We had the pleasure of sitting down with Bobby Tomberlin at the Fernandina Beach Songwriters Festival to hear about his path from a small Alabama town to writing some of the most iconic country music records. Bobby takes us through his music-obsessed childhood as a local disk jockey, his deep passion for the creative aspects of songwriting, the importance of persistence in Nashville, and how social media and streaming are impacting songwriters’ careers.

About Bobby Tomberlin:

Bobby Tomberlin is a Grammy, CMA, and ACM-nominated songwriter who began his career at the age of 11 as a disc jockey in his hometown of Luverne, Alabama. Currently a staff writer for Curb Word Music, he is best known for co-writing the Diamond Rio hit "One More Day," as well as Darryl Worley’s "A Good Day To Run" and the Grammy-nominated Dolly Parton/Bill Anderson single "Someday It’ll All Make Sense."

His extensive catalog includes songs recorded by icons such as Willie Nelson, Barbra Streisand, Blake Shelton, and Faith Hill. Beyond songwriting, Tomberlin was a featured cast member on CMT’s The Singing Bee and has appeared in films like Wheeler alongside Kris Kristofferson.

Follow Bobby at the links below:

Bobby Tomberlin Online: https://www.bobbytomberlinmusic.com/

Bobby Tomberlin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BobbyTomberlin/

Bobby Tomberlin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobbytomberlin/

Bobby Tomberlin on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3XImdbEzbvpkuf0KwjNbDO

#songwriting #livemusic #musicproduction

We sat down with seasoned songwriter and performer James T. Slater at the Fernandina Beach Songwriters Festival to discuss his journey from University of Miami School of Music to international success. James weaves us through the stories behind getting his first break, making hit records, working with some of country and pop’s biggest artists, and offers advice for up and coming songwriters.

About James T. Slater:

James T. Slater is a two-time Grammy-nominated, piano-playing singer-songwriter of Bolivian-American descent who currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee. Raised in the Panama Canal Zone and having lived for years in Switzerland, his diverse upbringing is reflected in his bilingual songwriting and his work with international groups like Vaya Con Dios. He is best known for penning modern country standards such as Martina McBride's "In My Daughter’s Eyes" and Jamey Johnson’s "The High Cost of Living."
His extensive catalog includes hits recorded by superstars like Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, and Willie Nelson. Beyond his country success, Slater is a versatile, engaging performer whose music often captures the tropical spirit of his childhood and his deep connection to Key West.

Keep up with James at the links below:

James T. Slater Online: https://www.jamestslatermusic.com/

James T. Slater on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamestslatermusic/

James T. Slater on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6tYCVIgQ4BuYMuJLWUIKBJ

#songwriter #livemusic #songwriting

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We had the honor of sitting down with renowned songwriter Jerry Salley at the Fernandina Beach Songwriters Festival to hear his journey from childhood in Ohio to the top of Nashville's music scene. Jerry digs into his deep experience in songwriting, the evolving landscape of country and bluegrass music, and his recent work as leader of three fast-growing record labels.

About Jerry Salley:

Referred to by Billboard magazine as one of Music Row’s greatest veteran tunesmiths, Jerry Salley is a multi-award-winning songwriter with over 500 songs recorded and more than 18 million records sold worldwide. His prolific career spans country, bluegrass, and gospel music, featuring major hits like Reba McEntire’s "I’m Gonna Take That Mountain" and the Dove Award-winning hymn "His Strength Is Perfect."
Beyond his personal songwriting success, Salley has become a prominent industry executive by leading the Nashville-based labels Billy Blue Records, Billy Jam Records, and Thoroughbred Records. In these roles, he serves as a creative director and producer, utilizing his decades of expertise to develop and promote premier Bluegrass, Americana, and Gospel artists.

Check out Jerry’s work at the links below:

Jerry Salley Online: https://jerrysalley.com/

Jerry Salley on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Jerry-Salley-Songwriter-Singer-100063552737746/

Jerry Salley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerrysalley/

Billy Blue Records: https://billybluerecords.com/

Billy Jam Records: https://billyjamrecords.com/

Thoroughbred Records: https://thoroughbredrecords.com/

#songwriting #livemusic #musicproduction

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We had the pleasure of talking with legendary songwriter Steve Bogard to hear his lifelong journey through the music industry, the art of songwriting, and the evolving landscape of music royalties and streaming. Steve shares the deep industry knowledge he has accumulated throughout his career and practical advice for aspiring songwriters who want to create impactful music.

About Steve Bogard:

Steve Bogard is an accomplished songwriter and industry leader who has achieved the rare feat of penning number-one country hits in each of the last four decades. His impressive catalog includes chart-toppers such as George Strait’s “Carried Away” and “Carrying Your Love with Me,” as well as Rascal Flatts' breakout hit “Prayin’ For Daylight.”

Beyond his creative success, which includes two Grammy nominations and over 150 million in album sales, Bogard has served as a vital advocate for the songwriting community through his long-standing role as President of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI). In this capacity, he has testified before the Copyright Royalty Board and helped secure landmark legislative protections for creators in the digital era. Currently, he continues to shape the industry as a staff writer and Chief Operating Officer at Truth or Dare Music.

Keep up with Steve’s work at the links below:

Steve Bogard on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steve.bogard

Steve Bogard on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevebogard

Steve Bogard on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5GBMuPKboGi5rNDAqonFbI?si=3LOhPG5lTzyyGyix-KPrgw

#songwriting #livemusic

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We sat down with Brenna & Daniel of the Nashville-based Americana band Troubadour Blue at the Fernandina Beach Songwriters Festival to hear about their journey from college to the big stage. Daniel and Brenna dig into their songwriting process, how they discovered their sound, the synergy they’ve found with their band members, and offer up some advice for aspiring musicians.

About Troubadour Blue:

Troubadour Blue is an innovative Nashville-based band that’s celebrated for blending modern bluegrass motifs with the poetic storytelling of the Nashville songwriting scene. They deliver captivating three-part harmonies and a variety of string instruments that “hit you like a shot of backwoods moonshine.”

Since forming in 2019 after meeting at Belmont University, they have achieved significant milestones including playing to a sold out crowd at the Ryman Auditorium and performances at the legendary Bluebird Cafe. Most recently, the band released their debut album, Shadow of a Doubt, in February 2024, produced by Grammy-winner Tammy Rogers King, as well as a new EP titled “Heathen,” in Fall of 2025.

Follow Troubadour Blue’s Journey at the links below:

Troubadour Blue’s Website: https://www.troubadourblue.com/

Troubadour Blue on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradclawson/

Troubadour Blue on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3EadWMHUn9FfrzAWxMM7GG

Troubadour Blue on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@troubadourblue

Troubadour Blue on Band Groupeez: https://bandgroupeez.com/musicians/troubadour-blue-4075

#livemusic #songwriting

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We caught up with Nashville songwriter Brad Clawson at the Fernandina Beach Songwriters Festival to hear about his path from West Texas to the top of the country songwriting scene. Brad touches on the realities of songwriting, the importance of perseverance and offers advice for aspiring songwriters in today’s evolving music landscape.

About Brad Clawson:

Born and raised in West Texas, Brad Clawson moved to Nashville in 2005 to attend Middle Tennessee State University before signing a joint publishing deal with Tape Room Music and Warner/Chappell in 2016. He has since become a prominent figure in the country music scene, penning major hits like Morgan Wallen’s chart-topping "Up Down" and Kenny Chesney’s "Happy Does."

His versatile catalog includes cuts by a diverse array of stars, including Chris Janson, Easton Corbin, and the Randy Rogers Band. Today, Clawson continues to expand his impact as a songwriter and producer, contributing to the success of both established artists and rising newcomers in the industry.

Follow Brad’s career at the links below:

Brad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradclawson/
“Written By Brad Clawson” Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2p5cBmLHwlB5KgBztAeCJd

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We sat down with veteran and songwriter Mutt Cooper at the Fernandina Beach Songwriters Festival to explore his life and career. Listen in as he shares his insights on songwriting, storytelling, and his work with veterans.

About Mutt Cooper:

Mutt Cooper is a Georgia-born and Alabama-raised songwriter whose music is deeply rooted in the southern sounds of bluegrass, country, and deep river blues. After serving in the Navy, he honed his craft under the mentorship of family friend Rock Killough and has since performed everywhere from intimate local settings to international stages.

A dedicated advocate for veterans, Mutt works daily to help former service members process their experiences through songwriting, often participating in programs like Operation Song. He is also a committed community member, serving as a "Miracle Rider" and writing theme music to support local charitable causes. Whether through his personal ballads or his work with others, Mutt’s music remains centered on the power of storytelling and positive expression.

Follow Mutt’s Career at the links below:

Mutt on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mutt.cooper.37/
Mutt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muttcoopermusic/
Mutt on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0q3z93b42fcxatIIL4dThs
Mutt on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@muttcooper9212

#songwriting #livemusic #storytelling

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Sports agency legend, author and entrepreneur David Meltzer joins the podcast to discuss his mission of empowering over a billion people to find true, lasting happiness. In this episode, Meltzer explores the core philosophy of his new book, Don't Do Business with D*cks, emphasizing the vital importance of accountability, goodness, and ditching toxicity in professional relationships.

Our conversation highlights how surrounding yourself with positive influences and being "kind to your future self" creates a legacy of leadership and community. David and Brad share valuable insights into the "power of reciprocity" and the disciplined intentionality required to turn slow progress into sudden, life-changing success.

About David Meltzer:

​​David Meltzer is the Chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute and formerly served as CEO of the renowned Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment agency, which was the inspiration for the movie Jerry Maguire. He is a globally recognized entrepreneur, investor, and top business coach. Variety Magazine has recognized him as their Sports Humanitarian of the Year and has been awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

As Executive Producer of the Apple TV series 2 Minute Drill and Office Hours, as well as Entrepreneur's #1 digital business show, Elevator Pitch, David brings unmatched insights to audiences worldwide. His journey has been featured in books, movies, and TV, including World’s Greatest Motivators, Think and Grow Rich, and Netflix’s Beyond the Secret. His life’s mission is to empower OVER 1 BILLION people to be happy! This simple yet powerful mission has led him on an incredible journey to provide one thing… VALUE.

Follow David Meltzer:

Website - https://bit.ly/2L052wW

Instagram - https://bit.ly/2LfIRly

Twitter - https://bit.ly/2KZWo1b

David’s New Book - https://dontdobusinesswithdcks.com/

#leadership #optimism #personaldevelopment #business

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