Tony Mantor's : Almost Live..... Nashville

Country artist Laura Bryna joins Tony Mantor to share how family tragedy, small-town roots, and a passion for giving back shaped her music. From the deeply personal meaning of “Rise” to the playful spirit of “Drink in Town,” Laura opens up about resilience, songwriting, and the vulnerability behind her confident stage presence.

Show Notes What began as a family singing together in their living room during the COVID-19 lockdown quickly became an international phenomenon. In this episode of Almost Live Nashville, Tony Mantor welcomes members of the Marsh Family to share their incredible journey from viral videos to worldwide recognition. The family discusses their debut album, Hollow Chapters, the move into original songwriting, and how they've used music to spark conversations about mental health, prostate cancer awareness, family, politics, and hope. They also open up about working together as parents and children, the challenges of sudden fame, and why authenticity remains at the heart of everything they create. This inspiring conversation reminds us that music can heal, unite, and give people the courage to talk about life's most important issues. In this episode you'll hear: The story behind the Marsh Family's overnight success The inspiration for their debut album Hollow Chapters How music helped them connect with millions around the world The importance of family, kindness, and authenticity Why they believe music can change lives If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Almost Live Nashville so you never miss another great conversation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most people know Walter Egan for his timeless hit "Magnet and Steel," but that iconic song is only one chapter in an extraordinary career spanning more than five decades. In this episode of Almost Live Nashville, Walter joins host Tony Mantor to share the incredible stories behind his journey—from writing with Gram Parsons, recording alongside Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, and working at the legendary Sound City Studios, to navigating the highs and lows of the music industry. Walter reflects on the friendships that shaped his career, the songs that deserved more recognition, the politics of the record business, his move to Nashville, becoming a songwriter and educator, and why his passion for music remains stronger than ever. Whether you're a longtime fan of Magnet and Steel or discovering Walter Egan for the first time, this conversation is filled with unforgettable stories, music history, and inspiration. In This Episode The real story behind "Magnet and Steel" Working with Stevie Nicks & Lindsey Buckingham Writing songs with Gram Parsons Recording at the legendary Sound City Studios The truth about record label politics Why "Hot Summer Nights" deserved to be a bigger hit Keith Urban's recording of "Magnet and Steel" Walter's songwriting process Life in Nashville His autobiography and new music releases Becoming a grandfather His radio show, Walt's Record Vault Lessons learned from over 50 years in music If you enjoy conversations with legendary artists and behind-the-scenes stories from the music industry, be sure to Follow Almost Live Nashville so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Show Notes Josie Music Awards founders Josie Passantino-Boone and Tina Marie Passantino join Tony Mantor for an inspiring conversation about creating one of the world's premier platforms for independent musicians. What began as a vision to give unsigned artists the recognition they deserve has grown into an internationally respected awards program, bringing together thousands of artists from around the globe while celebrating talent based on artistry—not popularity, streaming numbers, or social media followers. In this episode, Josie and Tina Marie discuss the origins of the Josie Music Awards, the extensive judging process, the importance of networking, and how independent artists are reshaping today's music industry. They also share stories of past winners whose careers have flourished after receiving recognition and explain why authenticity and perseverance remain the keys to long-term success. In This Episode The story behind the creation of the Josie Music Awards Why independent artists deserve a global platform How the judging process focuses on talent over popularity The importance of networking in today's music industry Behind-the-scenes stories from building a major awards show Expanding from a small event to the Grand Ole Opry House The growth of independent music around the world Helping artists gain visibility and career opportunities The value of perseverance and authentic artistry The future vision for the Josie Music Awards and independent music Josie and Tina Marie offer valuable encouragement for musicians pursuing their dreams independently, reminding listeners that success isn't measured solely by record deals or streaming numbers—but by passion, dedication, and the willingness to keep creating. Whether you're an independent artist, songwriter, music industry professional, or passionate fan of emerging talent, this episode provides insight into one of the music industry's most inspiring success stories. Be sure to follow Almost Live Nashville for more conversations with the artists, industry leaders, and visionaries shaping the future of music and entertainment https://www.josiemusicawards.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alan Warner of The Foundations: The Story Behind "Build Me Up Buttercup" Few songs have stood the test of time quite like "Build Me Up Buttercup." For more than five decades, it has brought generations together, becoming one of the most recognizable and beloved songs in popular music. In this episode of Almost Live Nashville, host Tony Mantor sits down with Alan Warner, original member of The Foundations, to explore the remarkable story behind one of music's most enduring bands. Alan takes listeners back to the beginning, sharing how The Foundations formed, the band's groundbreaking role as one of the first internationally successful multiracial groups, and the unexpected journey from London's club scene to worldwide chart success. He reflects on recording classics like "Baby Now That I Found You" and "Build Me Up Buttercup," the extensive touring that followed, and why the music continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Along the way, Alan shares incredible stories of crossing paths with legends including Jimi Hendrix, Roy Orbison, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Chet Atkins, Steve Cropper, and many others while offering honest insights into life inside a successful touring band. The conversation also explores the pressures of fame, the lessons learned over a lifetime in music, and why staying humble and enjoying the journey remains his greatest advice for aspiring musicians. More than a conversation about hit records, this is a celebration of music's power to connect generations and create memories that last a lifetime. In This Episode The origins of The Foundations Becoming one of the first internationally successful multiracial bands Recording "Baby Now That I Found You" The lasting legacy of "Build Me Up Buttercup" Stories from touring around the world Meeting music legends including Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles Life behind the scenes during the height of success Lessons learned from decades in the music business Why timeless songs continue to find new audiences Alan Warner's ongoing musical career and performances About Almost Live Nashville Almost Live Nashville, hosted by Tony Mantor, features conversations with legendary musicians, entertainers, songwriters, and industry professionals, sharing the stories behind the music and the moments that shaped their careers. Then finish with: If you enjoyed this episode, follow Almost Live Nashville, leave a review, and share it with a fellow music lover. 📧 [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.