Michelle Lee On Air By: Marsha Channell
Artist Spotlight – Adam & Amy Pope
This month, Michelle Lee On Air is sharing insight into a duo that is blending traditional country roots with a heartfelt passion for bluegrass and gospel. With a special sound, Adam and Amy Pope are carving out a unique space in the acoustic music world. From the porches of North Carolina to the hallowed backstage of the Grand Ole Opry, their journey is a testament to faith, family, and the power of a well-told story. Let’s dive in and get to know Adam and Amy Pope a little better, shall we?
As for the roots and early inspirations of both Adam and Amy, they found their voices in the church, though their paths to the stage differed. Adam, a native of Winston-Salem, NC, began writing lyrics at 11 yrs of age and learned guitar on his great-grandfather’s porch. His style was heavily influenced by the “on the nose” storytelling of Johnny Cash and Alan Jackson.
Amy, hailing from Greenbrier, TN, describes herself as a “TN girl” who has been singing since she could talk. While she doesn’t play an instrument, her vocal inspirations include the legendary Dolly Parton and the soulful Alison Krauss.
The duo, Adam and Amy Pope share a deep connection to the Grand Ole Opry. Their most cherished musical memory was standing backstage while Darin and Brooke Aldridge performed “Old Fashioned,” a song Adam co-wrote with Robyn Collins. The song is a true reflection of the couple’s core values.
Another unforgettable moment occurred at a rodeo in Arcadia, FL. With only ten minutes’ notice, they were asked to sing the National Anthem for a crowd of thousands. As Adam and Amy totally knocked it out of the rodeo “so-to-say”, Adam found himself being moved to tears by the patriotic response. And while the crowd of over 3-4 thousand, Amy was found calmly pivoting back into the loving mother she is and wondering if their children needed a snack. Haha, I am betting that Amy was overwhelmed with emotions later that night.
When it comes to writing and recording, Adam admits to being the perfectionist, often driven by a specific vision for each song. Creating songs that paint pictures and shape tunes that portray little movies, Adam strives to have lyrics that are not confusing or boring to their audience/fans. They also credit their producer, Darin Aldridge, for creating a comfortable environment that improves their music while retaining their original vision. Darin also provides great guidance in the aspect of ‘keeping your vision’ of your project.
On the road, you might find them at one of two favorite places – The Bluebird Cafe and/or Music Ranch Montana. Adam loves The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, TN as it is a true place for finding out if an original song is going to make it or not. It is a place where weaknesses are exposed but at the same time bonds are built. Music Ranch Montana in Livingston, Montana is a beautiful location in Paradise Valley with mountains surrounding it. The owners, Frank and Karen Smith, started it out of pure love for music and the people it draws are the most welcoming people.
Preparing for their set lists for their shows, Adam and Amy’s younger years experiences could partly be the foundation of their plans. Both of them have fond memories of their first music events; Adam seeing John Michael Montgomery perform “Life’s a Dance” at a rodeo at the young age of 8 yrs old and then having the opportunity to take his great grandpa in his very first owned car to see IIIrd Tyme Out at Mount Airy. As for Amy, prior to seeing Garth Brooks as an adult, Amy reflects on her many music events at church with her dad. She still gets a kick out of how her dad referring to the church singings as “sangins”. When you see them live, it is obvious that music is in their blood along with the true meaning of family behind the tunes. Their creative use of words and beautiful sounds are just the icing on the cake.
I asked the two what is the one thing about the bluegrass community that feels like “home” to them. It was very obvious by their words that the “opened arms and welcoming” made them comfortable. From their first experiences of the bluegrass scene in Nashville, TN at The Station Inn and the old Gibson Showcase Bluegrass jams to the writing sessions with many talented songwriters (Bill Whyte, Caroline Owens, Alex Miller and our Ohio native/friend Mark BonDurant, plus many more), Adam and Amy could not ask for a better acceptance into the genre. These opportunities have taken them to Rick Stanley and Donna Ulisse’s pickin’ parties where they were able to meet another one of our Ohio native/friend Jerry Salley. Having the encouraging side of the bluegrass genre, there is also the heart-warming side of the outside community that Adam and Amy experienced with Kody Norris and Mary Rachel. The reach that The Kody Norris Show has with their music and love for community showed in an outing after hours in their hometown following a show – it’s amazing how others opened their stores just for them when they were closed for the day. Thank you to all the people that have started our bluegrass foundation and continue to build and mold our success.
Advice for the new or up and coming artist –
After hanging up on a phone call where a gentlemen told Adam, “Don’t move here. We don’t need another one” – referring to another struggling songwriter delivering pizza, working at gas stations or waiting tables, Adam felt bummed. That feeling was changed when a friend told him, “If you don’t go, you’ll regret it the rest of your life. Who cares what that guy said”. With all that, Adam is not one that loves giving “advice” but he would share that you should do what you’ve got to do. Desperation can be a powerful motivator. You have to be realistic with yourself and understand that it will get hard! It’s more work than play, but if you love it, some of the work will seem more like fun than work.
If Adam and Amy could write a letter to their younger self –
Adam – “I’d tell myself to focus more on honoring God and loving your (my) wife instead of stressing over finances and “the pursuit of happiness”.
Amy – “stop worrying about things you aren’t in control of and can’t change. Just do what you can and do your best to glorify God cause it’s not about you (me) anyway.”
What is your favorite Holiday?
Adam – Christmas for both of us! We just love the nostalgia, the lights, the music, and the anticipation.
Amy – Christmas! As a Christian, it is an important celebration for me and a beautiful reminder of God’s great love for us. Also, I just love the music and memories attached to it.
If you were not part of the music scene, what would you be doing?
Adam– In my day job for the last decade I’ve been a tour guide in Nashville. I also have my own business where I take folks on Private trips to Memphis to experience Sun Studio and Graceland. So, if I wasn’t playing music, I would be more full-time doing music history tours, still talking about the things I love!
Amy – Being a mom. I’m blessed to get to be a homeschool mom and a singer and that’s my dream come true. It’s not always easy, but I feel so grateful to get to do both.
Do you have a hobby outside of music?
Adam – Following the NFL and the NBA. I love sports, the stories, podcasts, etc.
Amy – I enjoy hiking and being outside in nature.
What is your favorite superhero?
Adam –I was homeschooled in the 90s, when it wasn’t cool! We lived in a very conservative, Christian home where I was sheltered. I was in my early 20s before I ever saw the Rocky movies. When I finally did, WOW… I was blown away. Rocky Balboa is a superhero to me.
Also, I could say a real-life superhero of mine was Elvis Presley… he wore a cape, so he counts! In all seriousness, it’s like a superpower to be able to cause a whole room of people to forget all their problems and get swept up in the power of music and art. Elvis was one of a kind who could do that with his magnetism, charisma, his amazing band, and his own raw talent. That makes him a superhero to me.
What is your favorite kind of Ice Cream?
Adam – Chocolate. Just chocolate.
Amy – Banana pudding or anything peanut butter related. I really like peanut butter banana Milkshakes.
What is your favorite snack food for the road?
Adam – Hatcher Dairy Farms Jumping Jimmy Chocolate Milk/Energy drink. I’m addicted.
Amy – Probably cheese puffs of some kind.
What is your favorite sport and team?
Adam – #1 is NBA Basketball, a close #2 is NFL football. I’m not sure why, but I follow players more than teams. I watch sports to spot the inspirational stories that are playing out in real time. I don’t like to get mad every week when the Titans keep losing. I ain’t got time for that!
Amy – Our whole family loves basketball so that would probably be our favorite sport. Right now, our son is really into the Pacers and Lakers, so I’ve seen a lot of their games lately. But I don’t get into it as much as Adam and Avery (our son).
What is your favorite movie line?
Adam – “It’s not how hard you can hit… it’s how hard you can GET hit and keep moving forward. That’s how winnin’ is done!” – Rocky Balboa
Amy – “Beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it’s the middle that counts the most.” – Hope Floats
Faith and Future
For Adam and Amy, music is more than just entertainment; it is an expression of their faith. Whether they are performing secular country tunes or traditional gospel, their goal is to lift spirits and glorify God.
Fans can look forward to a series of new singles releasing throughout the spring and summer, including an original gospel song “Hallelujah Anyway,” which features Amy on lead vocals and released on Good Friday.
The new releases are from co-writes that Adam had with Bill Whyte, Mike Astrachan and Robyn Collins. Make sure you all keep your eyes open and ears ready for music coming from this Independent acoustic Duo, Adam and Amy Pope.
You can grab merch from their website – www.adamandamypope.com