country music

Faith Hill and Tim McGraw – Country Music Royalty

After talking with Tim McGraw and Faith Hill for a couple of hours I came away feeling like we were old friends catching up on life.

Yes, they are Country Music Royalty who have collectively sold 70 million records, and received seven Grammys, 26 Academy of Country Music Awards, 14 Country Music Association Awards, 14 American Music Awards, and seven People Choice Awards, but they are also real, down-to-earth people like you and me. They are a loving couple, and devoted parents. They have experienced the thrill of being on stage in front of millions of people, and they have known hardship and heartache.

Before we spoke I wondered if Faith would mention being adopted, and if Tim would tell the story of how he didn’t know who his real father was until he was eleven years old. I hoped they would be open because those are the kind of stories that offer comfort and inspiration to so many others who have traveled a similar path. They did not disappoint. They were incredibly gracious, forth-coming, completely without any pretense.

I love asking questions that allow people to dip their toe into the pool of self-reflection or to dive in whole-heartedly. And that’s exactly what Faith and Tim did. They said it was one of the best interviews they’ve ever done. I think that’s because they understood that I am truly interested in illuminating what’s in a person’s soul.

Even if you’re not a fan of country music, you will fall in love with this couple. Their Soul-to-Soul conversation will touch your heart.

Amy Grant & Vince Gill: A House of Love

By Marsala

It was a Friday afternoon, my deadline was rapidly approaching and I was trying not to panic because I hadn’t yet found a celebrity couple to interview for the June 2009 “Bridal” issue of Luxury Las Vegas magazine. It can be challenging to find just the right person who fits the criteria you’re looking for, but two celebrities are nearly impossible.

All of a sudden the names Amy Grant and Vince Gill came to mind as clearly as if someone had whispered them in my ear.

Wynonna: A Portrait in Healing

By Marsala

The first in a six-part series called The Judds aired last night on Oprah’s OWN network. It was filmed as Wynonna and Naomi prepared for their 2010 “Last Encore” tour, the first they would perform together in ten years.

As I watched the show, I was struck by both women’s honesty, openness, and willingness to be vulnerable with each other especially knowing that millions of people would be watching. It’s impressive anytime anyone is willing to let go of their ego, but in Wynonna and Naomi’s case, it is extraordinary, because when you are famous it’s even more difficult to give up the facade.

I had my own personal experience with Wynonna back in January 2006 when I interviewed her for my monthly celebrity column called “Up Close and Personal” in Luxury Las Vegas Magazine. She blew me away then just as she did last night. She touches my heart in a very profound way. Here is my recollection of that experience and excerpts from that interview: