26. Chapel Hart Talks Music, Opry, and Southern Roots

About the Guests:

Chapel Hart: Chapel Hart is a dynamic country music trio hailing from Mississippi, featuring sisters Danica and Devynn Hart, and their cousin Trea Swindle. They gained widespread acclaim after being named to CMT's Next Women of Country in 2021 and have been recognized internationally, earning titles like International Group of the Year. Their notable performances include an appearance on America’s Got Talent and frequent shows at the Grand Ole Opry, a testament to their talent and growing popularity in the country music scene.

Episode Summary:

In this lively episode of "Meet Me in Tennessee," hosts Lara Potter and Jenna Lafever engage with the vibrant personalities of Chapel Hart, a rising country music trio known for their powerful harmonies and compelling storytelling. These Mississippi natives share entertaining anecdotes about their musical journey, from being a Bourbon Street cover band to gracing prestigious stages like the Grand Ole Opry. The discussion explores their musical influences, the creative songwriting process, and how they have carved a niche in the traditionally narrow lanes of country music.

Throughout the conversation, Chapel Hart exudes warmth and confidence, emphasizing their commitment to authenticity in their music. Their breakthrough hit "You Can Have Him, Jolene" offers a fresh and cheeky perspective on Dolly Parton's classic, demonstrating their knack for capturing relatable experiences with a humorous twist. They also discuss collaborating with country stars like Darius Rucker and Gretchen Wilson, teasing an exciting upcoming Christmas album titled "Heartfelt Family Christmas." Whether they're talking about performing for troops overseas or their aspirations for future collaborations, Chapel Hart remains grounded and full of Southern charm, making this episode a must-listen for country music enthusiasts and podcast followers alike.

Key Takeaways:

• Chapel Hart is celebrated for their bold songwriting and authentic storytelling, earning them international recognition and several awards.
• Their hit "You Can Have Him, Jolene" is a playful response to Dolly Parton's classic, embodying their unique spin on traditional country themes.
• The trio often collaborates with other artists, including Darius Rucker; they're soon to release a new Christmas album featuring various renowned artists.
• They cherish their connection with iconic venues like the Grand Ole Opry, describing it as a familial and welcoming environment that feels like home.
• Chapel Hart demonstrates a strong commitment to their roots, reflected in their music that resonates with fans globally, transcending typical genre boundaries.

Notable Quotes:

1. “As a country music artist, you dream that one day you'll play the Grand Ole Opry. The fact we've been back time and time again is incredible.”
2. “We've always been Dolly Parton fans. Her story songs made us fall in love with country music.”
3. "Collaborating with Gretchen Wilson on our Christmas album was a dream come true for us."
4. “We like to tell the truth, honey. We write it down and sing it as it is.”
5. “If they'll take Gretchen Wilson, I think they'll take me. She was our version of a black woman in country music.”

Resources:

https://www.chapelhart.com/

Encouraging listeners to dive into the full episode allows them to fully appreciate the humor, insights, and warmth that Chapel Hart shares, as they continue to make waves in the country music industry. Stay tuned for more engaging content from "Meet Me in Tennessee."