Country music just sounds better when a family sings it. That’s where it all began: mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, all huddled together, picking and singing on a porch in the twilight.
That’s why when The French Family launch into the bittersweet ache of a classic or the startling tenderness of one of their self-penned original songs, the hairs on country music loving necks stand up, and we instinctively––sometimes tearfully––recognize this father, mother, and son as the real thing.
“We’ve just got to stay true to who we are and what we do,” mother Camille French says. “We’ve always done that––and we won’t change.” Camille is reflecting on a two-decade long career with her husband Stuie at the family’s new home in Nashville, oceans away from their childhood worlds where they both fell in love with country music and ultimately, mastered it.
Touring over the last almost 20 years as Camille and Stuie, the duo became beloved in Australia. They earned three Australian Golden Guitar Awards––that country’s equivalent to the CMAs. The Golden Guitars have recognized both their singing and playing: In 2013, the couple earned their first trophy together for Best Alternative Country Album of the Year, while in 2017, Stuie received Best Instrumental Album honors for his stunning Axe to Swing. Now as the French Family Band they earned their first Golden Guitar Award for Instrumental of the Year from their album "Me and Dad". Two of the pair’s original songs––“Gone for All Money” and “Pretty Katalina”––were also featured on the wildly popular Australian television drama A Place to Call Home and in 2022 the French Family were featured in a National Holiday Season television campaign for the JC Penney Department store chain.
Nashville noticed. Grammy-winning Western Swing maestros The Time Jumpers invited Stuie and Camille to sit in at the group’s 3rd & Lindsley residency. That night, grinning widely and dazzling both a crowd already accustomed to greatness and their fellow musicians on stage, Stuie and Camille realized dreams that had begun in grade school.
Stuie grew up in Tasmania. He felt drawn to the guitar and his father and big brother’s old Johnny Cash records. “The guitar was so prominent and dominant on those records that I just wanted to learn it,” Stuie says. “We had an old Yahama acoustic guitar. Then in the mid-70s, my brother went and bought me an electric. He was a mechanic and didn’t have much money, but he bought me a guitar.”
Stuie became a monster player with chops that sublimely meld the virtuosity and instinct of jazz with the clear tone and restraint of American hillbilly roots music. Also a fine singer, his vocals nod to the gentle ease of Western swing greats such as Tommy Duncan. Stuie’s prodigious skill led to high-profile sideman gigs with Australia’s top touring artists, as well as recognition from his own heroes including Tommy Emmanuel, who asked Stuie to serve as a tutor at the Tommy Emmanuel Guitar Camp Australia, and Les Paul, who invited Stuie on stage to play with him in New York. Stuie also toured and jammed with his idol Merle Haggard on the latter’s Australian tour as a member of the opening band.
Camille, née Camille Te Nahu, was raised in New Zealand. A Maori whose mother was also part Samoan, Camille grew up immersed in a tight-knit familial culture that encouraged singing and dancing. Her voice, somehow both crisply expressive and immeasurably rich and smooth, can sit back to soothe in a pocket before jumping out to thrill. “I fell in love with country music,” Camille says. “From a very early age, I just knew it was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.” Camille made her way to Australia, where gigs as a backup vocalist for established greats including Kasey Chambers family soon followed. She never forgot her roots––and they never forgot her. Years later, New Zealand television series Unsung Heroes of Maori Musicwould devote an entire episode to Camille.
Stuie and Camile toured as sidemen for top Australian acts and often opened those shows together for two years before deciding to go out on their own, as a pair. “Once we got together, I always thought he was too good to be in the background––and he thought I was too good to be in the background,” Camille says with a laugh. “So we joined forces just to see where it took us.”
“It’s hard to do on your own,” Stuie adds. “But together, you can.”
While Camille and Stuie first turned heads delivering unforgettable renditions of others’ songs, they found even broader acclaim when they decided to write their own. The first song they wrote together, “Beverly Joy,” pays moving tribute to Stuie’s mother––and instantaneously established them as a songwriting force. They performed the song the same week they wrote it at an intimate show. “Of all the songs we did that night––and we did our best covers––that was the one that brought tears to people’s eyes,” Stuie says. “We didn’t tell anyone it was our song. Afterwards, we said to each other, ‘Wow. We wrote that song. We didn’t tell anyone––they just understood.’” He pauses. “It made me realize that we could write songs.”
Stuie and Camille were right. They were both too good to be buried behind anyone, and together, they’ve proven artistically unstoppable. They’re also parents to three children, but it’s been 16-year-old Sonny who transformed a successful duo into The French Family. “He was about three when he first started singing, and even from that early age, he could sing in pitch,” Camille says. “His timing and pitch were just too good to be true. Then, by the time he was six or seven, he was doing harmony. I’ve made my living as a harmony singer, but I’ve never had anybody who locks in with me quite like he does.”
Camille and Sonny singing together is a joy––a gorgeous throwback to early country’s familial harmonies that also pulses with youth and new energy. Sonny has picked up the guitar as well, and twinning on stage with his father has become the norm. “I love the melodies and the songwriting––and the guitar playing, especially,” Sonny says of classic country music. When asked for a list of his favorite artists, Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, George Jones, and Glen Campbell come to his mind first. The industry has begun to take note: USA Gibson Guitars recently invited Sonny to be part of an international mix of promising young musicians dubbed the Gibson Generation Group (G3).
2023 is off to a great start for The French Family Band with an invitation to make their debut at the Grand Ole Opry this coming spring.
Now performing as The French Family, Camille, Stuie, and Sonny are acclimating to life stateside––deep roots in tow. “I love being able to share our family music with people,” says Camille. “I think people crave it. They come up and tell me how much they love seeing the love among our family and what we do––and I love being able to share that with everybody.”
Stuie agrees, adding, “We hope our music takes people back to a time when the essence of country music was twangy guitars, honest songs, and vocals that tear your heart out.”
Known around Nashville as a “rare talent” (CelebMix), Faren Rachels is one of the hardest working women in Music City. Having played her way through every bar in her college town of Athens, the Sparta, Georgia native turned her sights on Tennessee in 2012. After working side-gig after side-gig, the tenacious firebrand landed a publishing contract that saw her earn cuts Billboard has called “steady, stomping [and] propulsive”. Rachels has also hit the road with country greats Luke Combs, Brantley Gilbert, Willie Nelson, and Dwight Yoakam. “My grandparents loved country… used to take me to concerts,” she recounts, “now I get to tour with some of the artists that they introduced me to.” Rachels’ honest approach to songwriting has landed her credits with luminaries such as Lainey Wilson, Ashland Craft, Chrissy Metz, and many more. “I wanna make music for grown-ass women; real… raw,” she explains, “I wanna make music about things people are actually going through, and not drinking beer 24-7.” Despite having to take a break from touring due to the COVID pandemic, Faren is now poised to impress once again with a string of new releases (produced by Rocky Block and Austin Goodloe) and a rapidly building tour schedule. It’s no wonder her work has been described as “speaking to the universal journey, and struggle, of turning dreams into reality,” (American Songwriter) because Faren Rachels has lived, and thrived, through it all. Faren Rachels EP, 'Cryin' With The Windows Down', is out now!
It takes some folks 10 years to make a name for themselves in Music City, but in the three short years that Drew Parker has lived in Nashville, TN, he has been able to accomplish things he never dreamed were possible.
Coming from a small, unincorporated town of Stewart, Georgia (located in Covington, Georgia), Parker began singing at age 3 in front of small church crowds. Over the years, he began to build his confidence and, at age 14, he decided to pick up a guitar and teach himself how to play songs from his inspirations, such as Keith Whitley, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Travis Tritt, and Alan Jackson. At age 18, he expanded his musical abilities and learned to play piano, both of which he still uses today to craft lyrics and rhymes into songs.
Parker made the move to Nashville, Tennessee in 2015 and signed a publishing deal with RiverHouse/WarnerChappell in September of 2017. He is a co-writer on Luke Combs’ debut platinum record “This Ones For You”, Jake Owen’s single “Homemade” and Luke Combs’ “1,2 Many”.
Aside from his cowboy hat and boots, Drew Parker is the definition of true country. He is genuine, honest, and carries an old soul that resonates with many. He is on the rise and sees no end in sight.
The Kentucky Headhunters are an American country rock and Southern rock band originating in the state of Kentucky. The band's members are Doug Phelps (vocals, bass guitar), Greg Martin (vocals, lead guitar), and brothers Richard Young (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Fred Young (vocals, drums). They were founded in 1968 as Itchy Brother, which consisted of the Young brothers and Martin, along with Anthony Kenney on bass guitar and vocals. Itchy Brother performed together until 1982, with James Harrison replacing Martin from 1973 to 1976. The Youngs and Martin began performing as The Kentucky Headhunters in 1986, adding brothers Ricky Lee Phelps (lead vocals, harmonica) and Doug Phelps (bass guitar, vocals) to the membership.
With the release of their 1989 debut album Pickin' on Nashville via Mercury Records, the band charted four consecutive Top 40 country singles. A second album for Mercury, Electric Barnyard, did not do as well commercially, and the Phelps brothers left after its release to form Brother Phelps. Kenney re-joined and Mark S. Orr took over on lead vocals for 1993's Rave On!! and a compilation album entitled The Best of The Kentucky Headhunters: Still Pickin' before the band exited Mercury. Orr left and Doug Phelps rejoined in 1996 as lead vocalist for the album Stompin' Grounds. He also led on the Audium Entertainment albums Songs from the Grass String Ranch and Soul, as well as Big Boss Man and a second compilation, Flying Under the Radar, on CBuJ Entertainment. After Kenney's departure, Doug once again became the band's bass guitarist by the release of Dixie Lullabies, in 2011.
The Kentucky Headhunters have released ten studio albums, three compilations, and twenty-three singles. Their highest-peaking single is a cover of the Don Gibson song "Oh Lonesome Me," which the band took to number eight on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts in 1990. In addition, the band has won three Country Music Association awards, an Academy of Country Music award, and a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, won in 1990 for Pickin
About Diamond Rio:
Formed in 1989 in Nashville, TN the band consists of Gene Johnson (mandolin, tenor vocals), Jimmy Olander (lead guitar, acoustic guitar, banjo), Brian Prout (drums), Marty Roe (lead vocal), Dan Truman (keyboards), and Dana Williams (bass guitar, baritone vocals).
Diamond Rio’s most recent release I Made It, is their tenth studio album. The title track was co-written by the band’s lead guitarist Jimmy Olander and features 11 new songs. Produced by Olander and Mike Clute, I Made It is available on iTunes and www.diamondrio.com. Diamond Rio signed to Arista Records and in 1991 with the release of “Meet In The Middle” became the first country music group in history to reach No. 1 with a debut single. The band is also known for their hits “How Your Love Makes Me Feel,” “One More Day,” “Beautiful Mess,” “Unbelievable,” “In A Week or Two,” and more. They released their first-ever autobiography, Beautiful Mess: The Story of Diamond Rio on Thomas Nelson in 2009.
The band known for playing every note on every album recently celebrated their 30th Anniversary, has sold more than 10 million albums, won a Grammy Award, a Dove Award, six Vocal Group of the Year wins (CMA and ACM), released two Greatest Hit albums, a live and Christmas project, earned five multi-week no. 1 singles, 22 Top 10 singles, three certified Platinum and five gold albums, released an autobiography – and with zero band member changes. Known for their charity commitments including long-time spokespersons for Big Brothers Big Sisters, the band has raised over $1,000,000.00 for non-profits and received the Minnie Pearl Humanitarian Award.
Website: www.diamondrio.com
Facebook: DiamondRio
Twitter: @DiamondRioBand
Instagram: diamondrioband
MEET THE ISAACS
Multifaceted award-winning group The Isaacs have spent five decades creating the undeniable family harmonies and distinct sound that have made them a favorite among audiences everywhere.
They are currently on tour with country superstar Reba McEntire and writing for their next album project that will take them in the studio this summer with renowned producer-extraordinaire, Dave Cobb.
As matriarch Lily and her three children Ben, Sonya and Becky celebrate their 50th anniversary, the 2021 Grand Ole Opry inductees and Gospel Music Hall of Famers continue to build on the legacy first launched by the family back in 1971, with a newfound excitement and never-waning passion for the music they love to make.
The masterful vocalists, instrumentalists and songwriters are known for their ability to bridge and blend genres, and their sound has led to invites from high-profile contemporaries including Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, Paul Simon and many more to sing on over 50 albums and share many stages across the country.
The group’s origins reach back decades. The Isaacs first started playing on the Grand Ole Opry 30 years ago, and are frequent guests on the weekly show. They play over 100 dates a year for fans around the world, and have performed on prestigious stages like Carnegie Hall, entertained fans at CMA Fest, the "CMA Country Christmas" special and many more.
The much-lauded group has also been nominated and performed on numerous awards shows, including the Grammys, GMA Dove Awards, where they have earned 19 Dove Awards collectively in various categories. They have also won trophies at the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards, the Singing News Fan Awards and the Inspirational Christian Country Awards. Three of their recent projects received consecutive Grammy nominations for “Best Roots Gospel Album” and “Best Roots Gospel Song.”
They often tour internationally, traveling to South Africa, Norway, Holland, Scotland, Ireland, Israel, Canada, the Faroe Islands, and more to bring their musical messages to fans around the globe.
The Isaacs started a non-profit organization called The Isaacs Foundation to bless the less fortunate in America. They have also raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to bless Israel, specifically Holocaust survivors, orphans and “lone” soldiers. They frequently guide hundreds of guests on a pilgrimage to Israel and explore the Holy Land through a unique and exclusive lens.
“Our goal is to use the blessings of all the doors God is opening for us to share the message of hope and love to as many people as we can,” says the family.
Eleven-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson is “one of the greatest country singers of our time,” according to the Washington Post. He is one of only a few people in the history of country music to win two Song of the Year Awards from both the CMA and ACMs.
His 2008 album, That Lonesome Song, was certified platinum for 1 million in sales, and his 2010 ambitious double album, The Guitar Song, received a gold certification. In addition, he won two Song of the Year Trophies, for “Give It Away” and “In Color,” both from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. He has received tremendous praise from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, The Wall Street Journal and other publications, many of which have hailed his albums as masterpieces.
