On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with the extraordinary Wendy Moten for a conversation about longevity, versatility, professionalism, and the many different ways a singer can build a meaningful life in music. Wendy has one of those careers that musicians know and revere: a major-label artist in the 1990s, a world-class touring vocalist, a sought-after session singer, a member of the Grammy-winning Time Jumpers, a regular performer on the Grand Ole Opry, and, more recently, a powerful presence for a new generation of listeners through The Voice. What struck me most in this conversation is how clearly she understands her craft, her purpose, and the discipline required to sustain both. We begin by talking about the busy season she is in now, balancing solo work, sessions, weekly performances with the Time Jumpers, and another major tour with Vince Gill. Wendy shares the story of how Vince first called her out of the blue after her run with Martina McBride had ended, and how that invitation opened an entirely new chapter in her career. From there, we get into what she calls her “version of country music,” and how she found it not by imitating the genre, but by studying its history, listening closely, and finding an authentic way to bring herself into the tradition. One of my favorite parts of the conversation centers on harmony singing and what it really means to support another artist. Wendy talks beautifully about what she learned during 15 years as Julio Iglesias’s duet partner, including how to listen, how to match breath and phrasing, how to stay out of the way, and how to make someone else sound even better. She says she was “getting paid for self-control,” which is one of the best descriptions of professional background singing I have ever heard. That whole section of the conversation is full of insight for anyone who cares about what it means to serve the music at a very high level. We also talk about church, family, and the support system that made her life in music possible. Wendy reflects on growing up in Memphis, singing in church, and learning early how to stand in front of people, even when she was shy and uncomfortable. She shares how much her parents sacrificed to create opportunities for her and her siblings, and how much those sacrifices still mean to her now. We also spend time talking about her Grand Ole Opry appearances, including the emotion of making her Opry debut without her parents there to see it, and the significance of standing on that stage as a Black woman in a space where history has not always made room for everyone. Along the way, we get into her years at EMI, the pressure to be shaped into whatever version of success the label wanted at the time, and the freedom she eventually found by building a career outside the usual boxes. Wendy talks openly about not needing fame in the conventional sense, about loving the role of underdog, and about continuing to surprise people. This is a conversation about singing, certainly, but also about resilience, humility, excellence, and how to remain generous and grounded across four decades in music. Key Takeaways Wendy Moten reflects on building a career across pop, country, jazz, Americana, sessions, television, and touring without being confined to one lane.She shares how 15 years with Julio Iglesias taught her phrasing, breath, dynamics, communication, and the art of listening more deeply.Wendy talks about singing with Vince Gill and the Time Jumpers, and how she developed her own authentic relationship to country music.She offers a sharp and memorable perspective on background vocals: great harmony singing requires self-control, consistency, and leaving your ego at home.The conversation explores how the church shaped her confidence, artistry, and ability to recover from mistakes in front of an audience.Wendy also reflects on The Voice, why she chose to do it, and how it introduced her to a new audience without diminishing everything that came before it.We discuss the Grand Ole Opry, the emotional weight of her debut, and the significance of taking up space in a tradition that has not always been inclusive.Music from the Episode Ode to Billy Joe - Wendy MotenDon't Touch Me - Wendy MotenDriving Nails in My Coffin - Wendy MotenFaithless Love - Wendy Moten (with Vince Gill)About the Podcast The Bandwich Tapes is a podcast where I sit down with musicians, singers, songwriters, producers, and creative people for thoughtful conversations about craft, career, collaboration, and the life experiences that shape the music. It is a show about artistry, process, and the human side of a life in music. Connect with the Show contact@thebandwichtapes.com
