Voices of Country Legends

Julie Fudge joins Frank Gerard on Voices of Country Legends for a personal conversation about her mother, Patsy Cline, her father, Charlie Dick, and the family behind the famous voice.

Julie remembers coloring with her mother and objecting when Patsy chose the wrong color for Barbie’s dress. She explains how a photograph helped confirm another childhood memory involving Doyle Wilburn, and shares what everyday life was like for her and her brother Randy.

Her memories of grandmother Hilda Hensley take us back to Winchester, Virginia: garden vegetables, sewing lessons, and a resourceful woman who knew how to make things work. Julie also reflects on the questions she wishes she had asked when she was younger.

We talk candidly about Sweet Dreams and the scenes Julie believes misrepresented her parents. She remembers the father she knew, Charlie’s work in the music business, and the humor that still brings smiles to the family.

Julie discusses Beverly D’Angelo in Coal Miner’s Daughter, Jessica Lange in Sweet Dreams, and Megan Hilty in Patsy & Loretta, recalling the gestures, expressions, and ways of speaking that remind her of her mother.

She also shares news of a book she has agreed to write, presenting the family story through her own eyes. Photographs, family archives, and hours of recorded interviews will help her put the pieces together. Her determination to correct misinformation runs throughout our visit.

We also discuss Patsy’s desire for a home and financial security, misconceptions about the money she left behind, and a surprising correction about her favorite roses.

Julie talks about the fans who gather in Winchester, the Historic House, the former Nashville museum, and the challenges of preserving family treasures. We visit about restored recordings and her hopes for additional releases.

Our Legendary Favorites questions bring out memories of Granny’s cooking, Charlie’s affectionate nickname for the fans, and the grandchildren who keep Julie laughing.

Links Julie mentioned:

Patsy Cline’s official Facebook

Always Patsy Cline Fan Organization: official-page post Julie identifies the club on Facebook as “Always Patsy Cline FanOrg” and discusses its mailed newsletters.

Patsy Cline Historic House

PatsyCline.com Julie described this website as being worked on. Current availability could not be confirmed.

Voices of Country Legends is hosted by Frank Gerard and created in connection with the Legends of Country Music Museum in Nashville.

More episodes Legends of Country Music Museum

Thanks for visiting with us today. Follow the podcast and share this episode with someone who loves Patsy’s music.

Sylvia joins Frank Gerard on Voices of Country Legends for a visit that stretches from her childhood in Kokomo, Indiana, to the success of “Nobody” and the deeply personal music she has made since.

Known for favorites including “Drifter,” “Tumbleweed,” “Snapshot,” and “Like Nothing Ever Happened,” Sylvia shares the stories behind a career that brought her country hits, a crossover audience, and the Academy of Country Music’s Female Vocalist of the Year honor. She also talks candidly about family, forgiveness, starting over, and finding another way to use her voice as a life and career coach.

Before Nashville, there was a teenager with a drawing and a dream. Sylvia recalls meeting Dolly Parton at 16 after knocking on her tour bus door with a portrait she had drawn. Dolly invited her inside, showed her around, and offered encouragement Sylvia never forgot. Years later, an elevator encounter at RCA brought the story full circle.

Sylvia also remembers arriving in Nashville in a little green Maverick and taking over Janie Fricke’s office job after Janie signed a recording contract. Working for Tom Collins gave Sylvia a firsthand education in publishing, songwriting, and the business she hoped to enter.

Then came “Nobody.” Sylvia describes a summer of 70 fair bookings in 90 days, unexpected crowds, television appearances, and the surprising number of children who knew every word.

We spend time with the music that followed those hitmaking years, including Second Bloom: The Hits Re-Imagined, It’s All in the Family, and Nature Child: A Dreamer’s Journey. Sylvia explains why “You Can’t Go Back Home” remained important to her and how “Somebody’s Daughter,” written with John Mock and Thom Schuyler, asks us to recognize what we share with one another.

Among the most personal moments is the story behind “Do Not Cry for Me.” Sylvia recalls writing the song years before playing it for her father near the end of his life, after decades apart. She also discusses “Here Lately,” co-written with Bobby Tomberlin, and the gradual return of happiness after divorce.

The conversation includes:

• How Ralph Emery’s radio show helped introduce her to Nashville. • The young fans who inspired Nature Child, a project decades in the making. • How rejection from record labels helped lead her toward coaching. • Her own practices for staying present through difficult times. • What she would ask the woman in “Nobody” if she became a coaching client. • Why making music independently became an unexpected source of freedom.

In our Legendary Favorites questions, Sylvia reveals the song she wishes she had recorded, the comfort foods that take her home, and why meeting Red Skelton meant so much to her.

Explore Sylvia’s music: Official website Albums and discography Nature Child: A Dreamer’s Journey

More episodes: Voices of Country Legends

Created in connection with the Legends of Country Music Museum in Nashville.

Follow Voices of Country Legends wherever you listen, and share this episode with a Sylvia fan.

Bobby Goldsboro joins Frank Gerard for a rare, exclusive conversation about “Honey,” life on the road with Roy Orbison, sharing a tour bus with The Beatles, and discovering a new creative passion at 65.

Bobby remembers the phone call that put him in Orbison’s band, Roy’s offstage humor, and the frog impression that amused Paul McCartney and baffled Johnny Carson. He also recalls meeting Elvis Presley aboard an airplane and finding that Elvis wanted to talk about Orbison.

The stories behind the songs include why “Honey” initially left Bobby unconvinced, writing “With Pen in Hand” during a roadside rainstorm, and meeting Mac Davis before recording “Watching Scotty Grow.” He explains the meaning behind “The Autumn of My Life” and how “Summer (The First Time)” took shape backstage at The Tonight Show.

Bobby also discusses his television series, creating The Swamp Critters of Lost Lagoon, and writing the Evening Shade theme at Burt Reynolds’ request. The visit closes with painting, everyday life, and our “Legendary Favorites” questions.

Find Bobby Goldsboro

Website: https://www.bobbygoldsboro.com/

Paintings: https://www.bobbygoldsboro.com/available-oil-paintings

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bobby-goldsboro/208527

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5gPEo032lzARtzuVqJIm9o

Follow Voices of Country Legends

Website: https://www.voicesofcountrylegends.com/

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/voices-of-country-legends/id6803165342

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/24CHgY0uLKNM2gIwR0S7MG

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Voices-of-Country-Legends/61591853824586/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voicesofcountrylegends/

Created in connection with the Legends of Country Music Museum in Nashville, Tennessee.

Museum: https://www.legendsofcountrymusic.com/

Gift shop: https://www.nashvillesouvenirs.com/

John PayCheck: His Father’s Lessons, His Own Songs, and a Lavender Farm

John PayCheck grew up watching his father, Johnny Paycheck, work to keep a family and a music career going. He joined the road crew as a teenager, eventually became a tour manager, and later spent about 20 years away from pursuing music as a career. Now he’s writing and touring as an independent artist, with a sound and a story of his own.

John joins Frank Gerard to talk about Army service, the unexpected turns of life on the road, and the Virginia lavender farm he runs with his wife. He shares the stories behind “Drinkin’ and Cryin’” and the considerably cheerier “Biscuits and Gravy,” explains what More Days Behind means to him, and discusses Better Plan, his forthcoming album. The conversation turns especially personal when he talks about “Daddy Are You Listenin’,” a song about the father he misses and the grandchildren Johnny never met.

In this episode

• What John learned while working on Johnny Paycheck’s tour
• How military service shaped his writing and his return to music
• Why he and his wife started growing lavender
• The family choices behind More Days Behind
• Working with Struggle Jennings on “Sons of the Spark”
• Building a career around his own songs while honoring his father

Find John and his music

• John PayCheck’s website, music and merchandise
• Tour dates
• Listen on Apple Music
• Listen on Spotify
• John PayCheck’s YouTube channel
• Learn about the Legends of Country Music Museum

Better Plan is listed for release on November 27, 2026; its title track is already available.

A VOICES OF COUNTRY LEGENDS CONVERSATION

Lacy J. Dalton: “16th Avenue” and Life on Her Own Terms

Hosted by Frank Gerard

After years on the road, Lacy J. Dalton remembers being told she didn’t have $200 to buy her child Christmas presents. It was a hard lesson in the difference between making records and making a living.

Lacy shares memories of Billy Sherrill, George Jones, and Tammy Wynette, the stories behind her songs, and her work protecting wild horses.

In this conversation

• Writing “Crazy Blue Eyes” with Mary McFadden and becoming Lacy J. Dalton.

• Co-writing “Takin’ It Easy” with Mark Sherrill and Billy Sherrill.

• The touring expenses and exhaustion behind “Hillbilly Girl With the Blues.”

• Singing harmony with George Jones and opening for Hank Williams Jr.

• Independent music, “Common Ground,” and the Let ’Em Run Foundation.

Find Lacy J. Dalton

Website: https://www.lacyjdalton.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lacyjdalton/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lacyjdalton/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LacyJDaltonOfficial

Let ’Em Run Foundation: https://www.letemrun.org/

Recording note

Recorded before Lacy’s 80th birthday, this conversation includes her plans for an October 15, 2026, benefit supporting the Let ’Em Run Foundation.

Follow Voices of Country Legends

Website: https://www.voicesofcountrylegends.com/

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/voices-of-country-legends/id6803165342

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/24CHgY0uLKNM2gIwR0S7MG

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Voices-of-Country-Legends/61591853824586/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voicesofcountrylegends/

Voices of Country Legends is created in connection with the Legends of Country Music Museum in Nashville.

Legends of Country Music Museum: https://www.legendsofcountrymusic.com/

NashvilleSouvenirs.com: https://www.nashvillesouvenirs.com/

A VOICES OF COUNTRY LEGENDS CONVERSATION

Bobby Marquez: A Throwaway Guitar, George Jones, and “The Cowboy Way”

With Bobby Marquez | Hosted by Frank Gerard

His cousin threw a brand-new guitar in the trash. Bobby Marquez took it home, taught himself to play, and learned Ernest Tubb’s “Waltz Across Texas.” His mother made sure the family heard him sing.

In this episode of Voices of Country Legends, Frank Gerard visits with the Texas singer and songwriter known as “Smilin’ Bob.” Bobby traces his path from Freer, Texas, to Nashville, carrying the sounds of honky-tonks, Western swing, and Tejano music with him. He recalls the phone call telling him George Strait was recording one of his songs, the surprise of George Jones already knowing his nickname, and a thumbs-up from Ray Price watching his performance from behind a curtain.

Bobby also shares the family story behind “The Cowboy Way,” written for his father-in-law, and remembers singing it with the man who inspired it sitting in the audience. He talks about recording “For Awhile” with Rhonda Vincent, writing “Speak Love” with Karen Staley, and teaming with Wood Newton on “Cowboy Coffee,” inspired by Kent Rollins’ coffee-making videos.

The conversation turns to Country With Heart, Bobby’s annual Nashville benefit for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. It began with a young fan in a homemade “number one fan” T-shirt and a friendship that changed Bobby’s life. He explains why he continues the event in that fan’s memory and what it means to bring country music artists and their audiences together to help other children.

In this episode

• A discarded guitar, his mother’s encouragement, and the move to Nashville

• Keith Bilbrey, “Smilin’ Bob,” and encounters with country legends

• The family memories behind “The Cowboy Way”

• Rhonda Vincent, “Speak Love,” and “Cowboy Coffee”

• Country With Heart, St. Jude, and Country Campfire Pickin’

Find Bobby Marquez

Official website: BobbyMarquez.com

Facebook: facebook.com/bobbymarquezmusic

YouTube Music: music.youtube.com/channel/UCmF_VU3ShrSoWnDCNF66LcQ

Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/5DIh33JgLouEOjENDlyf1R

Voices of Country Legends is created in connection with the Legends of Country Music Museum in Nashville.

Visit the museum: LegendsOfCountryMusic.com

More episodes & updates: VoicesOfCountryLegends.com

Reach out to the host, Frank Gerard: [email protected]

Follow or subscribe wherever you listen so you don’t miss the next conversation.

A VOICES OF COUNTRY LEGENDS CONVERSATION

David Frizzell: The Unlikely Road to “You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma”

Clint Eastwood, Shelly West, and the brother he called Sonny

With David Frizzell | Hosted by Frank Gerard

David Frizzell had been looking for a hit for years. When he and Shelly West recorded “You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma,” he says the record labels passed. Then producer Snuff Garrett played it for Clint Eastwood, and the song’s fortunes changed.

In this conversation with Frank Gerard, the singer behind “I’m Gonna Hire a Wino to Decorate Our Home” looks back on the long road to his own success, the unexpected beginning of his partnership with Shelly, and the people who helped him along the way.

David also remembers his older brother Lefty, whom the family called Sonny. There are stories from their years on the road, memories of hearing “Long Black Veil” take shape, and an honest account of how difficult it was to narrate his book, I Love You a Thousand Ways: The Lefty Frizzell Story. He shares how Merle Haggard became like a brother after Lefty’s death, and why keeping their music alive remains personal.

There’s room for some fun, too, including an Elvis Presley slot machine and the song David has been singing to his wife Joanne ever since.

In this conversation

• Singing on the radio at 9 and learning the business on the road with Lefty.

• Shelly West singing “Bartender’s Blues” in David’s doorway, and the duet partnership that followed.

• The hit songs that got away, including “That’s the Way Love Goes.”

• Recording “Lefty” with Merle Haggard, and the studio mishap that forced them to record it again.

• His love of Buddy Holly’s music and the story behind “Maria Elena.”

• The Nudie suit David says Lefty gave George Jones, and why those memories matter.

FIND DAVID FRIZZELL:

Official website

https://www.davidfrizzell.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/DavidFrizzellMusic

Listen: A Tribute to Brother Lefty Frizzell

https://lnk.to/ATributeToBrotherLeftyFrizzell

Voices of Country Legends is created in connection with the Legends of Country Music Museum in Nashville.

Museum website

https://www.legendsofcountrymusic.com/

Nashville Souvenirs

https://www.nashvillesouvenirs.com/

Voices of Country Music website

https://www.voicesofcountrylegends.com/

Listen and Download:

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/voices-of-country-legends/id6803165342

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/24CHgY0uLKNM2gIwR0S7MG

Heidi Parton and Lee Newton

Silver Threads and Golden Needles, Family Stories and New Friendships

Hosted by Frank Gerard

Lee Newton had an idea to record “Silver Threads and Golden Needles” with Georgette Jones and Heidi Parton. The three women recorded their parts separately, then met in person on the day they filmed together and performed the song live for the first time. Lee and Heidi tell Frank Gerard how the project came together and how their musical partnership became a friendship.

Lee remembers riding along in her father’s cab, listening to Hank Williams and Patsy Cline, and singing while he played guitar. Heidi shares what she learned from performing with her father, Randy Parton, beginning at age 4. She also recalls an everyday lesson from her Aunt Dolly involving twice-baked potatoes.

They take us behind the scenes of the music video, including a trip to Dollywood and a last-minute search for eyelashes. In Legendary Favorites, the conversation turns to family traditions and songs they would like to hear each other sing.

In this episode

How Lee brought Georgette and Heidi together for a country classic

The first time the three women met, filmed and performed together

Lee’s memories of singing with her father at the cab stand

Randy Parton’s influence on Heidi’s performances and songwriting

The friendship, laughter and family stories behind the music

Listen and explore

Silver Threads and Golden Needles music video: youtube.com/watch?v=lDb_o0wqkRc

Silver Threads and Golden Needles recording: music.apple.com/us/song/silver-threads-and-golden-needles-feat-georgette/1869264741

Heidi’s new song Tennessee Born announcement: instagram.com/p/DdtX7riBwlQ/

Heidi’s Reflections album: music.apple.com/us/album/reflections/1812898926

Heidi Parton’s Kin and Friends at Dollywood: dollywood.com/themepark/entertainment/heidi-parton-kin-and-friends/

Lee Newton official website: leenewtonofficial.com/

Lee’s Working Girl Blues: music.apple.com/us/album/working-girl-blues-feat-leona-williams-pam-tillis-lee/1666187653

Voices of Country Legends is produced in connection with the Legends of Country Music Museum in Nashville.

More episodes and updates: voicesofcountrylegends.com/

Visit the museum: legendsofcountrymusic.com/

Follow or subscribe wherever you listen so you don’t miss the next conversation.

A VOICES OF COUNTRY LEGENDS CONVERSATION

Kelly Lang: “I’m Not Going Anywhere”

The song she wrote before she knew she would need it

Hosted by Frank Gerard

Kelly Lang wrote “I’m Not Going Anywhere” for someone else. Months later, a breast cancer diagnosis gave those words a deeply personal meaning. In this conversation with Frank Gerard, she shares the life behind the song.

Kelly grew up around Conway Twitty, whose longtime road manager was her father, Velton Lang. She remembers what she learned by watching Conway work, writing her first songs at 6, and recording “Lady, Lady” as a teenager. Her own songs would later be recorded by George Jones, Crystal Gayle, Ricky Skaggs, Lorrie Morgan, the Oak Ridge Boys, and Jerry Lee Lewis.

The visit spans Kelly’s album Jealous Green Eyes, the humor of “Never Met a Man I Didn’t Love,” and “Under a Tennessee Moon,” now an official Tennessee state song. Kelly also reflects on her friendship with Olivia Newton-John and life with her husband, T.G. Sheppard.

In this episode

• Growing up around Conway Twitty and making her first records

• Hearing country legends sing songs she wrote

• Jealous Green Eyes and “Never Met a Man I Didn’t Love”

• Breast cancer, Olivia Newton-John, and “I’m Not Going Anywhere”

• “Under a Tennessee Moon” and its place among Tennessee’s state songs

• Music, marriage, and a creative partnership with T.G. Sheppard

Find Kelly Lang

Official website: KellyLang.net

Facebook: facebook.com/kellylangmusic

Instagram: instagram.com/kellylangmusic

YouTube: youtube.com/user/xoxolang

TikTok: tiktok.com/@kellylangmusic

X: x.com/kellylangmusic

Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/16QLaMwj2HXBUawC1olUCg

Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/artist/kelly-lang/193640363

I’m Not Going Anywhere book & audiobook: KellyLang.net/book

Music & merchandise: KellyLang.net/store

Voices of Country Legends is created in connection with the Legends of Country Music Museum in Nashville.

More episodes & updates: VoicesOfCountryLegends.com

Follow or subscribe wherever you listen so you don’t miss the next conversation.

Reach out to the host, Frank Gerard: [email protected]

VOICES OF COUNTRY LEGENDS

Donna Fargo: Hit Records, Classroom Secrets, and Muhammad Ali’s Shoes

With Donna Fargo | Hosted by Frank Gerard

Donna Fargo had a hit on the radio and students who knew her as Mrs. Silver. Then a girl in her English class turned up a radio, and Donna’s two worlds collided.

In this episode of Voices of Country Legends, Frank Gerard visits with the singer and songwriter behind “The Happiest Girl in the Whole U.S.A.” and “Funny Face.” Donna remembers teaching high school English in California, writing the songs that changed her life, and deciding it was time to give Nashville a chance. She also explains why she initially thought “Funny Face” was too simple and how a search for a rhyme helped shape “The Happiest Girl.”

Donna shares memories of Stan Silver, her husband, manager, and producer, who taught her enough guitar to put her own songs together. There are stories about working with the Osmond family on her television series, hearing Tammy Wynette sing her music, and why even Muhammad Ali had to follow the no-shoes rule on her tour bus.

The conversation also turns to faith, living with multiple sclerosis, and a writing life that reaches far beyond records. Donna talks about her work for Blue Mountain Arts, more than 2,000 greeting cards, her first novel, Heartaches & Mind Storms, and the autobiography she hopes to finish. We close with Legendary Favorites and what she hopes listeners will remember about the woman behind the songs.

Find Donna Fargo

Website & official fan club: donnafargo.com

Facebook: facebook.com/DonnaFargo1972

YouTube: youtube.com/@primadonnaentertainmentcor7531

Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/4tIQ6BeFRvYApoAyJmaeVC

Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/artist/donna-fargo/1967864

Music, books & merchandise: primadonnaentertainmentcorp.com

Voices of Country Legends is produced in connection with the Legends of Country Music Museum in Nashville, Tennessee.

More episodes & updates: VoicesOfCountryLegends.com

Visit the museum: LegendsOfCountryMusic.com

Follow or subscribe wherever you listen so you don’t miss the next conversation!

Reach out to show host Frank Gerard: [email protected]