Melonie Cannon

by Kevin Kerfoot, 09/21/2004

An Interview with Melonie Cannon:

BMP: How do you feel about your debut self-titled project on Skaggs Family Records and what can people expect?

MELONIE: I am more than excited about this first record! It’s truly been a long time coming. I have sung on so many different records, but this is my turn. I am so proud of the material, the musicians, my label. Basically, next to my kids, it’s the coolest thing that has ever happened to me. And when people listen, I hope that I can take them away for a minute - whether it’s hopping a bus with nothing to lose or the loneliness of Sweeter Than Sugarcane - this record can reach out and touch people no matter what their situation or their musical preference. It’s acoustic music with real songs.

BMP: Tell me about a few of your favorite songs on the project.

MELONIE: I tell you what, the neatest thing about this project is the way it came together. It has been very special because my Daddy (Buddy Cannon) and I finally got to work together on a different level. Also, the fact that Ronnie Bowman co-produced it with him - what a dream! The most special part about it is that after every song, we knew it was something special. We did it in three different sessions but each time everyone involved brought everything they had to the plate. And also, I cut all my vocals while we were tracking. How cool is that and how many people can say that? I did not write any songs on this CD. My Daddy, my sister Marla Cannon-Goodman, a dear friend of mine John Scott Sherrill, Jon Randall, Bill Anderson, Ronnie Bowman - an amazing list of songwriters contributed to this. And not only that, the players were Dan Tyminski, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, Rob Ickes, Jessie Cobb, Dave Talbot - the list goes on! And I got to sing with Ronnie and Dan.

BMP: Do you write songs like your father?

MELONIE: I am not a big writer - yet. Everyone keeps telling me it’s in my blood. I am an artist who truly believes in the songwriters of this town. They are amazing to me. I’ve always said, ‘Why be an okay writer who cuts their own songs when there are people out there like Dean Dillon, Casey Beathard, Marla Cannon-Goodman, Leslie Satcher and John Scott Sherrill - just to name a few. My entire album is made of songs new and one maybe 10 years older and they were right here under everyone’s noses. I have to say, Brad Paisley cut Whiskey Lullaby with Alison Krauss, but the original version is on my record. I knew I was gonna cut it the very first time I heard it. And since it is such a different version, it will still be on my album. I feel like I would be sacrificing something I love if I took it off. Plus, it wouldn’t be fair if everyone didn’t get to hear the original, right?

BMP: Where were you born and raised and where do you live now?

MELONIE: I was born in Jackson, Tennessee. My parents and sisters and me lived in Lexington, Tennessee at the time, but I truly don’t remember any of it. I was brought to Nashville to chase my Daddy’s dream when I was three years old. Little did I know that I was on the same track to following mine. I did most of my growing up years in Kingston Springs, Tennessee. It’s about 20 miles out of Nashville. But I have to say that I was truly brought up at the Grand Ole Opry and on Music Row.

BMP: Is there a particular concert that influenced you to sing?

MELONIE: The first concert when I said ‘That’s what I want to do!’ was very early in my life. My Daddy was playing for Mel Tillis at the time. We went to a show and from the moment the Stutterettes hit the stage I wanted to be one. My influences include Vern Gosdin - who actually taught me what the word harmony means - Connie Smith, Patty Loveless, Bonnie Raitt - my list could go on and on and on.

BMP: When did you begin singing and what was your first instrument?

MELONIE: I’ve been singing as long as I can remember. My first paying gig was a demo session for Dean Dillon when I was 13 or 14 years old. I haven’t stopped since. My first instrument was an alto saxophone in high school band. Norro Wilson just bought me my first guitar. Her name is Emmy. I love her and play with her often. It’s an Emmylou Harris version Gibson guitar - L-200. She is beautiful and I promised her I’d make her sound beautiful someday.

BMP: Any favorite singing memories?

MELONIE: I have so many great memories of Daddy and his friends. I didn’t realize they were the legends of our time. I’ve had opportunities to sing with some really neat people. One of the standouts though has to be singing at our old kitchen table with Vern. Irreplaceable!

BMP: Is there anything else you’re involved with now?

MELONIE: Right now I am trying to get this CD out. I’m coming up on my Opry debut and that is a life-long dream of mine. With that happening so early on, I want to take it to the moon. I mean, hey, if I, Melonie Cannon, can go and play the Opry, the moon is not out of the question!

BMP: How did you become involved with Skaggs Family Records?

MELONIE: Ricky actually saw my Daddy on an Opry cruise and told him he’d been hearing some of my music on WSM 650. Thanks Mr. Hensley and Keith Bilbrey. The ball rolled from there. And to have landed at a label like Skaggs Family Records - have I mentioned any dreams coming true? It’s like being respected and loved by the most respected musician of the world. Thank you Ricky for this chance. And I keep saying that he and my Daddy have no idea how much alike they really are. I hope Ricky can lend his hand to my Daddy and Ronnie on my second record.

BMP: And your plans for the future?

MELONIE: Well, I’ve been saying ‘Play the Grand Ole Opry!’ That’s right on my door step. I guess I really just want to get out there to the fans. To make music that means something. Not only to me, but to the fans too. I know one thing, I was born to do this. The Good Lord put me on this earth to be a mommy to my boys and to sing. I will do these things with all my might until He tells me I can’t. I am more excited about my future today than I’ve ever been before. Look out moon, here I come!

reprinted with permission from
Sept/Oct 04 Bluegrass Profiles Magazine

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