Mary Kaye Music

Ode to Patsy Cline - Mary Kaye's MySpace Blog |

2010-07-07T15:09:00.000-07:00

Ode to Patsy Cline - Mary Kaye's MySpace Blog

What I Learned in Nashville - Mary Kaye's MySpace Blog |

2010-06-30T11:34:00.000-07:00

What I Learned in Nashville - Mary Kaye's MySpace Blog

Year One in the Western Music Family

2010-01-21T15:36:00.000-08:00

Mary Kaye and Suzi Bogguss at Moab Western Stars 2009

After one particularly memorial performance in Panquitch, Ut, in which a dog ran onto the stage (yes...really) while I sang a medley of Patsy Cline songs, I met a couple named Mike and Jolynne Kirkwood. They were there pitching a song to Richard Lee Cody who sang with me in the show. I gave them a CD and thought little of the event. A few days later, Mike Kirkwood, called me at home to invite me to the Moab Western Stars Gathering. I said "yes" but felt apprehensive. I had just cut a demo CD of original songs, none of which I thought would fit at a cowboy gathering. So, in preparation for the event I wrote some songs I thought would work.

Mike Kirkwood and Don Edwards at Moab Western Stars 2009

It was just another singing gig for me until I sat in Star Hall and listened to Don Edwards. Something magical happened in that room while Don stood there all alone with just a microphone and a guitar. I thought, "This is what I want for the music thats in me." I caught the vision of what Western Music can be...diverse, intimate, raw...more than tumbleweeds and spurs.

Mary Kaye and Cary Hobbs at Moab Western Stars 2009

I am currently ramping up for my second year as an invited artist to the 2010 Moab Western Stars gathering. It marks my first anniversary in Western Music and as I look back on the past year I feel so grateful. I became a singing partner with the talented Richard Lee Cody, we were able to open shows for Curly Musgrave and Belinda Gail, Suzi Bogguss, and the Sons of the San Joaquin. We sang at the Western Legends Roundup in Kanab, UT and the Buckaroo Fair in Heber, UT. I cut my debut western solo CD, "Clean Outta Luck" and am currently in the studio recording Richard and I's debut duet CD "Drifter and the Lady."

On a personal note, I have seen my husband and children back me up 100% with thier love and encouragement.

The year 2009 was very hard for a lot of us economically, but I thank God it was very good to me musically.

Knowing the Way Home

2009-11-24T15:34:00.000-08:00

This picture is of Richard Lee Cody, myself, Lynne Anderson (famous for singing "I Never Promised you a Rose Garden) Rolie Stevens and his pretty girlfriend at the Friday Night Opry at the Western Music Association Awards in Albuquerque, NM. All of the performances were fun...especially the Ralphs Back Porch radio spot in which I sang the same verse of "Drifter and the Lady" three times, but the most magical moment was when Richard and I sang for the Friday Night Opry. We had picked out a tune I had written, but I kept feeling like we should do our arrangment of "Wayward Wind/Carry Me Back" which we did. The response was overwhelming. I felt so grateful. I sold or gave away every CD I came with. For a girl like me who loves compliments, I was in seventh heaven, but pretty soon I was feeling overwhelmed.

I had traveled with good friend and performer, Brian Arnold and Richard and his wife, Lynnie.

We were all glad to climb back in the car and head home. Brian told a story of rounding up cattle and explained the value of having an older mother cow in the herd to help all the other cows stay on the trail. I laughed and said, "Brian, I guess I'm an old 'mother cow' " He grinned and said, "Oh Mary Kaye, that just means you know your way home." He is absolutely right. I've lived enough life to know exactly where my priorities are...with God, with my family and with my friends. The music that comes from this place is the music that I write. I hope my music helps others to "stay on the trail."

New Western Music on Myspace

2009-11-09T12:20:00.000-08:00

Last week was a big one for me. I got 12 songs laid down, was gone 6 days from home, spent more money on studio time than I want to think about, lost 5 more pounds (stress), did a total of 8 show appearances, found out that Belinda Gail and I are soul sisters, got to hear the fabuous sons of the San Joaquin and Don Edwards, was quoted by Micheal Martin Murphy on stage (for something dumb I said), thanked God for an amazing singing partner like Richard Lee Cody, knocked myself out in two late-night jam sessions and got to spend precious kid-free time with Brad.

Whew...I'm tired, but happy.

I am posting my new Western Music on my myspace page today and invite you to take a listen. Go to www.myspace.com/marykayemusic This first CD is all solo western music, but the next CD that will be done is the duet CD with Richard Lee Cody and myself.

Retreat!

2009-10-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

I love reading history. I love reading about war. Don't ask me why. I would never want to actually fight in a war. One of the best parts of being a woman is knowing I will never be drafted...or at least I hope not. One of the most fascinating aspect of war is the art of knowing when to "advance" and when to "retreat." Most of Washingtons brilliance during the Revolutionary War was in his hasty retreats followed by just a few bold attacks. Well, this last weekend I hosted a "Womens Retreat." There were 16 of us who "retreated" from our life's battles long enough to meet at the Yardley Inn for good food, inspired messages and music. I think we all got something a little different from the experience, but I know I needed that "retreat" more than I realized I did. In fact, I have become a big fan of the fine art of the "retreat." Put away your white flags folks..."retreat" is NOT "surrender"...it is just a chance to stop getting beat up by life long enought to re-group. So, I am taking a cue from Washingtons play book and am going to learn how to win lifes battles with a deft and dextrous combination of "retreats" and "attacks."

Full of it...

2009-10-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been so full of gratitude you could almost bust wide open? Well, I guess I'm "full of it" today. I think the real secret to a happy life is feeling gratitude for all things....yes, I mean ALL things...even the rotten stuff. I tell my kids there is nothing so terrible that can happen to you that can't learn something from it. This time last year I miscarried what I believe were twin boys...they would've been our 11th and 12th children. I am still in mourning for the babies I will never hold but now that I am farther away from that heartache, I can feel gratitude for what I learned from that experience. The first thing I learned (again) is that God is in charge and that I'm OK with that. The second thing I learned is that when I was at my lowest point my friends, children and husband all were there to catch me in their loving safety net. The third thing I learned is that I am now the owner of a more compassionate heart. And with this more compassionate heart I will create the music that will heal and comfort and enlighten...or just simply entertain. God has placed me on the path of music and it is a joyful journey indeed.

The Singing Mommy

2009-07-05T22:54:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of the summer I was distressed with the little gaps in my singing schedule...a Friday night free, a Saturday here and there with no gigs...but now I thank God for those little gaps. Those are the gaps that let me just be mom. No costumes, no fake eyelashes, no cowboy boots...just messy-haired mom. And it is thus that I have learned the lesson of the "gap". Life, like a salad bar, is so much more enjoyable with a large variety of tastes and textures. It so good to be living such a happy life largely by accident.

Evening at "Tommys" in Heber

2009-06-07T23:40:00.000-07:00

This was such a busy week . I orchestrated our yearly yard sale with my little army of children as helpers. It was a "slam-bam-thank-you-m'am" affair that only lasted from 9am to 1pm. We met some interesting people and sold most of our "junk." As soon as we loaded all the stuff left over into the van, I had to rush around getting ready to drive to my gig in Heber. I waved goodbye to my kids and said a prayer, "Please, God...bring me safely back home to these little ones." God heard my prayer and blessed me with a wonderful evening in Heber and a safe drive home. I don't usually enjoy singing at eating establishments...it is hard to be ignored while people chew and talk....but "Tommys" has a great vibe and I had a fabulous time. There was a darling little boy there that kept winking at me all evening. His name is Fox, and I have his picture posted above. What a good winker!

Learning from Teenagers

2009-05-31T22:14:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend with my teenagers at Goblin Valley for a youth conference. I learned a lot from the hormone-charged teenagers about having fun. We laughed and climbed and had a blow-out water fight. I have never enjoyed camping very much, but I have to admit that it is much more fun when there are people to socialize with. I think it is just hard for me to relax.

Antelope Island

2009-05-25T20:52:00.000-07:00

I performed at the Cowboy Legends Celebration at Antelope Island this last weekend. It is hard to explain to others how wonderful these gatherings of "cowboys" really are. These people are just so warm and genuine...no egos...no agendas...just a good 'ol bunch of friends getting together to celebrate life. It is "home base" for me musically. It is a great place for me to grow as an artist and I really love all my "western music family."

Special thanks to Mike and Jolynne Kirkwood who invited to attend with them and even shared stage time. (Jolynne and I are pictured above working on a new song)

Thanks to Rich and Lynnie for one of the best jam sessions ever over-looking the Great Salt Lake. ( and the great food)

Thanks to Mark for his awesome sound engineering. (even when he made me sound like Darth Vadar)

Thanks to Lisa Stubblefield for being so warm and gracious.

Music and Flowers

2009-05-20T14:16:00.000-07:00

I will be peforming with pianist, Dale Jessee, at the LDS Concert Series that will be here in Manti at the High School Auditorium at 2pm, 4pm and 6pm on Thursday, June 18. I'm so nervous that I'll just trick myself by saying "I'm so excited, I'm so excited..." This concert will be a departure from the country and western music I've been wailing the last year. It is a program Dale and I call "How Sweet the Sound" and focuses on music that brings us to Christ. Dale is super-dee-dooper talented and I love the arrangements of "Amazing Grace" and "Come Thou Foun"t that he has prepared. He has also done a beautiful arrangement of "God is in the Roses"
and "My Saviors Love" which my daughter, Millie, will be doing a solo in. I don't usually ask family or friends to come hear me sing, but I really need to rally the troops for this one. PLEASE...if you can come see one of the shows this day I know you will get a real treat. The tickets are $10 per show and I if you call me or leave a message, I will have tickets set aside for you at the ticket desk.

Yesterday I was out in my flowers. I laughed out loud when I remembered the advice my 95 year old friend, Nora, gave me about what flowers to plant. She said, "Well.... you just plant anything you want to....if it grows you plant some more....if it dies you stop planting it." I realized what good advice it is for not only flowers, but for life. I realized I'm planting every kind of flower I can with music...some classic country, some heart-felt western and now some rare religious varieties. I am just going to water and nurture this gift and pull out the weeds as they come. God will let His light shine on my work and well...we'll just see what grows.

Shhhh....Moms writing a new song!

2009-04-30T09:41:00.000-07:00

I am sure that being a mom of such a big brood has somehow enabled the superpower of being able to multi-task song-writing with running a household. Melody comes easily...pretty chord patterns turn the melody on like water from a faucet. It's the lyrics that are the botheration. I shudder at simple lyrics. I somehow want to impress the listener with clever words. So...with my head full of heavy-handed phrases, I realize it's time to make dinner. The kids all seem to recognize the absent look in my eyes. They stay away when I am writing a new song. I don't ask for any help while I chop carrots and sautee onions...I relish the quiet. Calling everyone for dinner is quite a job. We have kids scattered in the barnyard, in their rooms and at soccer games, but once we all sit down around the table everything seems to comes together. Just like a song. I realize my family has the effortless beauty of a melody, but that the extra effort of a well-planned meal, just like the extra effort of well-placed lyrics, is what makes the song become a masterpiece.

Getting Ready for Summer Events

2009-04-23T10:15:00.000-07:00

I got a great email from a fellow song-writer, Curtis Marsh, this week. I had to laugh because I recognized the same creative process in my own song-writing. Soooo, here is a part of the email he sent to me...

" I listened to your songs and was struck by your sound. Its unique. You obviously have a great voice, but I love the other influences I hear. From country to bluesy. My abilities are much more word driven then melody. I write alot in the car, don't ask me why, but my mind unwinds, and my thoughts fly. I wrote a song a while back that was the theme song for the dixie county 4th of july celebration, and was sung at many troop returns, and I wrote it in 30 minutes. On the flip side I have songs that take forever, even in the car. Most good songs today, are co-written. It takes teamwork and chemistry. So I usually start several songs at once, like a binge. It usually starts with an emotion, then a story, and then the song. Well enough rambling, especially cause I am texting while driving my car. Just kidding. Well give me a call if you want to discuss some of these concepts, or some of yours song idea's before we roll up our sleeves.." Curtis

2009-04-14T15:48:00.000-07:00

I am teaming up with my good friend and fellow singer, Richard Lee Cody, to form a Western Music duet. We both will keep singing for the "Legends" shows, but we both really love the whole western music genre and would like to plant our musical roots there. I told Richard that singing at my first western music gathering was like "coming home." He smiled and said, "Me too!"

Richard and his wife, Lynnie, live in Heber, Utah and we took these pictures last week during rehersals. My two days in Heber were big fun and included dinner with Mr Cary Hobbs and a 6 hour rehersal over at Vaugns "Hide-out" with his band "Country Sunsets."

I just read a biography of the great Buck Owens. One thing that really impressed me was the professional and sane way he led his career. He was unstoppable. Later in his career he tried his hand in representing some new artists, but eventually gave up when he realized he wanted them to suceed more than they did. I am finding that a "career" in music is really a creative journey. The problem with most artists, including myself, is inconsistency. The creative process requires consistent effort and growth. I know I have not matured as artist, but it is an exciting journey to be on.

There should be an 11th commandment for all artists..."Thou shalt be consistent."

Havin Fun in Salina

2009-03-24T14:30:00.000-07:00

One of the best parts of doing a show is all the fun back-stage with Jess and Hollis. Theres lots of hairspray and grumbling about getting fake eyelashes to go on straight. Salina had a better dressing room than other places...we've had some pretty interesting dressing rooms in times past. This dressing room even had some great vintage dresses that we considered wearing in the show (but none of them fit.) Our show has about 40 costume changes between all of the singers, so we fly in and out of there pretty fast. There are a million things that can go wrong during a show and we all carry hand-held microphones...it's a real worry that we'll get off stage and say things like "wow, that sounded like crap....or....I'm so fat I popped a button" only to realize the mike is hot and everyone in the auditorium just heard what you said. The picture above is of me and Miss Hollis Pyper. Jess also sings with us, but is not pictured. I will be loading a clip of us doing Dixie Chicks on my post next week.

A big shout out to come to the WOMEN IN MOTION CONFERENCE this Friday. I will be entertaining during the breaks. I'm sooooo excited. I love singing for all women. Email me for details at www.maryknaphus@yahoo.com

2009-03-11T20:44:00.000-07:00

Mary Kaye and Suzi Bogguss at Moab Western Stars Gathering

I've never liked to make phone calls but I've caught the "booking bug" this week and have been working the phones to get booked for the rest of the year. Its a real thrill to fill in a show date. It also feels good to feel like I have something professional to offer as an artist. I can meet people at their needs with an up-beat show of country classics, or a tear-jerker solo guitar act or even a cowboy campfire concert

I'd like to send out a special "Howdy" to all my new friends from the Moab Western Stars Gathering. It felt like I had come home when I met all of you. Western music is so much more than I had ever thought. The picture above is of me and the venerable Mr Cary Hobbs. It was really a life-changing experience for me as an artist.

A special "thanks" to Rich and Lynnie for putting together such a fun concert in Heber this last weekend. My girls danced untill they were exhausted. They told me they want to start singing together, so I have started them on some easy old-timey gospel songs. I can hear them singing together upstairs right now.

I gave birth to two new songs this week. One is a folksy estrogen-rich song called "Higher Ground" and the other is a make-a-cowboy-cry duet called "Homeward Bound."

Here is my quote for the week...

"Forget the Plan...Embrace the Adventure"