Amanda Shires is a creative force of the highest nature. She’s a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and violinist; and after already accomplishing so much in her career, her love of words and poetry compelled her to pursue an MFA in creative writing, which she got from Sewanee University of the South. She's also a painter.

In this episode, Maggie and Amanda talk about her approach to songwriting, how she found time to get her MFA while balancing music and family - she and her husband, Grammy winning songwriter and artist Jason Isbell are raising their daughter Mercy while also balancing their respective impressive careers. They also discuss the challenges and rewards of motherhood, and Amanda shares her story of becoming an activist and the moment when she decided to start her own band, The Highwomen.

Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and violinist Amanda Shires began her career as a teenager playing fiddle with the Texas Playboys. Through the years, she has toured and recorded with notable artists including John Prine, Billy Joe Shaver, Todd Snider, Shovels and Rope, Gregg Allman, Justin Townes Earle, Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, and more. In 2019, Shires formed country supergroup The Highwomen alongside Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris, and Natalie Hemby.

Her new album, For Christmas, is a collection of mostly original songs that illuminate the wide range of emotions and sentiments that people feel around the holidays.

Salute the Songbird is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted by Maggie Rose. Produced by Austin Marshall, Maggie Rose, Kirsten Cluthe and Brad Stratton. Music by Maggie Rose. Show logo by Premier Music Group. Graphics by Katherine Boils.

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