Country Star Kathy Mattea Once Made My Day in the 80s and She’s Returning to Owensboro [INTERVIEW]

As a radio announcer, I've had a number of responsibilities since my career began back in the (gulp) 1980s. One of the most enjoyable experiences was introducing country stars before their performances at the Executive Inn Rivermont Showroom Lounge.

When I started doing radio, meeting all the famous people I've met wasn't something I anticipated. Maybe I should have, but that might have deadened the surprises somewhat.

Kathy Mattea Makes My Day (Circa 1989)

The first time I ever introduced anyway on that stage, it was the summer of 1989, and I was a green kid in my early 20s, and Kathy Mattea was headliner. I was instructed by the road or stage manager about what to say in my introduction. However, I went up on stage too early, and he let me have it when I came off. Suddenly, there was Kathy on her way up to the stage, tapping me on my shoulder and telling me not to worry about it and that I did fine. It took what would have been a heavy weight off the rest of the evening.

Just a few months later, Kathy Mattea would win the first of two consecutive CMA Female Vocalist of the Year Awards. She had already collected 1988's Single of the Year trophy for "Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses."

She would add a Grammy (for "Where've You Been") to her award total in 1991.

On Sunday, September 21st at 4 PM, Kathy Mattea will step onto the stage at the International Bluegrass Hall of Fame and Museum, and I'm certain you will hear those two songs in addition to selections from an amazing 40-plus-year career. Tickets are still available at bluegrasshall.org and at mattea.com.

Kathy Mattea - Late 90s Through Today

As is the case with literally every country star, the hits stopped coming. But I learned a long time ago, from industry insiders, that individual record sales are great but hardly carry the weight of putting food on the table. That kind of money comes from touring. And Kathy has been a steady presence on the road ever since he last top five hit, "Walking Away a Winner" in 1994. (I bet you'll hear that one, too.)

Kathy Mattea Interview

Here's my full interview with Kathy Mattea. It includes a tale of her seeking casual advice from the late icon Tony Bennett. Can you imagine?

I did a search looking for her appearances in Owensboro over the years. I didn't expect to have an easy time getting results, and I didn't. So this could be her first time in Owensboro in 36 years, a long-awaited and welcome return.