This week on Here’s What We Know, join us for a heartfelt conversation with country music icon Lacy J. Dalton. She’s the legendary voice behind hits like “Crazy Blue Eyes,” “16th Avenue,” and “Black Coffee.” We’ll explore what drives Lacy beyond her fame, delving into her desire for a real connection through music. She reflects on themes of authenticity, legacy, and personal growth, sharing intimate details about her enduring musical journey since 1976.
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In this Episode:
- Lacy’s Start: A look back at how Lacy began her career in 1976.
- Unique Sound: Recognition of how distinct “Black Coffee” was upon release.
- Songwriting Partnerships: Her work with Even Stevens and Hillary Kanter who also wrote hits for Eddie Rabbitt and Kenny Rogers.
- Industry Struggles: Discussing obstacles such as being considered too old in the industry and battles to promote her music despite setbacks from label changes.
- The success of Black Coffee: Despite initial resistance, it became an international dance hit outselling major artists like Michael Bolton at launch.
- Musical Influences & Mentors: Remembering interactions with legends like Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and George Jones.
- Musical Authenticity: The importance of bringing genuine emotion to performances without over-singing or losing connection with listeners.
Quotations:
“In the old days, the fans stayed with you forever.” ~ Lacy J. Dalton
“Those little great things are the problem, they’re like alien beings in our head.” ~ Lacy J. Dalton
“You can tell an old soldier by the look in his eyes. It’s almost like some of us attain some kind of consciousness of being very solidly and comfortably who we are. And it may be that we may not be the most ordinary people. We may be different in a lot of ways.” ~ Lacy J. Dalton
“I’ve always tried to bring as much of my authentic self to my singing and to my performing as I can.” ~ Lacy J. Dalton
“When I’m there, I want to be 100% there with you. I want to, but it’s not about, stardom was never the thing for me. It’s about the kind of communication that you can have with an audience that will uplift you and uplift them, and where people can feel some joy and feel some connection and get some inspiration to keep going. This is not an easy world.” ~ Lacy J. Dalton
“The music is actually a tool for me.” ~ Lacy J. Dalton
“When I’m gone from this world, I hope they will say that I did walk my talk because my word is very important to me.” ~ Lacy J. Dalton
“You can have all kinds of money and fame and power, and that’s great. But the connection that you have with an audience when you really connect with them, that’s really where it is.” ~ Lacy J. Dalton
“We just need each other. We truly do and we need to learn how to build bridges. We need to learn how to build bridges, meet in the middle, and listen to each other.” ~ Lacy J. Dalton
“Let’s all learn to listen better to the people on the other side.” ~ Lacy J. Dalton
Bio:
Lacy J. Dalton is a renowned American country singer and songwriter. Known as “Country’s Bonnie Raitt,” her soulful, gritty voice has captivated audiences for decades. She gained fame in 1979 with her hit “Crazy Blue Eyes” and won the ACM’s Top New Female Vocalist award.
Lacy’s career highlights include touring with legends like Hank Williams Jr. and Willie Nelson, receiving Grammy nominations, and collaborating with Willie Nelson on his platinum album Half Nelson. She transitioned to the Americana genre, founding her label, Song Dog Records, and releasing several albums.
Beyond music, Lacy co-founded the Let ’em Run Foundation, dedicated to rescuing wild horses, and taught songwriting to inmates through the William James Arts in Corrections program. She’s also an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Reno, contributing to their fundraising efforts with her music.
Guest Contact Info:
Website: https://www.lacyjdalton.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lacyjdalton/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lacyjdalton/
X: https://twitter.com/LacyJDalton