Have you ever wondered how it would feel
to sell your musical soul for thirty pieces of silver? Don't bother
asking that question to Heather Myles - she wouldn't know the answer.
Myles has continued to stay true to her traditional country roots during
a time when the musical gap between traditional and pop-star country
artists has continued to widen. In an age when country divas are trying
to achieve a look somehere between Jennifer Lopez and Daisy Duke, you
will find Myles on a stage somewhere looking - and sounding - more like
a Patsy Cline of fifty years ago.
And that ain't a bad thing.
XMFan: Your father and
grandfather were both musicians and helped shape the performer you are
today. What are a few family memories you have as a young girl and
musician? Heather: My Dad playing ukulele
for us kids at the ranch where I grew up and singing little songs,
especially on rainy nights.
XMFan: Do you remember the first
time you performed for an audience? Heather: Yes, I remember it well.
I was auditioning for the first time at a little honky tonk called
Canucks in So Cal. I got the job
as their lead singer but can't remember the name of the band!
XMFan: Do you feel you have
evolved musically since releasing your first album,
Just like Old Times, in 1992?
Heather: I think in retrospect my
music has advanced as I have gained in life experience.
XMFan: All five of your albums,
including your live effort, have gathered five-star ratings from most
critics. Are you personally happy with the albums, or would you go back
and do anything differently? Heather: No - I wouldn't do
anything different as each album was well thought out, which is why
there have only been 5 albums in 12 years!
XMFan: CountryReview.com has
given your latest album, Sweet Talk and
Good Lies, yet another five-star rating. Eleven of the songs are
originals that you wrote, while the other two are covers (By
the Time I Get to Phoenix and
Cry Me a River). Do you have a formula for writing songs, or do
you get your inspiration while just living everyday life? Heather: My inspiration for my
songs comes from living everyday life.
XMFan: The
Sweet Talk album contains a
song, Nashville's Gone Hollywood,
which laments the state of popular country music today. You wrote in the
lyrics, "Move on over Ernest Tubb, Nashville's gone to Hollywood." Do
you feel popular country will continue in this direction, or is there a
light at the end of the tunnel? Heather: It may be changing a
little - but not fast enough for me! But thank God for XM Radio channels
that play roots country, where people are given a choice in the music
they want to hear. XMFan: Of the many songs you have
written, do you have any favorites? Heather: Of Course!
For Sale and
True Love on my
Highways and Honky Tonks album
and Other Side of Town on my
first album Just Like Old Times.
A more recent favorite is Nashville's
Gone Hollywood on Sweet Talk &
Good Lies.
XMFan: If you could sit down and
talk with one musician, past or present, whom would you choose? Heather: Merle Haggard - no one's
done it better than him. He is a great songwriter, singer, and player
who has seen a lot of changes in country music and endured through it
all.
XMFan: Do you enjoy life on the
road? Heather: No - It's a difficult
life but you get used to traveling and living in hotel rooms. It's hard
on relationships and family, but rewarding when you have a great band
and friends on the road who become your extended family.
XMFan: It looks like the next few
months are going to be exciting and busy... You'll be doing shows in
Sweden, Denmark, Spain, England, Scotland, and Wales! Heather: Yeah - the last few
years in Europe have been great for roots country artists, so that's why
I spend a lot of time over there. I own a home in London as my home away
from home.
XMFan: Tell us about your Harley.
Heather: I am in between rides
right now and looking for a new bike. XMFan: I believe you also love
classic automobiles. Heather: I have always liked
classic cars; I am restoring a classic 1973 MGB now. I have owned
various classic cars over the years and really love big American cars
like Lincolns and Cads, which were my inspiration for the song and video
of Big Cars off the
Sweet Talk & Good Lies album.
XMFan: Do you have a website
where people can learn more about Heather Myles? Heather: Yes. Go to
www.heathermyles.com, where you can find a bio and tour info, lots
of photos and merchandise, and a really cool cowgirl vibe!
XMFan: Last question. If a music
fan has a chance to see you live, what should they expect? Heather: The REAL DEAL!
Heather Myles can be heard on XM
channels America, Hank's Place, X-Country, and Open Road.
6020 Sports: Sal Paolantonio, Larry Fitzgerald, Sr., Chuck Esposito 10 March 2009, 10:48 am James Carville and Luke Russert discuss their lack of interest in the Super Bowl teams because no players are talking trash during media week. James and Luke debate the firing of the High School women's basketball coach who pummeled a neighboring high school team 100-0. Larry Fitzgerald, sports columnist for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder and father of Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, Jr., analyzes the two teams in the Super Bowl, the relationship that his son and Kurt Warner have on the football field, why Kurt Warner's career already merits a Hall of Fame induction, and explains how he began his career in journalism by rejection from pro football. Sal Paolantonio, ESPN NFL reporter, explains why Arizona actually has a chance to win the Super Bowl despite the notion that defense wins Championships. Sal also stresses that Kurt Warner is not yet a Hall of Fame quarterback, and that with a Super Bowl win, he will seal his fate in Canton, Ohio. Chuck Esposito, Head Oddsmaker for Fountaine Bleau Race and Sports book, delivers the betting line for James and Luke to make their picks on the Super Bowl including a slew of proposition bets. James and Luke wrap the show by questioning Joe Torre's decision to include such private details in his book possibly smudging a stellar coaching career in Major League Baseball.
6020 Sports: Frank Deford, Steve Sabol, Jon Wertheim 10 March 2009, 10:48 am James Carville and Luke Russert debate the stupidity of Michael Phelps getting caught smoking marijuana. Frank Deford, six time US sportswriter of the year, commentator on NPR's morning edition, contributor to HBO's Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, and senior contributing writer for Sports Illustrated, discussed the cultural event that is the Super Bowl, and his affinity for the color purple. Steve Sabol, Emmy award-winning President of NFL Films examines where Super Bowl XLIII ranks in the history of the game, and Sabol's art exhibit. Jon Wertheim, Sports Illustrated columnist, analyzes Roger Federer's tearful defeat to Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open.
6020 Sports: Jack Ford, David Aldridge, Rob Dibble 10 March 2009, 10:48 am James Carville and Luke Russert begin the show debating the stupidity of the South Carolina court which issued 11 indictments in relation to the picture of Michael Phelps holding a bong. Jack Ford, Co-Host of Banfield & Ford Courtside on In Session on TruTV, talks about the number of indictments doled out in South Carolina in relation to Michael Phelps' use of marijuana, Alex Rodriguez' positive test and subsequent admission, Bud Selig's self-defense, the latest on Barry Bonds' perjury, Roger Clemens' defamation suit against former trainer Brian McNamee dropped by the court. David Aldridge, TNT Broadcaster, courtside reporter at the NBA All-Star Game, discusses the reunion of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neil, the Slam Dunk contest, All-Star weekend in general in Phoenix, and a preview of the 2nd half of the NBA Season. Rob Dibble, Color Analyst of the Washington Nationals and Analyst on 'The Show' on MLB Home Plate, calls out Alex Rodriguez for lying to the media and praises Adam Dunn for his approach to his new team taking young players under his wing. James and Luke wrapped the show with a new segment examining the "Worst Person in Sports" for the week.
6020 Sports: Bill King, Vince Gennaro, Dave Zirin, Olivia Manning 10 March 2009, 10:48 am James Carville and Luke Russert begin this special edition of 60/20 Sports focusing on how the ailing economy will influence the changes in sports business activity in 2009 and beyond. Bill King, Senior writer for Sports Business Journal, examines the economics of sports, and how sports organizations and businesses are responding to the lack of revenue. Vince Gennaro, author of Diamond Dollars, consultant to the Cleveland Indians, and former executive at Pepsi, analyzes the economics of baseball, sports marketing, and how the recession has changed the game. Dave Zirin, author of "A People's History of Sports in the United States" and host of Edge of Sports Radio, discusses the historical context of this recession's effect on the sports industry reflecting on sport during the depression and throughout America's history. Olivia Manning, NFL's number one mom to both Eli and Peyton Manning, wife to Archie Manning, and proponent of making Mardi Gras a national holiday, discusses her campaign to bring national attention to the Cajun festivities celebrated with respect to Mardi Gras.
6020 Sports: Bob Costas, JC Watts 10 March 2009, 10:48 am James Carville and Luke Russert discuss Alex Rodriguez' positive steroids test. Bob Costas, NBC Sports and MLB Network anchor, talked about Alex Rodriguez' positive test and subsequent admission, the Hall of Fame requirements and how each case should be judged separately, and Hank Aaron's 75th birthday party and the fact that his legacy has grown as the details of the steroid era continue to be revealed. JC Watts, former congressman (R'OK), 2-time Orange Bowl MVP quarterback for the University of Oklahoma, discussed Alex Rodriguez' human fallibility, his belief that congress should not interfere in sports, Tim Tebow's uphill battle to find success in the NFL, and JC's college career at Oklahoma.
6020 Sports: Morgan Ensberg, Tim Cowlishaw, Chuck Esposito 19 December 2008, 2:57 pm James Carville and Luke Russert discuss Plaxico Burress' decision to bring a handgun into a nightclub, and what punishment fits the crime. Morgan Ensberg told his story of being held up at gunpoint as a minor leaguer, his decision to buy a gun for protection, and eventually to get rid of the weapon prior to having his first child. James and Luke talked about Sean Avery's offensive comments about his former girlfriend Elisha Cuthbert. Tim Cowlishaw columnist for the Dallas Morning News and frequent contributor to Around the Horn on ESPN discussed both Avery's punishment from the National Hockey League and the fact that the Texas Longhorns will not compete for the Big XII Championship, and consequently, a National Championship. Fountain Blue Casino Executive Director of the Race and Sports book Chuck Esposito provides the betting line for James and Luke to make their weekly football picks.
Photo Album
