something every day. A lot of days I will write 3 songs. The other day I wrote 5 songs. It’s just such an expression of things that you’re going through. If it weren’t for the songs, there would be no genres of music. It has to start with a song. To be able to be a part of that creation is the most incredible thing in the world. Every time that I write a song I’m always in awe of how amazing an experience it is. If you’re a true songwriter you just make it work, you find the time to do it. Those are the best songs you’re going to get. Songs that come from true inspiration, when you have to drop everything right then and just go write the song. It pretty much writes itself, and you know that it’s right, and something that people are going to connect with.

 

 

(CSC) 14. Going back to songwriters like Loretta and Dolly, those are two women who have pretty much written all of their songs themselves; which I find so impressive.

 

(Rebecca Lynn Howard)

Well they are true artists. A true artist songwriter is always going to convey their own songs better than they would someone else’s. Because it’s a part of their soul, it’s a part of who they are. There is no slipping into a role to try to sell the song because the song is you. You get out there and you sing it. Everybody believes it. They bite into it because it is the truth. The truth is easy to believe, and not hard to sell. As long as you’re writing and singing the truth, people are always going to be able to find some area in their life that they can associate that with.   

    

 

(CSC) 15. What are some goals you would like to achieve in 2008?

 

(Rebecca Lynn Howard)

I would really like to get my feet wet in touring again. I really miss going out and doing shows. I haven’t really done that for the past three years. That’s really what I want to see happen with this album being released. I miss being able to sing to people. I’m really looking forward to a new beginning. I’ve put an incredible band together of some great guys. They are some of my best friends in the world. I can’t think of a better way to spend my time than with the people that are so close to me. We create together, and we make incredible music together. We are all great friends; it’s like high school with money. It’s the best gig in the world, and I’m so grateful I get to do what I do.

 

 

(CSC) 16. Tell us about the Christmas tour you were a part of with Kenny Rogers a few years back.

 

(Rebecca Lynn Howard)

I actually did the Kenny Christmas tour for 2 years in a row. We toured from thanksgiving to Christmas. It was a really intense and hard tour. It was full on production too. We had wardrobe changes and set changes.

 

 

(CSC) 17. You had the chance to work with Dolly Parton on her 2001 record, “Little Sparrow.” What was it like working with such a legend?

 

(Rebecca Lynn Howard)

That was one of the biggest honors of my career to sing on a Dolly Parton record. We’ve all grown up listening to Dolly, and respecting Dolly. She is more than an artist. She is in a whole genre herself. She is such a humble, sweet person. I was so intimidated when I met her but it wasn’t because she made me feel that way, it was just because of who she is. I didn’t want to mess it up. I wanted it to be perfect. I really didn’t want to let her down. She was very pleased with the job that I did. It made me feel really good to get her blessing. I hope to get her on some recordings of my own. That would be really cool. I’m sure she would probably be up for that. (Laughs)

 

 

(CSC) 18. In closing, for fans that have followed you from day one, what would you like to tell them and what can they expect next from you?

 

(Rebecca Lynn Howard)

For all of my fans who have been with me from the very beginning, I would just say thank-you for hanging in there through these trying times in my life and career. I really appreciate the support; all the messages, emails, letters, means a lot to me. Thanks to all who hung in there and believed in me. If it weren’t for them I wouldn’t be here because it’s pretty hard to make a living without a job!

 

 

 

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Please visit Rebecca Lynn Howard's official website here for the latest news and touring info; http://www.rebeccalynnhoward.com