Artist Spotlight – Kristy Cox

By: Marsha Channell

This month I am going to take you over water and as many say, “down under” to learn more about our April Artist Spotlight, Kristy Cox. Listening to Kristy Cox on the radio or album, many would think that she is another Nashville artist. As most of that is true, you would notice a little accent when you actually speak with her. While Kristy has been a resident of Nashville, TN for over ten years, she always considers Australia her number one home. Making a home in Nashville, TN, was the opportunity that Kristy always pledged to never pass up because of the possibility of regretting it later in life. She always tried to take every opportunity that could increase the chance of living out her dream of becoming a singer.

Coming from a country that is about a twelfth the size of the US in population, it was a big move but one that Kristy did not want to ever regret. Kristy doesn’t remember ever being star struck but the time Kristy met Emmylou Harris (American singer, songwriter and musician), she just had to make sure she got a photo with her. You see, Kristy was always taught that famous people are just people too and should always be treated with kindness, respect and no different than any other person as it might make them feel uncomfortable. Kristy has always seen her parents as inspiration with their morals and their strong work ethic. It was an excellent example of how “with hard work, you can achieve anything” can actually happen. The strong foundation that Kristy developed has only strengthened over the years through hard work and surrounding herself with people that believe in her and continue to inspire her on a daily basis.

When I asked who her musical inspirational person was/is, Kristy responded with Rhonda Vincent (American bluegrass singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist), the “Queen of Bluegrass”, as one of the artists she grew up admiring. Kristy also stated, “That woman is a powerhouse” and honestly, who could disagree! Then I asked, if there was a way to travel back in time or bring a former artist/icon (that has passed) back, who would you like to talk with and learn from? It didn’t take but a minute to answer, Kristy would love to sit down with Freddie Mercury (British singer, songwriter, pianist and global icon lead singer of Queen) and absorb everything and anything he could teach/tell. These two artists may be the ones mentioned but there are many that she looks up to and admires. Ironically, Kristy learned the importance of entertainment during a show from an AC/DC concert.

Kristy grew up in Mount Barker, South Australia. Mount Barker, SA is the largest town in the Adelaide Hills and considered one of the safest towns in all of Australia. The town has a charming main street notable for its historic buildings, cafes, and restaurants surrounded by vineyards and farming. The first brick building that was built in 1856 as a cottage and is now being used as a café. Another building that was built in 1873 is now the town’s bakery. These two and many other buildings still being used demonstrates the excellent level of brick craftsmanship and design. Along with historical buildings, there are many beautiful trails that go for miles and give you views that you will never forget.

At the early age of 12 yrs old, Kristy decided to pick up the guitar so she could learn to sing new songs and start writing songs. During her high school years Kristy played the bass. For as long as she can remember, Kristy has had dreams of singing on the CMA Awards in Australia and being nominated for a Golden Guitar. Note, in Australia, the Country Music Awards (CMA) are similar to the CMA’s here in the states, but the actual awards are called Golden Guitars.

Having those small town, young girl dreams “down under”, Kristy turned those dreams into reality by starting to pound the music pavement in the early 2000’s. Through continued hard work and dedication, Kristy was able to cross off one of her ultimate dreams by receiving the invitation and honor of playing on the 2013 Country Music Awards of Australia stage during the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Two years after that Kristy received her first Golden Guitar Award for Bluegrass Recording of the Year in 2015 for “One Heartbreak Away”. Since 2013, Kristy has truly been blessed with the opportunities of playing on the CMA stage in Australia a handful of times, being nominated for multiple awards, inducted into the Australian Country Music Hands of Fame (2023) and winning a total of seven Golden Guitar Awards as of 2025. Winning the 2025 Bluegrass Recording of the Year for “Let It Burn” reminded her of how incredibly blessed she is and gave the reassurance that she is doing what she was meant to do.

None of this recognition could have been possible without all the love and support that Kristy gets from her Australian fans that follow “down under” and here in the states, state-side fans, all the broadcasters that give the music airtime, her record labels and etc. With the success and recognition by all her fans in Australia, Kristy has been given the name “Australia’s Queen of Bluegrass”. It is an exciting time to be within the Bluegrass scene in Australia as they, a country, are still discovering what the genre is all about and they are absolutely loving it!

All the excitement of new love for bluegrass music and becoming more known over here in the states, Kristy has one big dream, wish, hope or whatever you want to call it to cross off. It is something that many artists in the country and/or bluegrass genre always dream about. Kristy Cox would be completely ecstatic and HONORED to play at the Grand Ole Opry and stand in the circle that many of her idols/mentors have stood and performed in.

Until she makes her Grand Ole Opry debut, Kristy will be working hard to continue producing top notch bluegrass music and striving to reach all her music goals and dreams. Kristy Cox and her band Grasstime will be heading overseas in May to play in Netherlands, Germany, Czechia, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

Rapid fire questions –

What is your favorite Holiday and why? Christmas, my parents always made it a huge deal and it was always filled with the best family memories.

If you were not part of the music scene, what would you be doing? Would likely be a lawyer and using my Law Degree. Haha!

What is your favorite superhero? Thor of course… he is an Aussie, Haha!

What is your favorite sport and team? Aussie football – Adelaide Crows Football team

What your favorite kind of ice cream? Rum and Raisin

What is your favorite snack food on the road? Lara Bars or cashews

Do you have a hobby outside of music? I love to walk and hike trails.

What is your favorite movie line? “Ya get er done yet?” from “Sweet Home Alabama”

Announcements:

* Keep your eyes and ears open and focused on Kristy Cox through social media because they are working on a new gospel album that will be released later this year.

* If you haven’t checked out her latest album “Let It Burn”, make sure you do. The album is excellent!

* Newest music video released – “Front Porch of Paradise”. You can watch it right here on michelleleeonair.com (home page)

Record Label – Billy Blue Records

Latest Album released – Let It Burn

Make sure to check out Kristy Cox’s website for music, merchandise and tour schedule – www.kristycox.com