Marc Pruett and Darren Nicholson Musical Conversation

Partial Transcript: Haywood County is known for producing great musicians, but it is not the only county in Western North Carolina to do so.
The region has a history of producing talented musicians, including those from Jackson County.
Many musicians in the area grew up with Bluegrass and Country Music as part of their lives.
The influence of music in the region may date back to a time before television when people had limited access to entertainment options.

Segment Synopsis: Music and Musicians in North Carolina

Keywords: Bluegrass; Jackson County; country music; Haywood County

Subjects: Marc Pruett and Darren Nicholson, playing music together, discuss the origins of bluegrass music and Earl Scruggs’ invention of the "Earl’s Breakdown" in 1952.

Partial Transcript: The speaker reminisces about growing up in a remote area and how music was a form of entertainment in the absence of electronic gadgets.
Music, including dancing and playing instruments, played a significant role in the local culture.
The speaker mentions a specific district in Jackson County where they are from, jokingly referring to it as a place where ancestry.com and eHarmony are the only websites used.
The speaker discusses the popularity and reach of music, questioning how far back the music they perform is known.
They mention a place where they performed without any microphones, highlighting the use of older technology and the uniqueness of their experiences.
The speaker recalls working with a legendary bluegrass singer, Jimmy Martin, who performed in unconventional and remote locations.
They describe a specific performance in Webster Springs, West Virginia, where there was no PA system, and someone provided record players with speakers for amplification.
The speaker acknowledges the underground and glamorous nature of bluegrass music, expressing excitement to introduce it to new audiences.

Segment Synopsis: The Role of Music in Entertainment and Cultural Identity

Keywords: Jackson County; Webster Springs; West Virginia; technology; Jimmy Martin

Subjects: The speaker reminisces about growing up in a remote area where music was a key form of entertainment before technology like cell phones and video games.

Partial Transcript: Bluegrass or mountain music is a genre that is particularly enjoyable to experience live. It has a unique charm that is distinct from just listening to it on the radio.
The narrator shares a story about a rural family picnic event where they were asked to play music. The event took place at the old Fireman’s Training Center in Bowman County.
Claude De Grubel, a significant member of the community, was asked to bless the food. However, right at the end of the prayer, a radio station kicked in, causing a humorous and unexpected interruption.
The narrator discusses the influence of old-time music and identifies their dad as their biggest influence. They mention that everyone in their family played music to some extent.
The narrator’s dad played old-time fiddle, which greatly influenced the narrator’s own musical pursuits. They recall fond memories of playing music together in the living room, even without the presence of a television.

Segment Synopsis: Bluegrass or Mountain Music

Keywords: Bowman County; Claude De Grubel; old-time music; Bluegrass or mountain music

Subjects: A rural family picnic features live bluegrass or mountain music, providing a unique and enjoyable experience.

Partial Transcript: The speaker recalls their childhood and how every Friday and Saturday night, their house would be filled with people, enjoying dessert and coffee.
The speaker’s early childhood mainly consisted of these gatherings or going camping.
As a teenager, the speaker became more involved in music, encouraged by local musicians such as Arvil Freeman, Marc Pruett, Steve Sutton, and Ronny Smith.
Attending bluegrass festivals introduced the speaker to major influences like George Jones, The Osborne Brothers, and Flat Scruggs.
The speaker discusses the importance of motivation and having a desire for the end result in any endeavor, likening it to a basketball player’s love for the sport.
The speaker emphasizes the rarity of individuals who truly love and dedicate themselves fully to their passion, contrasting it with those who have only a marginal level of interest.
The speaker acknowledges that there have been many musicians who have come and gone, but states that the speaker is the real deal.
The speaker mentions a skilled mandolin player named Mike Hunter, who made rapid progress in just six months by practicing extensively under Jimmy Martin’s guidance.

Segment Synopsis: Early Childhood and Musical Influences

Keywords: Flat Scruggs; George Jones; Jimmy Martin guidance; Marc Pruett; Mike Hunter; Ronny Smith; Steve Sutton; The Osborne Brothers; Arvil Freeman

Subjects: The interviewees describe a person’s early childhood experiences of having people over at their house on Fridays and Saturdays, where they would play music and have dessert.

Partial Transcript: The text discusses the importance of dedication and practice in music.
It compares musicians who play casually versus those who dedicate hours a day to their craft.
The text mentions that the number of years playing does not matter as much as the number of hours practiced.
The author recalls a personal experience of being inspired by the Fisher Brothers, a talented music duo.
The author emphasizes the importance of finding one’s strength and style in music.
The text mentions the author’s obsession with the Fisher Brothers’ music, listening to it for hours and learning their harmony parts.
The author expresses a desire to hear more music and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to perform in a beautiful room.

Segment Synopsis: The Importance of Dedication and Practice in Music

Subjects: The text discusses the passion and dedication required to excel in music, comparing it to the commitment of Olympic athletes.

Partial Transcript: "Little Cabin Home on the Hill" is a classic bluegrass song that was recorded with Bill Monroe and the band Flat Scraper.
The speaker became friends with Ricky Skaggs, a fellow musician, in 1973, and they recorded five albums together.
One of their albums, "Sweet Temptation," features a version of "Little Cabin Home on the Hill."
The song has been licensed by different record labels and included in various albums, such as Appalachian Stomped, Time-Life albums, and National Geographic’s Appalachian albums.
Despite its popularity, the song did not generate significant financial success for the speaker.
The speaker mentions another old song, "Wild Flower," which is one of the first instrumentals they learned while playing guitar and learning traditional mountain music.
The speaker believes that there are two types of people in the world: those who love mountain music and those who are uneducated about it.
The speaker mentions that they usually don’t sing a lot on stage, with the exception of a hilarious song called "Lovely on My Dog."
The reason for the speaker’s limited singing is attributed, in part, to hearing loss.

Segment Synopsis: "Little Cabin Home on the Hill" and the Bluegrass genre

Keywords: Ricky Skaggs; Sweet Temptation; Bill Monroe

Subjects: The speaker reflects on their friendship with Ricky Skaggs and their collaboration on five albums, including "Sweet Temptation," which featured the bluegrass classic "Little Cabin Home on the Hill".

Partial Transcript: The speaker expresses admiration for the singing abilities of Balsam Range and believes that he is not as gifted as them in singing.
The speaker recalls a moment when he heard Balsam Range sing and was impressed by their talent.
Due to limited time during performances and having released multiple albums, the speaker mentions that they no longer have enough room in their set list for the comedy songs they used to perform.
The speaker mentions their experience as a truck driver and highlights the diversity of people who are drawn to Balsam Range’s music.
The speaker believes that their music appeals to a wide range of people because they try to incorporate different genres and aim to be entertaining and enjoyable.
The speaker expresses admiration for Balsam Range and emphasizes that they are the real deal and deserving of their title as vocal group of the year.

Segment Synopsis: Balsam Range and Their Music

Keywords: Balsam Range

Subjects: The speaker discusses their lack of confidence in their singing abilities compared to others, mentioning the need to balance their music with entertaining performances for diverse audiences.

Partial Transcript: The vocal group has four lead singers, and opinions on each singer’s style vary among listeners.
The author recorded a solo album with songs that didn’t make it onto the band’s albums.
The album has been on the charts for about ten months.
The author wanted to be recognized for their individual talent and not just as part of the band.
It is important for musicians to pursue solo projects or collaborations to maintain their individual identity.
The author collaborates with another musician and performs old western swing tunes.
Pursuing solo projects and collaborations allows musicians to have fun and explore different genres.

Segment Synopsis: Importance of Variety in Music and Pursuing Solo Projects

Subjects: The speaker discusses their experiences as part of a vocal group and how they’ve also done a solo album.

Partial Transcript: The speaker reflects on their 17th anniversary tonight and acknowledges the tender part of the show.
They mention that they don’t have any numbers with them.
The speaker compares dogs’ unconditional love to their wife’s lack of happiness upon seeing them.
The speaker’s father has been married three times and has had unfortunate circumstances with his wives.
The first wife died, possibly due to poison.
The second wife died due to accidental rat poison ingestion.
The third wife died from a blunt force to the head, not rat poison.
The speaker emphasizes the fun and entertainment aspect of playing music.
The speaker offers to give out Marc’s address for hate mail if anyone has any.
The speaker mentions a video called "Honey, I wish you loved me like my dog."
The speaker acknowledges that the audience is busy and inquires about their limited playing time.
The speaker compliments the audience’s musical talent and suggests they could be a Nashville outfit.
The speaker mentions their experience of playing at the Grand Ole Opry multiple times a month and driving four hours each way.
They mention playing with a lady from Nashville and getting to play on stage with George Jones, one of their heroes.
Despite these experiences, the speaker never considered moving to Nashville and prefers living in Western North Carolina.

Segment Synopsis: Music career and staying in Western North Carolina

Keywords: George Jones; Nashville; Western North Carolina; Grand Ole Opry

Subjects: The speaker shares a story about their father’s three wives and how they all died from unfortunate circumstances.

Partial Transcript: The Grand Ole Opry is a historic institution for country music in Nashville, Tennessee.
It is considered the country music capital of the world.
Many famous country music performers have played at the Grand Ole Opry, including Jimmy Martin, William, Red Foley, and more.
Performing at the Grand Ole Opry is a special and honorable experience, especially for those who grew up loving country music.
The first time playing at the Grand Ole Opry can be a magical and overwhelming moment, with the stage’s history and the grandeur of the venue.
It is important for performers to focus on their job and do their best, rather than getting overwhelmed by the stage’s significance.
The Grand Ole Opry has moved locations over the years, but it continues to be a significant venue for country music.
Playing at the Grand Ole Opry before it returned to its current location at the Ryman Auditorium was a special experience.
Collaborations with other musicians, such as Ricky Skaggs and Greg Carl Jackson, have also been a part of performing at the Grand Ole Opry.

Segment Synopsis: Performing at the Grand Ole Opry

Keywords: Jimmy Martin; Ricky Skaggs; Ryman Auditorium; Grand Ole Opry

Subjects: The Grendel Opera is a historic institution for country music in East Tennessee, and playing on its stage is a special honor.

Partial Transcript: The narrator was a producer and had a professional relationship with Alecia Nugent.
The narrator had an opportunity to open for Sam Bush and felt pressure to perform at a higher level.
Playing with experienced musicians pushed the narrator to practice more and improve their skills.
Making a living as a musician is challenging due to the large number of people who play music as a hobby and are willing to perform for free.
Some people view musicians as hobbyists and are reluctant to pay them for their work.
The bluegrass genre is niche and requires dedication and frequent performances to sustain a career.
There is a competitive market for musicians due to a large number of individuals pursuing music professionally.

Segment Synopsis: The Challenges of Being a Professional Musician

Subjects: The text discusses a personal experience of playing music with skilled musicians, which motivated the individual to practice and improve their performance.

Partial Transcript: The music industry contains many talented musicians who are often better than those heard on national radio.
Many aspiring musicians wonder why they are not recognized or invited to perform.
Success in the music industry requires not only talent but also a strong focus on the business side.
marketing, making phone calls, answering emails promptly, and other administrative tasks are crucial for success.
Despite the perception of it being a fun and easy job, the behind-the-scenes work is extensive and time-consuming.
Becoming a successful musician requires continuous learning and dedication.
Pursuing a career in the music industry is similar to pursuing a career in a field with limited job opportunities.
Musicians need to be creative and always striving to stay interested and relevant in the industry.
Building good relationships, being fair and honest, and providing excellent service are essential for success.
Education and product knowledge are vital in selling musical instruments.
The music business is ultimately about people and developing strong relationships.

Segment Synopsis: Challenges and Realities of the Music Business

Keywords: music industry

Subjects: In the music industry, making a living requires 95% business skills, including marketing, communication, and management, while talent accounts for just 5%.

Partial Transcript: The speaker discusses the challenges of performing on stage when feeling unwell.
Regardless of their emotions, performers must maintain a positive and fun appearance.
The speaker mentions that everyone, including those in other professions, such as selling cars, experiences various problems.
The speaker mentions a specific festival, rural fest, which the band did not participate in this year due to other commitments, such as the Stagecoach Festival in California.
The speaker mentions that Stagecoach Festival is significantly larger than rural fest and includes performances by Tim McGraw and Miranda Lambert.
The band’s agent suggested playing at the Stagecoach Festival, and the band agreed.
The band member expresses gratitude towards the festival owners for providing a higher payment this year.
The speaker praises a man named Darren for his contributions to the music industry and mentions a significant moment in the career of Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs when their song was used in the movie "Bonnie and Clyde."
The speaker expresses their love for a particular old song and hopes the audience enjoys it as well.
The band member refers to a song that changed the game for Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, and credits "Boom and Row" as its father.

Segment Synopsis: Music Career and Performances

Subjects: Despite facing various challenges on stage, musicians perform and try to make it look like fun.

Partial Transcript: Bill Monroe is a famous musician known for his contributions to bluegrass, country, and rock and roll music.
Despite his association with bluegrass, Monroe had talent and success in various genres and would have been famous regardless.
Monroe’s music influenced not only bluegrass and country but also rock and roll, including artists like Chuck Berry.
Monroe’s rock and roll style can be heard in his licks from the 1940s, even before the emergence of the Beatles and Elvis Presley.
Monroe is the only person inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Monroe’s music was energetic and influenced by Chuck Berry, with real downstrokes and a unique energy.
Monroe’s playing showcased his skills and influences, and he played well even with songs he didn’t know initially.
As an old-timer, Monroe advises up-and-coming performers to follow their passion and play what they can do.
Monroe’s ability to adapt and excel in different jam sessions showcased his talent and passion for music.

Segment Synopsis: Bill Monroe and His Influence in Music

Keywords: 1940s; Chuck Berry; Elvis Presley; Hall of Fame; The Beatles; country; rock and roll; bluegrass

Subjects: Bill Monroe, a Bluegrass musician, is credited with influencing not only Bluegrass and country music but also rock and roll.

Partial Transcript: The speaker reflects on their banjo playing skills and their experience in a workshop in Nashville.
They consider themselves a basic bedroom player but acknowledge the presence of gifted individuals in the room.
The speaker decides to play what they know well instead of attempting complex songs to avoid confusion.
They emphasize the importance of playing with power and giving their best effort.
The speaker mentions that love will guide them in determining when to stop playing.
The influence of banjo playing is discussed, specifically the impact of Earl Scruggs.
Earl Scruggs is regarded as a perfectionist who transformed banjo playing and set a high standard.
The speaker believes that almost all banjo players have been influenced by Earl Scruggs to some extent.
Earl Scruggs’ style is seen as unique and exceptional.
The speaker aims to recreate the excitement they felt when hearing Earl Scruggs play.
Their goal is to make someone feel the same excitement through their own banjo playing.
The speaker ponders the magic of Balsam Range and how it resonates with people.
They are unsure about what makes it so powerful and meaningful.
The speaker reflects on their experience in various bands and their uncertainty about success.
They have been in bands that seemed promising but never expected them to take off.
People’s reactions often indicate the potential success of a band, even if the speaker is unsure.
The speaker remains open-minded and curious about the impact of banjo playing.

Segment Synopsis: Reflection on Banjo Playing and Earl Scruggs’ Influence

Keywords: Balsam Range; Earl Scruggs; Nashville; banjo

Subjects: Do what you know you can do well and give it your best effort. Banjo player's influences include Earl Scruggs and local players from his childhood.

Partial Transcript: The musician expresses their desire to psych themselves up and set the world on fire when performing.
The musician is proud of being from Western North Carolina and enjoys representing the area when they travel.
Despite initially not wanting to commit deeply to music again, the musician was inspired by the sound of the band Balsam Range and decided to try performing again.
The musician feels pressure to perform as their younger self even though they are now 63 years old.
The musician acknowledges that they don’t fully understand what people like about their music but believes the band’s vocal dynamics and harmonies contribute to their appeal.
The band won local group of the year at the International Association, and the musician jokes about needing to practice more as a result.

Segment Synopsis: Interview with a Professional Musician

Subjects: The speaker discusses their experience with the band, Boston Range, and the pressure of performing as a 63-year-old.

Partial Transcript: Darren Nicholson is passionate about music and currently very excited about it.
Darren’s father had a supportive approach towards his music, never pushing him into it but always being encouraging and willing to teach him.
Darren is unsure if he should push his own son into music, considering the challenges and sacrifices that come with a music career.
Darren is aware of the demanding lifestyle of a musician, with frequent performances on weekends and limited free time for family activities.
Despite the difficulties, Darren wants to support his son’s interest in music and allow him to have fun with it while he is still young and enthusiastic.
Darren’s son is currently inspired by The Beatles and shows a lot of enthusiasm for learning and playing music.

Segment Synopsis: Darren Nicholson’s passion for music and the dilemma of supporting his career

Subjects: Darren Nicholson discusses his son's passion for music and how he handles it as a parent.

Partial Transcript: Arthur Smith, known as the “guitar boogy” Smith, was a notable figure and musician who passed away recently. He was based in Charlotte and had national recognition.
Arthur Smith’s family members were also involved in music, with his father and brother being talented. They created a great porthead and played on some of the best golf courses a year ago.
Arthur Smith had a TV show called “Tommy Faile” and was known for the legend of the Brown Mountain lights. He was loved by many.
Whitey and Hogey were part of the original Briarhoppers, a group associated with WBT radio. They were pioneers in their time and were known for their singing.
Shannon Grayson, the banjo player for the Briarhoppers, was mentioned and was highly regarded for being kind.
The speaker believes that some of the greatest American music comes from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, as there hasn’t been much innovation in recent years. Mentioned artists include Frank Sinatra, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, and Bill Monroe.
The Louvin Brothers were a band that influenced the speaker early on. Despite being from the past, their music felt fresh and new.
The speaker believes that during that time, there were many great things happening in the music world that still influence progressive music today.
When asked about the future, the speaker believes it will be a mix of different elements and trends, as stated by Willie Nelson.

Segment Synopsis: Arthur Smith, Hogan, and the Influence of Early American Music

Subjects: Arthur Smith was a beloved figure in music history, known for his impact on national music and his connection to the WBT Briar Hoppers.

Partial Transcript: The speaker mentions that once you have a hit in the music industry, it’s always going to be a hit.
The speaker states that swing music will be incorporated into the music now.
The speaker talks about the influence of bluegrass music.
There is a concern about the negative impact of mass media exposure on young musicians.
The speaker emphasizes the importance of seeing musicians perform live, without autotune or overshadowing elements like fireworks.
Genuine talent and music are discussed and appreciated.
The speaker mentions YouTube as a platform to discover great music.
The speaker recommends watching videos of the Wilburn Brothers and Johnny Russell on YouTube for an authentic music experience.
The speaker mentions a TV show featuring the Wilburn Brothers and various guests.
The availability of information and technology for deep learning in music is acknowledged.
The speaker offers to share more about music in the future and asks for a question.
There is a mention of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” a record by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
The speaker recalls an incident where a musician declined to be part of a record due to political differences.
The musician mentioned that he wanted to do his own record, which was eventually recorded in Brown County, Indiana, in 1973.

Segment Synopsis: Music and Technology in the Music World

Keywords: bluegrass music; mass media exposure; swing music

Subjects: The text discusses the impact of genuine talent in music, with an emphasis on young pickers who have been exposed to mass media.

Partial Transcript: Many old bluegrass records and live shows featured drums and percussion despite the misconception that they are not a part of the genre.
Drums and percussion were a significant element in bands like Flat Scrows and the Osborne Brothers, who were more mainstream at the time.
The use of drums in bluegrass music often surprises or unsettles hardcore bluegrass fans.
The banjo is an essential instrument in bluegrass music, and its quality is determined by factors such as comfort and staying in tune rather than brand or price.
The speaker believes that talent and dedication are more crucial than owning an expensive instrument in order to improve as a musician.

Segment Synopsis: Bluegrass Music and Instruments

Keywords: Flatt and Scruggs

Subjects: The definitive version of the train song is a testament to the historical presence of drums and percussion in Bluegrass music, including live shows and records of bands like Flat Scruggs and the Oscar Brothers.

Partial Transcript: The artist emphasizes that there is no magic in tools, suggesting that creativity and skill are more important than the instruments used.
An anecdote is shared about someone commenting on the sound of a violin and the artist demonstrating the impact of external factors.
The artist discusses a specific guitar they have used for a long time, detailing the damages it has incurred and the repairs made to keep using it.
The artist compares the guitar to a car that keeps breaking down but is still cherished.
A question is asked about reconciling cultural preservation and innovation, particularly in music.
The artist mentions that not only music but also technology has experienced rapid changes and growth while still having a basis in simplicity.
The question is further explored, emphasizing the importance of artists maintaining their own unique sound and integrity.
The idea of specializing in a particular style or technique is discussed, acknowledging its limitations in terms of career longevity.
The artist highlights the need for artists to develop their own distinctive sound, even if it is influenced by others.
The comparison is made to a singer who sounds like George Jones but also has their own unique style.

Segment Synopsis: Reconciling Cultural Preservation and Innovation

Subjects: An artist discusses cultural preservation and innovation in music, emphasizing the importance of integrity and authenticity for musicians to have a lasting impact.

Partial Transcript: Country music can serve as an inspiration and influence for musicians, but it’s important to develop one’s own unique style.
Artists like Marc Pruett take elements from their influences and create their own distinct sound.
While it may be difficult to invent entirely new forms of music, incorporating bits and pieces of existing genres can result in fresh and innovative music.
Examples like Michael Jackson and Adele demonstrate the ability to blend different genres and create something unique.
Mountain culture and heritage have faced negative stereotypes in the past, such as banjo players having a bad reputation.
The preservation of mountain culture and heritage is important to remind society of its significance and value.

Segment Synopsis: Importance of preserving mountain culture and heritage

Subjects: The text discusses the importance of taking inspiration from existing styles and artists while still making it one's own unique sound.

Partial Transcript: Remembering our roots and where we came from is crucial in building and preserving our culture.
The loss of connections to our history can have detrimental effects on future generations.
Teaching history and learning from the past helps us avoid repeating mistakes and guides us in making informed decisions.
Music serves as a powerful form of expression and a historical record of our traditions and emotions.
Passion for what we do and compassion for others contribute to positive societal growth.
Preserving old music allows us to remember and appreciate our heritage and invokes emotions and nostalgia.
Music has the ability to impact and influence people in profound ways.
Passing down knowledge, education, and cultural tidbits is essential for preserving our history and traditions.

Segment Synopsis: The Importance of History and Music in Preserving Culture and Society

Keywords: connections to history; culture; roots

Subjects: The text discusses the importance of preserving cultural traditions and history through music, emphasizing its power to invoke emotions and memories.

Partial Transcript: The performer mentions having music for sale, including CDs, hats, and T-shirts.
The CDs include “Streamline Cannonball” and “Pickin’ in the Blue Ridge,” featuring old-time folk music.
The performer mentions a special offer of two CDs for $30, while older CDs are slightly cheaper.
The performer emphasizes their appreciation for any support or purchases made.
The performer discusses their dedication to showcasing both old and new bluegrass music.
The performer expresses admiration for Marc Pruett as a fellow musician and ambassador for mountain and bluegrass music.
The performer reflects on winning a Grammy with Ricky Skaggs and the significance of the achievement.
The performer hints at additional information or stories related to the Grammy-winning album.

Segment Synopsis: Music and Merchandise at a Bluegrass Performance

Partial Transcript: The speaker reflects on the importance of staying connected to the music community and enjoying the company of good people.
The speaker mentions receiving an award for not knowing when to quit but emphasizes that the true reward is being able to go out and perform with good people and play good music.
The speaker expresses gratitude for the opportunity to perform and acknowledges that it has been a great experience.
The speaker mentions their intention to perform one more song and highlights the fun and light-hearted atmosphere of their performances.
Both the speaker and their companion feel a sense of responsibility to represent the music and recognize the influence of musicians from Western Carolina.
The speaker expresses pride in carrying on a small portion of the legacy of these musicians.
The speaker suggests picking a song to perform next and mentions “A Little Wheelhouse” as a possible choice.

Segment Synopsis: Music and Recognition

Subjects: The speaker is grateful for the nightly award of performing with good people and playing good music.