Charles Kelley (Lady A)

It’s not often you get to interview the person that inspired you to make Country music, but this week Ben does exactly that! Lady A opened his ears to the kind of country music Ben wanted to make, and their co-lead vocalist Charles Kelley joins him today.

Charles takes us to all the important places in his life; from the golf courses of Augusta and the pharmacy where he met James Brown, to his swampy college party hangout in Athens where the early foundations of the band were laid, to the venue where they first performed in Nashville.

He tells us all about how much has changed in Music City since he started out in music, and fondly remembers the pure optimism he felt when the band first formed. Charles explains how the pressure to build on their numerous number ones contributed to his problematic relationship with alcohol, and how he has shed the fear of failure since getting sober - resulting in an ambitious and joyous new album, Songs For A New Moon. 

If you want to get better acquainted with the songs mentioned in this episode, head to Spotify for the Country Roads Podcast Playlist and hit save. You can also follow us on Instagram @countryroadspod and subscribe to our Youtube channel for full length videos and bonus content. 

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