Singer/Songwriter Showcase

Published 8:00 am Monday, November 18, 2013

Immersed in the creative world of what is known as “the songwriting capitol of the world,” 80’s music maven Kim Carnes moved to Music City in 1994 and ever since has been dubbed “one of Nashville’s most revered writers and gifted artistic talents.”

Showcasing her songwriting talents Carnes and her other music loving songsters (Richie McDonald, Greg Barnhill and Bryan White) are excited to share their stories of beloved songs like Bette Davis Eyes, The Heart Won’t Lie, Don’t Fall In Love With A Dreamer and Make No Mistake She’s Mine at The Heart Behind the Music Songwriter’s Showcase next Friday, November 22 at 7 p.m. at The Ritz Theatre in the historic Talladega Square.

Learning valuable life lessons throughout her over three decades career (that’s still going strong) Carnes has crafted a distinct sound laying down raspy vocals that only a self confident and motivated songstress can do.

“In this business you have to be beyond passionate about your music and never waver in your goal,” Carnes said. “Keep a positive attitude and the sky’s the limit.”

Carnes hit the top of the charts after five years in the business. During that time she said she never wavered and stayed steadfast with her plan to make it in music.

“It never entered my mind that this wasn’t what I was supposed to be doing,” said Carnes. “In the early days I sang demos for other songwriters. It was a great way to make connections.”

Achievement for Carnes doesn’t come from glitz and glamour but by receiving the reward of doing what she loves.

“Success is really doing what you love and making a living at it. There’s no timetable. For every artist it happens so differently. You just have to be totally committed.”

Songwriting for Kim comes in all different forms whether it be like Crazy in the Night which came about from an experience with one of her sons or Make No Mistake with Barbara Streisand Carnes crafts songs when inspiration hits, which is not necessarily on schedule.

“I was extremely flattered to hear from Barbara Streisand. An hour later I sat down at the piano and the song just poured out. It wrote itself. I demoed it the next day and it was on her Streisand Superman album.”

Make No Mistake is Carnes gift that keeps on giving because a year after Streisand recorded it country legends Kenny Rogers and Ronnie Milsap recorded it too, it went to number one and they won a Grammy for it.

“Those are the ones were you say, ‘Wow,’ I want more of that!”

Enjoying her transition from Hollywood to Nashville, Kim says the town’s just infectious.

“The talent in this town between the songwriters, musicians and artists is electrifying. It’s much easier to connect. Everybody pulls for everybody else. The mindset here is somebody else’s success is good for Nashville and all of us.”

Honored to interact and live among a great community of writers who Carnes says are just trying to make it, she says the music scene in Music City is very much a live.

Trying to recall her first concert, Carnes says it was either Bob Dylan or The Rolling Stones.

What she distinctly remembers is the first time she heard one of her songs in public.

“It was You’re A Part of Me and I was in an elevator.”

Some of her favorite songs and moments in her career have been Make No Mistake, Don’t Fall In Love With A Dreamer and writing Kenny Rogers concept album—Gideon.

“We wrote an entire album about Gideon Tanner’s life. At first it was daunting, but now I’m so proud. The whole process was wonderful. It was an amazing project.”

Sharing the stage next Friday night with longtime friend and musical comrade, Greg Barnhill, Kim and Greg penned You Don’t Love Me Anymore for Tim McGraw.

“We just said, ‘wow.’ We thought it was magical.”

Looking forward to igniting sparks at The Heart Behind the Music Songwriter’s Showcase, Carnes is excited for the audience to experience the energy she and Barnhill have created in their over 20 years of performing together.

“You’ll see the bond that we have together on stage. Greg and I breathe at the same time and can read each other’s minds when we’re singing together. I’m such a huge fan of his. I think he’s one of the most talented people on the planet.”

Eager to perform alongside Richie McDonald and Bryan White as well, Carnes said, “It’s going to an awesome night.”

Carnes invites music lovers throughout St. Clair County, Talladega and beyond to come experience a night of true inspiration at The Heart Behind the Music Songwriter’s Showcase.

“The audience will hear where I think songs should truly come from—the deepest part of your heart.”

For tickets visit www.ritztalladega.com or call 256-315-0000.