Ashleigh Graham is turning heads in the Bluegrass world, making waves with her latest singles “Head Over High Heels” and “Bless Your Little Heart.” As one of the genre’s freshest voices, she’s quickly earning her place in the spotlight. We caught up with her to talk about her career, the inspiration behind her new music, and what exciting things lie ahead.

From a young age, Graham’s love for music was evident, performing at regional festivals across the Southeast. After taking time to focus on family, she made a powerful comeback in 2020 with an Inspirational Gospel project. Now, with a brand-new band and a growing fanbase, she’s on a thrilling upward trajectory. If 2024 was the year she found her stride, 2025 promises to be a full sprint toward even bigger things!

1. When did you first know you wanted to become a musical artist? What was the first song you ever wrote?

I was introduced to Bluegrass Music when I was 8 years old. My daddy played the fiddle in a bluegrass band. I began mandolin lessons with Alan Bibey at 9. At 15, I knew I wanted to be a musical artist. I recorded my first album called, It’s Easy to Forget. I was fortunate to play many festivals at that time. I loved being on stage and sharing my love of music with many audiences throughout the Southeast.

The first song I ever wrote was a Gospel song called “Headin Home.” It was included on that album. Me and my mom wrote that song late one night at the kitchen table. The first bluegrass song I ever wrote was “Bless Your Little Heart” which was my first release this past May on Pinecastle Records. 

2. Who are some of your top 5 musical influences? 

Eva Cassidy

Doyle Lawson

Rhonda Vincent

Lee Ann Womack

Julie Andrews

3. What’s in your personal playlist this week? 

My playlist varies. I do have a favorites list though that includes songs like “Shine” (Dolly Parton), “The Best of My Love,” (Eagles), and “Better Things to Do” (Terri Clark). As of late, I have been deeply involved in listening to music that would broaden my set list and my audience. I listen to many genres of music. When I need a break per se, I will play my Glee Cast Playlist. Yes, I sing along. I also like to listen to Outlaw Country and Chris Stapleton radio on Sirius XM. 

4. How’s the music scene in your locale? 

There are so many venues in the Knoxville, TN area and the genre is eclectic. The two largest venues are The Bijou Theater and The Tennessee Theater. Yee Haw Brewing and Boyd’s Jig and Reel host many local and up and coming bands. In addition, the neighboring Pigeon Forge has multiple theaters and theme parks with live music. The Knoxville Visitor Center hosts the WDVX Blue Plate Special that showcases many genres of music.

6. What do you like most about playing live?

I enjoy performing live because of the connections with the audience. It’s inspiring when the audience reacts positively to something you have created that they can relate to. Music always prevails when words fail. Words just aren’t enough in many situations. Being able to lift someone’s mood or to inspire them through challenging times just through a song you are singing is the best feeling in the world.

7. Tell us a little bit about your new single, “Head Over High Heels.” How did it come about?

“Head Over High Heels” was originally recorded in 2004 as a country song by Canadian Artist, Carolyn Dawn Johnson. She co-wrote that song with Shaye Smith. I fell in love with the song when I first heard it, and it has been on my favorites list for many years. When I was looking for material for my upcoming CD, I remembered that song and decided to try a bluegrass version. On the day of recording, I wasn’t totally convinced that it could be done. However, when Eli Johnston (Authentic Unlimited) heard it, he brought the vision to life. I believe Head Over High Heels is about what falling in love is like from the female point of view. There is a notable contrast to Lester Flatt’s Head Over Heels. A lot of love songs are sad, but this one is happy and upbeat and that’s just what I wanted for my upcoming CD.

8. Is there a song on your upcoming album that stands out as your personal favorite, and why?            

My favorite song on the upcoming album changes from week to week, but the one that’s been my favorite for the longest time is “Bless Your Little Heart.”  It’s the first bluegrass song I ever wrote so it’s been with me the longest. It also took the longest to write. It’s about a saying I heard often in my youth and finding out as an adult that it didn’t always mean what I thought it meant. I wrote it one day when I was feeling really low. I wanted to write something that would make me happy. As I wrote the song, my mood improved, and I even laughed out loud at some of the phrases. Mission accomplished. 

9.  What’s the best concert you’ve been to? 

Great concerts are the ones that engage the audience, keep you on your feet and leave you wanting more. I have been to several concerts like that. The last ‘best concert’ I went to was The Doobie Brothers. We sang along with all the songs, we danced, and we didn’t want it to end. The Tedeschi Trucks Band is also a great concert that entertained the audience throughout the show. 

10. If you could meet, play a gig, co-write a song, have dinner, have a drink with any band or artist (dead or alive) who would it be? 

This is difficult to choose just one. I have many artists that I look up to and would like to meet and potentially collaborate with. However, after much deliberation, I would have to choose the Tedeschi Trucks Band. I love their story about how they overcame the struggles that many musicians encountered during the 2020/2021 COVID season. Instead of giving up they got busy and were the most creative and prolific in songwriting that they had ever been.  It is testament that whenever pressure is applied in whatever form, we are stronger in the end.

11. What are your goals for the future? 

My goals for the future are simple. I plan to work hard and to do the work necessary to earn a performance spot at the Opry. In the short term, I plan to keep writing, performing, and making new connections in the Bluegrass Music Industry. My goals are to play many festivals all the while staying true to the music and to who I am as an artist. All in all, I don’t want to reach the ripe old age of 80 and wish I’d tried.  My goal is to give the potential for success my best shot, to accept opportunities given and to be thankful for them. 

URL: https://ashleighgrahammusic.com/

End of Interview