“My Town.” “Something To Be Proud Of.” “What Hurts The Most.” “International Harvester.” “Meanwhile Back At Mama’s.” “Raise ‘Em Up.” Do you remember the first time you heard each of these songs? Or perhaps do you have a personal memory tied to them? These six amazing songs are only a sample of an incredible catalogue in which songwriter Jeffrey Steele played a major part in bringing so many stories to life. That very talent has earned the California native numerous accolades including awards from BMI CMA, NSAI and an induction into the Songwriter Hall of Fame.
Three years ago Steele set forth on a project to honor the famous Palomino Club in North Hollywood, and recruited some of the industry’s best musicians to create The Sons of the Palomino, and a few of of his country star friends joined him along the way too. The debut album was highly praised, bringing back to life an era of country music still living in people’s memories, itching to be heard (see our review here). Now The Sons are back with a new single “Running This Country” and a new album by the end of the month.
We caught up with Steele to talk about his musical journey, who catches his ear in country today, his songwriting and The Sons’ newest releases.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
JS: I’m a Virgo with a Bad Moon Rising. No, but seriously, I grew up in a little town south of Bakersfield, called Burbank. I grew up on Rock-n-Roll and Country Music and cut my teeth in rock clubs on Sunset Blvd in Hollywood and The Palomino Club in North Hollywood. My band at the time, Boy Howdy, signed a deal with Curb records which ended up bringing me to Nashville. I’ve spent the last 25 years in Nashville writing and performing and have been fortunate to build a career as a songwriter that’s lead me into the Songwriter Hall of Fame.
CN: With everything that’s going on in the world in regards to COVID-19, we hope everyone in your circle is safe and healthy. How are you holding up?
JS: We are doing well. We have music on the charts with “Stick That In Your Country Song” recorded by Eric Church and we are trying to focus on the positives rather than getting weighed down by the negativity around us. Been doing Instagram live streams and songs of the day to make the most of a difficult time.
CN: Which musicians have influenced you both personally and as an artist throughout your career? Which current artists grab your attention?
JS: Anyone brave enough to stand up and say something that matters. Eric Church is such a trailblazer right now. I grew up on Merle, Willy, Kristofferson, and Zeppelin.
CN: You have written an incredible number of songs that vary in topics, emotions, styles. Can you take us through your songwriting process?
JS: I always try to Think Like a Writer which is what I preach in my Songwriting School JeffreySteeleAcademy.com which has turned out many hit songwriters over the years. It’s all about listening and paying attention to what’s around you. Inspiration comes from everything.
CN: In 2017 you formed The Sons Of The Palomino, as a nod to the famous Palomino Club in North Hollywood, with some of the most celebrated musicians in the industry. Can you talk about how you got everyone together and pitched this idea?
JS: You know as they say, “if you build it, they will come.” So we built it, and they came.
CN: The debut album featured songs that celebrated the club and culture of years gone-by. Some of them were written years ago while others were written for the album. How did that process move forward? Did you select the already written songs first, and then worked on filling in the track list?
JS: For the first record, we found some older songs we loved which fired up the creative process. Then we began to create new songs inspired by the classic sounds. All the songs on the new record were created for this project. The goal was to accurately portray the sounds and styles of what made country music classic from the 1950s to the 1990s.
CN: There were also several collaborations on the album featuring Vince Gill, Gretchen Wilson, John Anderson, Jamey Johnson, Emmylou Harris and John Rich, who was a part of the debut single “Countryholic.” How did you go about asking these artists if they wanted to be a part of this moment-in-time project?
JS: Nashville is a small town and there is such a community here, especially musically. We started playing these songs for people in passing and they wanted to be a part of the project. It was really cool to see people get excited and really showed they were hungry for a change.
CN: Three years later and The Sons are back with a new single “Running This Country.” It’s a fun track, especially given the atmosphere of the Nation during these current times. How did this song come about?
JS: It’s more about country music than anything else. Everything is so serious and politically driven right now, we just took the idea and had fun with it. If the country was country music, this is how I would run it.
CN: Are the same bandmates from the first album featured on this single?
JS: The album features a lot of the same players.
CN: With the new single, are there plans for a sophomore album?
JS: We have a double disc 18 song album about to drop October 23rd.
CN: Your songs have been cut by Keith Urban, Montgomery Gentry, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw and so many more. Is there any one song that you’ve written that has really stuck with you through the years?
JS: I’m always amazed by the life a song can have and the journey it takes. I’m thankful for every opportunity I get.
CN: Is there a song out there that you didn’t write but you wish you did?
JS: I’m always trying to write a song as good as “Angel Flying too Close to the Ground” I still haven’t yet, so I keep writing everyday.
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
JS: Grateful, because I am.
CN: Are there any artists that you haven’t collaborated with that you would welcome the opportunity to?
JS: Bono or Chris Martin
CN: Do you have any live events or live-streams coming up? Either solo or with the Sons of the Palomino?
JS: Stay connected with us via JeffreySteele.com @jsteelemusic @sonsofthepalomino
Stream “Running This Country” here.
Pre-save The Sons of the Palomino: Blue:30 | Volumes II and III here.
For more information on Jeffrey Steele and The Sons of the Palomino, visit JeffreySteele.com and sonsofthepalomino.com