The Hook with Johni & Jess

Front Porch Soul & Backstage Stories with Steve Bassett

Send Johni & Jess a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2596593/fan_mail/new] From front porch soul to backstage stories with music legends, this episode of The Hook with Johni & Jess takes listeners deep into the extraordinary life and career of Virginia music icon Steve Bassett. Steve joins Johni and Jess for a candid, funny, and deeply personal conversation about the moments that shaped his journey—from Richmond clubs and The Hazards to the legendary rooms of New York, Muscle Shoals, and beyond. Along the way, he shares unforgettable stories about crossing paths with names like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, B.B. King, Dr. John, Paul Shaffer, Doc Pomus, Jerry Wexler, and Delbert McClinton—and what it was really like being there while music history was unfolding around him. The episode dives into Steve’s memoir Sing Loud, the life-changing moment John Hammond Sr. told him, “I’ve never heard a white man sing like that,” and the winding road that eventually led to co-writing Sweet Virginia Breeze—the official state song of Virginia. But more than anything, this episode is about soul. About music as identity. About the unexpected pivots, wild stories, love, longevity, and learning how to build a life inside an industry that rarely slows down. Raw, reflective, hilarious, and packed with incredible behind-the-scenes stories, this is one of those conversations that reminds you why longform interviews matter. Once you’re hooked… there’s no going back. To learn more about Steve, visit Steve Bassett Music [https://www.stevebassettmusic.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] and follow him on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/steve.bassett.31?utm_source=chatgpt.com]. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2596593/support] Thank you for listening to The Hook with Johni & Jess. This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed. Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at:  https://www.johniandjess.com [ https://www.johniandjess.com] Follow The Hook on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252 [ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook. The Hook with Johni & Jess — where passion begins with a moment.

Dead Armadillos & Cosmic Energy with Mary McNeill & Fluffy

Send Johni & Jess a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2596593/fan_mail/new] On this episode of The Hook with Johni & Jess, we sit down with visual artist Mary McNeill and music industry veteran Fluffy for a conversation that refuses to stay in one lane—in the best way. Behind the scenes, they serve as Band Manager (Mary) and Tour Manager (Fluffy) for Tim Reynolds and TR3 [https://www.timreynolds.com/tr3/], bringing the music to life far beyond the stage. From the raw and unexpected to the deeply spiritual, this episode dives into how creativity actually shows up in real life… not polished, not perfect, but built through experience, loss, reinvention, and everything in between. Mary pulls us into her imaginative, almost otherworldly artistic space—where emotion, energy, and meaning live just beneath the surface. At the same time, Fluffy brings the stories most people never hear—the long nights, the road, the chaos, and the reality of what it takes to keep the music going. Because every song you hear has a story—and a crew behind it grinding to make it happen. In this episode, you hear from two of those people—the ones in the vans, backstage, and behind the curtain. The ones carrying the weight, solving the problems, and keeping the show alive when no one’s watching. Together, we get into the energy that connects it all—the seen, the unseen, and the moments that shape who we become as creators and as people. To explore more of Mary’s work, visit: https://marymcneillart.com/ [https://marymcneillart.com/]  You can follow Mary on social media at: FB at www.facebook.com/mary.mcneill.737 [https://www.facebook.com/mary.mcneill.737]  IG at https://www.instagram.com/marymcneillart/ [https://www.instagram.com/marymcneillart/] Follow Fluffy on IG at www.instagram.com/fluffysucks [https://www.instagram.com/fluffysucks/] This one’s a little gritty, a little cosmic… and exactly what The Hook is all about. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2596593/support] Thank you for listening to The Hook with Johni & Jess. This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed. Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at:  https://www.johniandjess.com [ https://www.johniandjess.com] Follow The Hook on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252 [ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook. The Hook with Johni & Jess — where passion begins with a moment.

Part 1 From Buffett to Backroads: A Life in Song with Will Kimbrough

Send Johni & Jess a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2596593/fan_mail/new] On this episode of The Hook with Johni & Jess, we sit down with Grammy-nominated songwriter, producer, and guitarist Will Kimbrough—an artist whose influence runs deep through the fabric of American music. From touring the world to collaborating with legends like Jimmy Buffett, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, and Todd Snider, Will has spent decades shaping songs that resonate far beyond the stage. You may know his work on Buffett’s final album—including the powerful “Bubbles Up”—or through his own deeply personal and masterfully crafted catalog. In Part 1, we dive into where Will is right now—his current projects, creative evolution, and what success, freedom, and fulfillment look like at this stage of his life. We also explore his work with SongwritingWith:Soldiers, helping veterans turn their stories into music, and what it means to create with purpose. This is more than a conversation about music—it’s about growth, legacy, and the moments that shape a life in song. Don’t miss Part 2, where we go deeper into his journey, his work with Jimmy Buffett, and the stories behind the songs. Will's Core Collaborations / Major Mentions: Jimmy Buffett [https://www.instagram.com/jimmybuffett], Emmylou Harris [https://www.instagram.com/emmylouharris], Rodney Crowell [https://www.instagram.com/rodneycrowell], Todd Snider [https://www.instagram.com/toddsnider], John Prine [https://www.instagram.com/johnprine] & Guy Clark Legendary / Industry Icons, Additional Artists & Collaborators ,  Musicians / Nashville & Session Legends, Writers / Producers / Key Figures Mentioned & Bands / Cultural References Mentioned:  Paul McCartney [https://www.instagram.com/paulmccartney], Mark Knopfler, Bob Dylan [https://www.instagram.com/bobdylan], Jimi Hendrix & Neil Young [https://www.instagram.com/neilyoung], Toby Keith [https://www.instagram.com/tobykeith], Roger Waters [https://www.instagram.com/rogerwaters], Jerry Jeff Walker, Bonnie Raitt [https://www.instagram.com/bonnieraittofficial], Linda Ronstadt & Dolly Parton [https://www.instagram.com/dollyparton], Jerry Douglas [https://www.instagram.com/jerrydouglas], Luther Dickinson [https://www.instagram.com/lutherdickinson] Alison Krauss [https://www.instagram.com/alisonkrauss]& Yo-Yo Ma [https://www.instagram.com/yoyoma], Mac McAnally, Gary Green [https://www.garyharmonicagreen.com/]  & Daniel Lanois [https://www.instagram.com/daniellanois], Little Feat [https://www.instagram.com/littlefeat_official], R.E.M. [https://www.instagram.com/remhq], Allman Brothers Band [https://www.instagram.com/allmanbrothersband] & Pink Floyd [https://www.instagram.com/pinkfloyd] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2596593/support] Thank you for listening to The Hook with Johni & Jess. This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed. Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at:  https://www.johniandjess.com [ https://www.johniandjess.com] Follow The Hook on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252 [ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook. The Hook with Johni & Jess — where passion begins with a moment.

Part 2 From Buffett to Backroads: A Life in Song with Will Kimbrough.

Send Johni & Jess a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2596593/fan_mail/new] In Part 2 of our conversation with Grammy-nominated songwriter, guitarist, and producer Will Kimbrough, we go even deeper—into the stories, the songs, and the legacy. We dive into Will’s decades-long relationship with Jimmy Buffett, including what it was really like being part of the Coral Reefer Band and co-writing some of Buffett’s final songs—most notably the emotional and enduring “Bubbles Up.” From behind-the-scenes moments to the personal impact of those collaborations, this part of the conversation is as real as it gets. We also explore Will’s songwriting process, the stories behind some of his most meaningful work, and how it feels to hear your songs carried into the world by other artists. Plus, we rewind all the way back to the beginning—how it all started, the moments that almost changed everything, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. This is the full-circle moment—where craft meets legacy, and where a lifetime of music comes into focus. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, go back and start there—you’ll want the full story. Will's Core Collaborations / Major Mentions * Jimmy Buffett [https://www.instagram.com/jimmybuffett], Emmylou Harris [https://www.instagram.com/emmylouharris], Rodney Crowell [https://www.instagram.com/rodneycrowell], Todd Snider [https://www.instagram.com/toddsnider], John Prine [https://www.instagram.com/johnprine] & Guy Clark Legendary / Industry Icons, Additional Artists & Collaborators ,  Musicians / Nashville & Session Legends, Writers / Producers / Key Figures Mentioned & Bands / Cultural References Mentioned  * Paul McCartney [https://www.instagram.com/paulmccartney], Mark Knopfler, Bob Dylan [https://www.instagram.com/bobdylan], Jimi Hendrix & Neil Young [https://www.instagram.com/neilyoung] * Toby Keith [https://www.instagram.com/tobykeith], Roger Waters [https://www.instagram.com/rogerwaters], Jerry Jeff Walker, Bonnie Raitt [https://www.instagram.com/bonnieraittofficial], Linda Ronstadt & Dolly Parton [https://www.instagram.com/dollyparton], Jerry Douglas [https://www.instagram.com/jerrydouglas], Luther Dickinson [https://www.instagram.com/lutherdickinson] Alison Krauss [https://www.instagram.com/alisonkrauss]& Yo-Yo Ma [https://www.instagram.com/yoyoma], Mac McAnally, Gary Green [https://www.garyharmonicagreen.com/]  & Daniel Lanois [https://www.instagram.com/daniellanois], Little Feat [https://www.instagram.com/littlefeat_official], R.E.M. [https://www.instagram.com/remhq], Allman Brothers Band [https://www.instagram.com/allmanbrothersband] & Pink Floyd [https://www.instagram.com/pinkfloyd] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2596593/support] Thank you for listening to The Hook with Johni & Jess. This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed. Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at:  https://www.johniandjess.com [ https://www.johniandjess.com] Follow The Hook on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252 [ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook. The Hook with Johni & Jess — where passion begins with a moment.

From the Sunset Strip to the Sea: The Piano Bar Life of Scott Orchard

Send Johni & Jess a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2596593/fan_mail/new] From the Sunset Strip to the middle of the ocean, Scott Orchard has built a life fueled by music, risk, and saying yes to the moment. In this episode of The Hook with Johni & Jess, Scott takes us back to growing up in Los Angeles—surrounded by stacks of 45s from his dad’s radio station—to sneaking out as a teenager to front rock bands on the iconic Sunset Strip. From wild nights at legendary venues to a career in radio and television across major markets, his journey is anything but ordinary. We dive into his time performing alongside rising acts in the L.A. club scene, his transition into radio and television, and the unexpected pivot that led him to create a high-energy, audience-driven piano bar experience on cruise ships around the world. Hear some crazy stories from Scott’s time on the Strip, including encounters with Warrant, Ratt, Mötley Crüe, and W.A.S.P., and playing legendary venues like The Troubadour, Whisky a Go Go, Gazarri’s, and Ozone Discotheque—plus more recent performances at Bar Lubitsch in West Hollywood. Scott also shares unforgettable stories from life at sea—from outrageous crowd moments to the realities of performing night after night for audiences ready to sing along. He opens up about what it takes to truly connect with a crowd, how he’s built a repertoire of nearly 900 songs, and why audience engagement will always matter more than perfection. We also feature clips of Scott performing, talk about the songs that bring every room together, and explore what continues to fuel his passion after decades in music. Plus: Our Reverse Cowgirl segment flips the script & a special Cruise Ship Speed Round  This episode is wild, nostalgic, hilarious, and full of heart. 🎧 Once you’re hooked… there’s no going back. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2596593/support] Thank you for listening to The Hook with Johni & Jess. This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed. Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at:  https://www.johniandjess.com [ https://www.johniandjess.com] Follow The Hook on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252 [ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook. The Hook with Johni & Jess — where passion begins with a moment.