Jan 24, 2024
For this episode of Pass the Mic, we had the pleasure of talking to Carlene Carter at the 2023 Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion. Carlene shared memories of learning music from her mother, June Carter, and her grandmother "Mother" Maybelle Carter. Her 2014 record Carter Girl celebrates this family history with unique contemporary interpretations of the Carter Family’s original songs. Carlene made a conscious decision to embrace her country roots while also incorporating elements of rock, advice she chose to follow from her step-father Johnny Cash, who encouraged her to ignore boundaries of genres and to focus on creating authentic music. This served her well. Her 1990 album “I Fell in Love” was Grammy-nominated and selected as one of the best albums of the year by Time and People. In this conversation, Carlene shares thoughts about staying connected to the spirit and legacy of her family though music, and the significance of East Tennessee in her family’s history. She also talks about her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated music industry. We appreciate Carlene for making time to share stories about her life and the legacy of the Carter Family.
Music featured on this episode includes "Spider Lace", "The Bitter End" (Carlene Carter and Mark W. Winchester), and "Break My Little Heart in Two" from Carlene Carter's 2008 album, Stronger, all courtesy of Carter Girl Music (ASCAP). Instrumental music by Ben McLaughlin and Cecilia Wright. Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by William Wright.