My Earliest Memory

I vividly remember the first time I saw Shania’s video for “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?” on CMT when I was about 8 years old. It just captivated me — her presence on screen and her confidence, her very distinct sound that I hadn’t heard before. Faith’s version of “Piece of My Heart” was one of those songs that made me belt along in the backseat whenever it came on the radio. I loved her conviction and her effortless, clear voice. The way she phrased her words resonated and definitely impacted the way I sang.

What They Meant to Me

My sisters and I formed a four-sister family band when I was 9 years old, which was when the chemistry- and harmony-driven sound of the Dixie Chicks really became important to me as a singer and a performer. My sisters and I studied their live show and obsessed over their records to learn what they did and how they translated their individual strengths as musicians into a cohesive “sound.” I don’t think any girl group has ever had a greater impact on me, musically.

My Favorite No. 1s

Martina McBride’s “A Broken Wing”

That story just stopped me dead in my tracks. It was the song I sang at every open mic night as a kid, and then to bigger audiences when I would go out on the road with Kenny Rogers. To this day it gives me chills to listen to Martina sing it. Timeless, for sure.

Dixie Chicks, “Wide Open Spaces”

A close second. I don’t know anyone that can’t relate to the bittersweet ache of growing up that that song represents.