An article by Johnny Cole, with photos by Stephen “Andy” Anderson
In the spring of this year, the Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival invited me to emcee the inaugural event “Relatives of Nashville Royalty, scheduled for November 8, 2024. Although I have hosted a television show, done radio, and appeared on numerous podcasts, I have yet to do much emceeing of events. This invitation definitely seemed like something I wanted to consider. After a few days, I decided to accept the invitation.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival, with over 200 songwriters participating at multiple venues in the 10-day event envisioned by the festival’s beloved late founder, Joe Gilchrist, an owner of the world-famous Flora-Bama. Located on the Florida-Alabama state line, the Flora-Bama is one of the most famous beach bars in the country and ground zero for the annual festival held each November.
The festival has a long history of featuring many of America’s top songwriters performing their original music. It is, without a doubt, a true utopia for the songwriting community.
Top photo: Mac Walter, Georgette Jones, Bobby Tomberlin, Tess Frizzell, Waylon Payne, Matt Pittman, and Jenni Eddy Jennings performing at the Flora-Bama; above photo: The legendary Flora-Bama, site of the “Relatives of Nashville Royalty” event during the 40th Annual Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival.
I have enjoyed attending the festival to see many of my songwriting friends in previous years, but this was my first time participating. The festival organizers could not have been kinder or more accommodating. Personally, I was very impressed by their generosity.
The event, held on the second evening of the festival, was divided into three songwriter rounds (or sets) that began at 7 p.m. and ended around 11:30 p.m. During the event, a nightly raffle drawing was held, with proceeds going to help a variety of programs kindly administered by the nonprofit Frank Brown International Foundation for Music.
Round one featured three talented songwriters who laid the groundwork for tonight’s theme, beginning with Tony “T-Bone” Montgomery, the nephew of Peanut Montgomery, a man recognized for his work at Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. T-Bone’s uncle has worked with some of the biggest names in the music business, including writing many songs for George Jones.
Mac Walter and T-Bone Montgomery
Seated next to “T-Bone” was Hawkshaw Hawkins, Jr., a songwriter who has written over 500 songs, many of which were recorded by other artists. Hawkins, Jr. is the son of the legendary Grand Ole Opry member Hawkshaw Hawkins and Country Music Hall of Fame star Jean Shepard. Sadly, just a month before young Hawkshaw, Jr. was born, the country music world lost Hawkshaw, Sr. in a fatal plane crash that also took the life of Patsy Cline.
The final songwriter of round one was Matt Lale, a full-time musician from Nashville and the grandson of the great Billy Sherrill, whose contributions to country music are beyond words. Matt’s grandfather co-wrote “Stand by Your Man” with Tammy Wynette, wrote and produced music for Charlie Rich in the 1970s, and produced George Jones’ mega classic “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” Accompanying Matt was Ben Murphy, a bandmate of Matt’s from Nashville.
Round two began with Quinn Loggins, a second-generation singer-songwriter and the son of Dave Loggins. Quinn’s father, a Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, is best known for his 1974 Grammy-nominated song, “Please Come to Boston.” He also wrote songs for various music artists, such as Alabama, The Oak Ridge Boys, Kenny Rogers, and more. In 1980 Loggins also performed “Nobody Loves Me Like You Do” a #1 duet with Anne Murray. Sadly, Quinn’s father passed away earlier this year. Many of Quinn’s family members were in attendance at the Frank Brown Festival.
Quinn Loggins and Ricky Randolph during soundcheck
Ricky Randolph, a talented lifelong musician and songwriter and the son of Mack Vickery, was also featured in round two. Randolf’s father is an inductee of both the Hillbilly Music Hall of Fame and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. Ricky’s father’s songs have been recorded by such familiar names as Jerry Lee Lewis, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and rocker George Thorogood.
The third songwriter in round two was Stephen Hunley, the nephew of country music star Con Hunley, one of country music’s most beloved singers from the 1970s and 1980s. Vince Gill once called Stephen’s uncle “one of the greatest singers ever.” Stephen is also an exceptional songwriter and performer; someone I have recently enjoyed listening to.
The show ended with what at times seemed like a country music reunion due to many connections. The final round began with Georgette Jones, a singer-songwriter and the daughter of George Jones and Tammy Wynette. Georgette’s first single, “Daddy Come Home,” was recorded with her dad when she was only ten years old. In 2010, she recorded a duet with her dad titled “You and Me and Time,” which she co-wrote for him. Georgette authored the 2013 book “The Three of Us: Growing Up with Tammy and George,” which inspired the highly successful 2022 six-part Showtime series “George & Tammy.” Mac Walter accompanied Georgette during this round.
Bobby Tomberlin and Tess Frizzell
Seated next to Georgette was Tess Frizzell, accompanied by Mac Walter. Tess is the daughter of country music star Shelly West and successful singer-songwriter Allen Frizzell. Her grandmother, Dottie West, and uncle, Lefty Frizzell, are both members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Tess’s mother and uncle, David Frizzell, had a huge hit with “You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma” in 1981. Tess is continuing the family’s tradition.
Waylon Payne, the son of country music greats Jody Payne and Sammi Smith, was next. His father was the longtime guitarist in Willie Nelson’s band, The Family, and his mother had a huge 1971 crossover hit with “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” a classic song written by Kris Kristofferson. Waylon was named after his godfather, Waylon Jennings. Not only is Waylon a musician, but he is also an actor, portraying Jerry Lee Lewis in the Oscar-winning biopic “Walk the Line.” Since he did his own vocals on the soundtrack, Waylon got to share in the Grammy Award it won.
The fourth songwriter during the night’s final round was Jenni Eddy Jennings, another fine example of tonight’s theme. She is the daughter of Jessie Colter, who, along with her stepfather, Waylon Jennings, teamed up with friends Willie Nelson and Tompall Glaser to record the 1976 classic Wanted: The Outlaws, the first country music album to be certified platinum. Jenni’s mother also had a hit with “I’m Not Lisa” in 1975. Jenni’s father is the influential guitar legend Duane Eddy, known for the rock ‘n roll instrumental classic “Rebel Rouser.” Jenni was born an Eddy but grew up as a Jennings after her mother married Waylon when she was still a toddler. She has quite literally been around musical greats all her life. Jenni was joined on stage by Matt Pittman, who traveled all the way from Chicago to accompany her.
Three amazing rounds (sets) of music provided a lesson in talented DNA. Everyone involved not only showcased their own music but also honored their well-known family members with incredible stories, further cementing their legacies. As much as it was an enjoyable evening for all in attendance, all who performed enjoyed themselves as well.
I had a great time emceeing this special event and would like to thank the organizers of The Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival. It is an amazing festival that genuinely carries out the vision of Joe Gilchrist.
The beautiful Florida and Alabama Gulf Coast
