Count It Off!

Jeff Dayton
  • 5.0 (12)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Your fresh new window into the world of music thru the eyes of the folks that make it happen

  1. Tommy Williams - Nashville Song Man with the legends

    6D AGO

    Tommy Williams - Nashville Song Man with the legends

    Count It Off – Episode 52: Tommy Williams and the Art of finding and pitching a Hit Song This week we sit down with Nashville song plugger Tommy Williams, whose career traces the evolution of Music Row from a tight-knit neighborhood of converted houses into the global hit-making machine it is today. Tommy takes us back to his entry-level days at EMI Music Publishing, when paying dues meant long hours, couch surfing and house sitting, and learning the instincts that separate good songs from timeless ones. From those early publishing rooms, he rose to represent and champion major hits—including the era-defining smash I Swear, famously recorded by John Michael Montgomery and later crossing over by All-4-One. Tommy reflects on working with emerging artists who would go on to become superstars, including Faith Hill and Trisha Yearwood in their early days, as well as icons like Emmylou Harris and Wynonna Judd. But beyond the name-dropping and nostalgia, this episode dives deep into the craft. Tommy breaks down how he discerns a hit—what he listens for in a demo, how lyric and melody must lock together, and why emotional truth always outlasts trend. He shares the gut-check moments, the near-misses, and the songs that almost didn’t make it. For anyone fascinated by songwriting, publishing, or the business behind the music, this is a masterclass in instinct, persistence, and the magic that happens when the right song finds the right voice. Highly recommended.

    42 min
  2. Scottie Miller - Road to the Grammys with Ruthie Foster and jazz fused with poetry

    FEB 24

    Scottie Miller - Road to the Grammys with Ruthie Foster and jazz fused with poetry

    Episode 51 of Count It Off welcomes a true musical innovator: Scottie Miller. Best known for his Grammy-winning collaborations with contemporary blues powerhouse Ruthie Foster, Scottie has quite literally toured the world, bringing soul, groove, and fearless musicianship to global stages. But his story goes far deeper than the spotlight. In this episode, we trace Scottie’s evolution from a young sonic explorer fascinated by synthesized sounds to his accelerated jazz studies at Berklee College of Music. We dig into the unexpected influences that shaped his artistic voice—like the restless prose of Jack Kerouac paired with the sharp wit and musicality of Steve Allen—and how literature, improvisation, and curiosity intertwined in his creative DNA. We'll hear some of his most fascinating pieces from his spoken word jazz works too. You'll be amazed like we were. Scottie also shares the story behind his upcoming release, a sweeping collaboration with the Budapest Scoring Orchestra, blending cinematic scope with his signature harmonic depth. From blues stages to symphonic sessions, from late-night philosophy to jazz discipline, Scottie Miller embodies the true Renaissance spirit. This is a conversation about craft, curiosity, collaboration and the human connection—and what it really means to count it off.

    40 min
  3. Dave Pomeroy - Nashville bassist with amazing stories

    FEB 17

    Dave Pomeroy - Nashville bassist with amazing stories

    Count It Off hits a milestone with Episode 50! Welcome... this week we're featuring a true heavyweight of the music world: Dave Pomeroy. With credits on more than 500 albums and decades of road stories, Dave brings a deep well of experience from touring and recording with icons like Steve Winwood, Emmylou Harris, Keith Whitley, Vince Gill, and Chet Atkins. From unforgettable sessions to life on the tour bus, Dave shares behind-the-scenes moments that shaped his career and helped define the Nashville sound for generations. Beyond the stories, Dave reflects on the hard-earned wisdom he’s gathered from legendary artists—lessons about professionalism, feel, tone, listening, and longevity. As President of the Nashville Musicians Association, he also offers an inside look at the evolving landscape of live performance, union advocacy, and what the future holds for working musicians in a rapidly changing industry. It’s a masterclass in musicianship, resilience, and staying relevant—Episode 50 is one you don’t want to miss.

    37 min
  4. Kevin Bowe - The Journey - writing hits for Etta James, Jonny Lang, Joe Cocker and Skynyrd to hit producer - Ep 49

    FEB 10

    Kevin Bowe - The Journey - writing hits for Etta James, Jonny Lang, Joe Cocker and Skynyrd to hit producer - Ep 49

    On this episode of Count It Off, we talk with Minneapolis-based writer, producer, and musician Kevin Bowe. With songs on three platinum records and two Grammy-winning albums, Kevin has collaborated with The Replacements, Paul Westerberg, Etta James and Lynyrd Skynyrd. He tells us about discovering blues giant Jonny Lang and having his music recorded by Little Steven. His work has over 60 million Spotify streams. Working out of his studio As usual, the stories are the real fun. He's also heard everywhere from The Sopranos to The Blacklist. His dry humor shines through and we share some great laughs along the way. Don't miss this if you're a songwriter or producer. Count It Off!

    47 min
  5. Chandler Marie - Keeping It Real with a fast-rising Nashville star in the making

    FEB 3

    Chandler Marie - Keeping It Real with a fast-rising Nashville star in the making

    Welcome back to Count It Off — Ep. 48 Today we’re sitting down with Chandler Marie, an authentic country singer and songwriter from Georgia who’s been recording and calling Nashville home for the past five years. Her songs are sharp, intentional, and beautifully crafted, and her production is absolutely top shelf. Beyond the talent, Chandler brings a real sense of poise to everything she does — the kind that comes from knowing your voice and trusting it. We talk songwriting, the Nashville grind, and what it takes to make music that actually feels like you. Let’s count it off.

    37 min
  6. Ice Storm Story Time - Great Memories from the White House and a career full of great artists along the way

    JAN 27

    Ice Storm Story Time - Great Memories from the White House and a career full of great artists along the way

    Count It Off – Ep. 47: Stories from the Road with some Great Artists It’s story time this week on Count It Off. An ice storm in Nashville threw us a major curveball and pushed our next guests back a week, so we’re digging into the vault and sharing a few favorite road memories instead. From playing a black tie show on guitar with Willie Nelson, to lighting up a cigar with Michael Jackson’s legendary manager Frank DiLeo, to the high-wire act of trying to remember all 14 verses of Marty Robbins’ El Paso with the Gatlin Brothers—this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes moments, close calls, and musical mayhem. Love Toby Keith? Beach Boys? Dionne Warwick? Bo Diddley? These are the stories of my time with them. Got a story of your own or want to chime in? Email us at radiojeffro@gmail.com or drop a post on the Count It Off Podcast page on Facebook. Pull up a chair—this one’s all about the tales you only hear when the mics are already rolling. 🎸🎶

    37 min
  7. Marcia Ramirez - Rodney Crowell to Patty Loveless to Christopher Cross and more

    JAN 20

    Marcia Ramirez - Rodney Crowell to Patty Loveless to Christopher Cross and more

    Episode 46: Marcia Ramirez — Songs, Stories & Life on the Road In this episode, we sit down with Marcia Ramirez, an accomplished songwriter and touring musician whose career has taken her across stages with some of music’s most respected artists, including Rodney Crowell, Pam Tillis, Christopher Cross, and Patty Loveless. Marcia shares behind-the-scenes stories from the road, insights into the craft of songwriting, and the lessons she’s learned working alongside legends. From the creative process to the realities of touring, this conversation dives deep into what it truly means to build a lasting life in music. Whether you’re a songwriter, a music fan, or someone who loves hearing real stories from the road, this episode is packed with inspiration, honesty, and heart. 🎙️ Tune in to hear how Marcia Ramirez continues to shape songs, careers, and moments that matter.

    1h 4m
  8. Matt Stell - Chart topping country artist, Grand Ole Opry star and Red Dirt poet

    JAN 13

    Matt Stell - Chart topping country artist, Grand Ole Opry star and Red Dirt poet

    Count It Off Ep 45 - Matt Stell Country hitmaker Matt Stell joins the podcast to talk about the road from small-town beginnings to landing two #1 Billboard hits. He shares the stories behind his biggest songs, playing the Opry, the lessons learned chasing success in Nashville, and what’s next in his evolving music journey. A candid conversation about grit, growth, and staying true to your sound. 🎙️🎶

    49 min
See All (52)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Your fresh new window into the world of music thru the eyes of the folks that make it happen

Information

  • Creator
    Jeff Dayton
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Count It Off!

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