LIFE OF A MUSICIAN

#301 Vince Gill, part 1

Short Description –
Vince Gill reflects on bluegrass roots, songwriting, and a lifetime of music.

Long Description
In Part 1 of this two-part special, Vince Gill joins host Brandon Lee Adams for a heartfelt jam session filled with laughs, humility, and unforgettable bluegrass stories. From his teenage years with Bluegrass Alliance to his deep respect for harmony and authenticity, Vince opens up about the early roots that shaped his iconic career.


#302 Vince Gill, part 2

Short Description
Vince Gill gets personal with stories, songs, and surprises from a legendary career.

Long Description
In Part 2, Vince Gill dives deeper into the emotional core of his artistry, performing intimate renditions of fan favorites. With tales of songwriting with Guy Clark and reflections on music’s power to heal, this is a rare, raw look at a legend who still sings like he’s got something to say—and the soul to say it.


#303 James Nash

Short Description
James Nash jams raw and real with Brandon Lee Adams at MerleFest.

Long Description
Live from MerleFest, genre-bending guitarist James Nash joins host Brandon Lee Adams for a spontaneous, soulful jam. With no script, no rehearsal, and plenty of laughs, the two dive into musical freedom, right-hand wizardry, and what it means to play from the heart. Featuring fresh takes on Shady Grove and an original tribute to Jerry Garcia.


#304 Roy Book Binder (Part 1)

Short Description
Roy Book Binder shares blues roots and wild stories from a legendary road life.

Long Description
From Doc Watson to Ray Charles, Roy Book Binder takes host Brandon Lee Adams on a no-holds-barred journey through decades of American music. With wisdom, wit, and fingerpicking flair, Roy shares stories of blues legends, recording lore, and the origins of Bookaroo. Filmed live at MerleFest, it’s one for the books.


#305 Roy Bookbinder (Part 2)

Short Description
Roy Bookbinder picks, preaches, and passes down the blues with heart and humor.

Long Description
In Part 2, Roy dives deeper into his one-of-a-kind musical legacy—from medicine shows and moonshine to the blues’ Appalachian connections. With soulful performances and tales too good to make up, Roy brings his world to life through original songs, road stories, and his enduring philosophy: never stop doing what you love.


#306 Darin & Brooke Aldridge

Short Description
Darin & Brooke Aldridge shine with harmonies, heart, and roots from MerleFest.

Long Description
At MerleFest, host Brandon Lee Adams sits down with bluegrass stars Darin & Brooke Aldridge for a heartfelt episode filled with stunning harmonies, soulful stories, and original songs. From their Grand Ole Opry dreams to writing sessions with Byron Hill, the duo shares wisdom, laughter, and unmatched musical chemistry in this intimate, acoustic performance and conversation.


#307 Billy Litz

Short Description
Billy Litz blends soul and brass in a moving set from the Church of Perpetual Boogie.

Long Description
At the Church of the Perpetual Boogie, host Brandon Lee Adams shares an honest, soulful session with Billy Litz—singer, songwriter, trumpet player, and frontman of Hustle Souls. They talk family, craft, and the grind of indie artistry while delivering standout performances full of wit, wisdom, and emotional punch. It’s raw, human, and beautifully real—just like Billy’s music.


#308 Brianna Harris

Short Description
Brianna brings heartfelt storytelling and haunting melodies to Nashville's Station West.

Long Description
Filmed at Station West in Nashville, this episode of The Life of a Musician features rising singer-songwriter Brianna Harris. With stunning guitar work and soul-stirring originals like “Clyde” and “Sarah,” Brianna blends Appalachian roots with poetic storytelling. Host Brandon Lee Adams joins her for an intimate session that feels both timeless and deeply personal.


#309 Matt Crowder

Short Description
Matt Crowder brings grit, soul, and heartfelt originals to The Life of a Musician.

Long Description
Filmed at The Woods on Cabell Street in Danville, VA, this episode of The Life of a Musician features singer-songwriter Matt Crowder. With honesty and humor, Matt shares songs full of grit, soul, and hard-earned truth—like the poignant “Old Truck That Runs” and the rousing “Don’t Call Me Outlaw.” A deep-dive into real-life songwriting with a true road warrior of the stage.


#310 Jesse Smathers

Short Description
Jesse Smathers brings Appalachian soul and string-band grit to this heartfelt session.

Long Description
Filmed at Constance’s Cabin at Bachelor’s Hall in Danville, VA, this episode of The Life of a Musician features Jesse Smathers of Lonesome River Band fame. From original tunes like “Sing Darling Sing” to timeless mountain melodies, Jesse shares authentic string-band storytelling, Appalachian rhythm, and warm front-porch picking in a deeply rootsy and resonant set.