She was named after a country legend (Tammy Wynette) because her mother liked the sound of it.
Now Tammy Wynette Graham is on her way to making a name for herself in country music.
Her debut CD, simply titled Tammy Graham (Career/Arista Records) is winning fans the world over.
Tammy Graham spoke with us about her life in music.
Q – In looking at the credits listed on the inside of your CD, there are a lot of people who were involved in the recording of this project. Besides the musicians and producer, how many people did it take to put this together?
A – If I had to kind of guess, I’d say 50. It takes a lot of teamwork. You can’t do it by yourself. That’s for sure.
Q – I’m sure most people do not realize how much effort goes into the recording of a CD.
A – You know, a lot of people think the singer is like the star, and the main, important thing. But you know, you think about it, and it’s all teamwork. You couldn’t make the record without the producer. You can’t make it without the engineer. You can’t make it without the people who hired you, the label, and the people who work for the label. And for sure, you can’t do it without the fans. The way I look at it, people think I have a talent, and I’m so grateful, and I thank ‘em. I think God gave me a talent and I use it for Him, and I use it to make fans happy. That’s my whole goal. No singer would be where they are without the fans.
Q – Only problem is, the fans don’t have the power to give the singer a record deal.
A – Sure enough. There’s always other people.
Q – What’s the hit song off this CD? What song is getting the most airplay?
A – Right now, my single that’s out, on’ the radio, “A Dozen Red Roses.” It’s 38 in Billboard, and 31 in R and R. S0, it’s doing really good there. It’s the sixth top selling single. My next single is “Cool Water.” It’s more of a summer[y], feel good song, laid-back, sexy.
Q – How long did it take you to record this CD?
A – It took about two weeks.
Q – Were you as comfortable in the studio as you are on stage?
A – No. I’m more comfortable on stage.
Q – Am I correct in saying, that when you were recording, the lights had to be dimmed in the studio, so it would resemble more of a stage environment?
A – Yeah. I like it like that. I love an intimate setting anyway. Being with all the lights off, I just feel more comfortable.
Q – Do you write? Why didn’t I see any of your songs on this CD?
A – I do write. I used to write, but I haven’t written in a long time. By no means do I consider myself a professional writer. Maybe somedayl would love to write with a professional writer, and see if I have potential. I’d like to do that someday, ‘cause I’m gonna be doing a lot of traveling. I’m startin’ now and I’ll have a lot of spare time. (Laughs.)
Q – How do you explain the fact that at 3 you were teaching yourself piano? Was that something that came naturally to you?
A – Yeah.
Q – You don’t know where that came from?
A – I think up above. I can’t remember not playing the piano. It’s something that just happened. I loved the piano, so much.
Q – Your parents have been very supportive of your career. What did they do for a living that allowed them to just pack up their belongings and move around the country?
A – My mom was a housewife. She had four kids. I was the baby of the four. My daddy was a plumber. Until I was 10 years old, we lived in Arkansas. My daddy closed down his business. They sold their home, and we moved to Tennessee. I went on the road traveling then. I did a thing in Nashville, Music Row, with Wally Fowler for two and a half years. Then, me and my mommy and daddy went on the road with a three piece band, pulling a U-Haul behind an old Lincoln Continental. So we just worked to try and make a living.
Q – Did you like Nashville the first time you arrived in the city?
A – I loved it more than anything. I love it so much. I would like to move back there someday. I would like to have a big farm.
Q – After Nashville, you moved to Las Vegas. Did you like the change? That’s quite a difference, isn’t it?
A – Yeah. At first it was scary. I was only 17. It was scary that we couldn’t find work right at first. It was scary that I had to be 21, but a couple places did hire me, but, I had to stay back in the storage room, ’til it was time for me to go back on stage.
Q – Because your middle name is Wynette, do people assume you’re related to Tammy Wynette?
A – No. I’ve never been asked that. I’ve been asked. more if I’m related to Billy Graham. (Laughs.)
Q – I didn’t think of that.
A – I’ve never been asked if I’m kin to Tammy Wynette, but I’m not.
Q – Have you ever met Tammy Wynette?
A – Never, but I would love to. The label is trying to set it up so I can meet her. That would just be an honor. Man, I’d love that so much. My mommy and daddy did name me after her, when her first single came out.
Q – So, what’s next?
A – I’ll be going to Japan for a week. After that, I’m flying to Nashville and leaving on a bus with my musicians for a Wal-Mart tour.
Q – A Wal-Mart tour? What’s that? You play in Wal-Mart stores?
A – Yeah. I’m gonna be with Perry Oyster. They’re gonna be with us on another bus of course. After that I’m gonna be on Prime ‘1‘ime Country. Then I’m doing a golf tournament where all the stars play golf. Then, after that I have Fan Fair for a week. Then after the Fan Fair, all the stars are playing baseball, and I’m doing that. After that I come back to Caesar’s for two weeks. Then, I leave for Brazil. I’m gonna open up for Billy Ray Cyrus.
