Car Tunes: A Cowgirl's Diary - Terri Clark's Alberta Roots

Everything Podcasts Studios

Join host Paul Brandt on this episode of "Car Tunes," where he sits down with the legendary Alberta-born country artist, Terri Clark. In "A Cowgirl's Diary - Terri Clark's Alberta Roots," we dive deep into Terri's inspiring journey from the small town of Medicine Hat, Alberta, to the bright lights of Nashville.

The episode kicks off with a look at Terri's early life, surrounded by a family steeped in country music, shaping her aspirations and unique sound. Terri shares personal stories about her childhood and the influences that led her to pursue a career in country music.

As we journey through Terri's career, she reflects on the bold decision to move to Nashville in the early 1990s, the challenges she faced as a new artist, and how being Canadian played a role in her journey. This segment is enlightening for anyone looking to understand the struggles and triumphs of breaking into the competitive Nashville music scene.

Paul and Terri then reminisce about the significant year of 1995 when Terri released her self-titled debut album. They discuss the success of her first single, "Better Things to Do," and its impact on both Canadian and American country charts. Terri shares her feelings and memorable moments from this exhilarating time in her career.

The episode also celebrates Terri's third platinum-selling album, "How I Feel," and her hit single "You're Easy on the Eyes," which topped the U.S. country charts. Terri reflects on becoming the first Canadian female country artist to chart number one in both Canada and the United States.

Paul explores Terri's evolving approach to songwriting, particularly with her fourth album, "Fearless," released in 2000. Terri offers insights into her creative process and how her songwriting continues to evolve.

As a leader for Canadian artists in the American country scene, Terri shares her advice for aspiring artists and reflects on her own journey, offering valuable lessons and guidance.

Looking ahead, Terri talks about her recent works, including the album "Raising the Bar," and discusses her aspirations for the next phase of her career, hinting at new musical territories she's excited to explore.

This episode is a must-listen for fans of country music, providing an intimate look at the life and career of one of Canada's most beloved country artists. From her roots in Alberta to her rise in Nashville, Terri Clark's story is a tale of passion, resilience, and the enduring power of country music.

About Paul:
Paul Brandt is the most awarded male Canadian country artist in history.

His 1996 debut RIAA-certified Gold album Calm Before the Storm went on to sell one million albums internationally, propelled by the #1 single and wedding classic “I Do”. Stateside, his #5 and #1 charting songs “My Heart Has A History”, and “I Do” were the first to chart by a male Canadian Country artist on the US Billboard Top 20 since 1976.

Throughout his remarkable career, Paul has always focused on using his celebrity to help by shining a light on the lives of those less fortunate and has encouraged others to do the same. He has traveled extensively to developing countries around the world to raise awareness for various humanitarian aid organizations.

His 12 career albums have spawned hit singles, multiple Album of the Year awards, gold, platinum, and multi-platinum performances. According to Nielsen BDS in 2020, of the Top 25 Canadian Country songs, 6 were released by Paul Brandt, and his song “My Heart Has a History” is the most played Canadian Country song since the chart began. Paul is also the most played Canadian Country Artist on Country Radio in history (Nielsen BDS). He has had 27 top ten songs at Canadian Radio. His song “For You” (Brandt/Rosen) was selected to promote the 2002 major motion picture We Were Soldiers, and was performed by Dave Matthews and Johnny Cash. In 2015, Canadian Independent Music Association celebrated Paul’s reaching “Road Gold Status” as a top headliner and major box office draw in Canada, and his EP “Frontier” was nominated for Album of the Year at The 2016 Juno Awards. The hit single “I’m An Open Road” from that collection is certified Gold.

In 2017, Paul Brandt was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame & Western Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.

His 2019 Canadian “The Journey Tour” featured his most recent radio singles “All About Her” (Top 10 Canadian Country Radio) and “Bittersweet” (featuring Lindsay Ell) continue to speak to Brandt’s enduring impact and influence on country music audiences and industry as he played arenas across Canada. During the 2019 Canadian Country Music Awards, Paul was honoured with the Slaight Music Humanitarian of the Year Award for his accomplishments with his “Not In My City” (www.notinmycity.ca) movement, which seeks to end human trafficking with a focus on preventing childhood sexual exploitation. Recognizing his dedication to ending human trafficking and child sexual exploitation, in November 2019, Elder Leonard Bastien honoured Paul with a Blackfoot name: Buffalo Bull Shield. Over 2020-2022, Paul has been honoured to chair the Government of Alberta’s Human Trafficking Task Force, another first for a Country Musician in Canada.

As a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee award and numerous other national and regional humanitarian nods, Paul is committed to serving those in need through various charitable endeavours including his Buckspring Foundation. A proud champion of The Great Trail, Paul is dedicated to creating and supporting spaces for respectful discussion and fostering meaningful community through his artistic platform.

Paul always strives to surprise and delight with his art and prefers to take the road less traveled. With a passion for story and community, Paul enjoys using his celebrity platform to engage and connect with people in a deep and meaningful way.

When he’s not creating what he calls “stuff the world needs”, he has been known to take on projects to help others do the same. He served as Mount Royal University’s “Storyteller in Residence” at the Bissett School of Business, where he worked with students to create business and social enterprise projects utilizing the Paul Brandt Brand. In 2019, Paul began working with students at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), sharing his celebrity platform and inviting students to join him on his next creative project. He is currently writing and working on a new music project.

Paul lives with his wife Liz and their two children on The Buckspring Ranch in the foothills of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains.