Country Universe is happy to welcome our newest contributor, Michelle Ivey. Here are some introductory words from Michelle, who has also written the Single Review published today. – KJC
Hey, my name is Michelle. I’m in my early thirties, and have lived in Nashville for three years. I have a wide taste in music, I listen to everything from opera to pop. However, country music was my first love.
According to my dad, I was writing songs from a very early age. I would come up with tunes on a small piano and add to it. He said Reba McEntire and her music were part of my DNA. He remembers me singing “Is There Life Out There” when I was around three. One of my earliest memories is him walking me to kindergarten while I sang Fancy at the top of my lungs.
For the longest time, I wouldn’t listen to anything but country music. I was a bit of a snob about it until 6th grade. I was suddenly on a different bus line to school where the driver would play the local top 40 station. There, I fell in love with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. I began to explore other artists and genres and really enjoyed learning new things.
When I was 14, my mom and dad bought a Dolly Parton cassette tape. It was one of her Greatest Hits albums and although I had heard her music before over the years, this time it hit me differently. Her voice is beautiful. Her lyrical quality is astounding. Christmas that year, I got a boom box, a Dolly CD, and an Aretha Franklin CD.
I read her autobiography, and one day decided to start checking her siblings on Google to see if I could find any of their music online. From there, I found her sister Stella. I wrote Stella an email, and she wrote me back. A few years later, I had the opportunity to sing on stage with Stella at Dukesfest 2006.
I am so excited to be able to write for Country Universe. I love reading the Sirius Top 1000 commentary. I’ve been consistently reading CU for the past year, and I am so honored to be part of this. I am so excited to see where this, Nashville, and 2021 will take me.
Thanks for reading this! Happy New Year to everyone!
Welcome, Michelle! I loved reading your story – the Stella Parton encounter is especially awesome. Looking forward to reading more of your content here at CU!
Zackary: I will legit talk your ear off about that experience. I’ll go through every detail and turn it into a really long story
The song I sang with her was Standard Lie #1 and she called me up because I was so young and knew all the words to all her songs.
Welcome aboard, Michelle. I look forward to reading your write-ups. My earliest and favorite artists include Reba and Dolly too.
Welcome. I read the blog pretty consistently and comment once in a while. I look forward to reading your articles. I love Dolly and Reba and I’ve only heard Stella sing Standard Lie #1 but she certainly has as much talent as her sister! I was lucky enough to see Reba on tour in Australia a few years ago, she’s wonderful live.
Welcome