“Whatever you do, don’t get discouraged!”

There are some opportunities that come once in a lifetime and when you least expect them. I was asked if I would like to go to New Orleans, Louisiana because “someone” would be there who knows the struggles of being a woman in the country music industry. My colleague and I left Southeast Texas on Friday, August 3, 2018 bound for New Orleans. I had no idea how much this trip would change me.

The night before we left Texas, I finally had to ask who this “someone” was. My colleague revealed that Kathy Bee was flying from California to New Orleans and would try and fit us in her very busy schedule. So on a wing and a prayer, we took the opportunity and drove to New Orleans.

We checked into the hotel around 7:00 PM, after a grueling drive through road construction and Friday traffic. My colleague said, “Kathy wants to meet at 8:30 PM.” We rushed to change into fresh clothes, touch up hair and makeup, and try to navigate The French Quarter on a Friday night. When we arrived at The Marriot on Canal St., Kathy was waiting in the lobby for us.

When I introduced myself to her, she hugged my neck and made me feel like she had known me my entire life. My nerves were already worn from the drive, having to change hotels when we arrived, and the excitement of meeting this icon. All of my anxiety ceased at that point. The lobby was full of people and noise so she invited us up to her room. She only had about 15 minutes before her next event. Those 15 minutes turned into the best 45 minutes I could have ever imagined.

We admired the beautiful view of New Orleans from her hotel windows. We talked about how eventful her day had been. We took pictures and she made us feel at home.

Kathy Bee invited me to sit in the chair and she she sat on her bed. This wasn’t a “formal” interview. She said this was for us to meet and just get to know each other. “There will be plenty of time for formalities later!” All of my time and conversations with her weren’t recorded or written down, it is all from memory. She gave me permission to write about our amazing 45 minutes, and I knew I had to share Kathy Bee with you.

I shared my passion of advocating for female artists in the country music industry. She shared her own experiences within the industry. As she explained why she left the country music industry, I began to understand just how large the problems have always been. Kathy shared her experiences of working for mainstream radio. She wanted to see the innermost workings of this “machine” that decided who got airplay and who did not. Kathy said that women have always had a disadvantage within the industry, but when there is a will there is a way. She told me of the day fate was by her side.

Kathy Bee was ready to be crowned as the winner of a statewide talent program. She had beaten thousands and was down to the finale. When she arrived for the final night, she read one of the programs that was handed out to the audience members. Kathy’s name was nowhere in the program. She knew then that “they” had already chosen the winner, and it was not her. Kathy was not going to remain there knowing this was not right. She was on her way out, and for some reason she decided to sit in the back. A man sat beside her and asked when she was performing. He told her that she was the only reason he was there. She showed him the program and let him know she was not in there, and she knew she would not be the winner. The man’s name was Lawton Jiles, the songwriter for Patsy Cline. History was made from there.

Kathy Bee did not play the victim of the country music industry; instead, she was motivated to achieve her dreams. Her career is something to be proud of. Kathy has changed the lives of so many people. From her days with performing with Chrystal Gayle, Tanya Tucker and Smokey Robinson, to becoming the CEO of Touching Lives Multimedia, Inc, Kathy Bee is still on fire and talented beyond words.

Kathy’s phone began going off, because we realized it had been 45 minutes and she was late for another event. She ignored the phone, and she looked at me with the most compassionate eyes and smile. Kathy said, “Whatever you do, don’t get discouraged!” Those words lit a fire deep in my soul. She told me another quick story about how she became discouraged, but she refused to take no for an answer. Kathy Bee encouraged me. She told me to keep fighting for women in the country music industry. She said she supported all of us 100%, and will take whatever action we need to further our goals. She offered us another platform through her television show.

I knew I had taken up more of her time than was planned, so I thanked her for everything. All I could do was hug her neck and let her know how much she had just given to me. As we walked to the elevator, I asked her about the amazing women she sang with. She smiled and told me quick little details. Riding down the elevator, I asked if she knew Brandy Clark. Kathy said, “Of course I have heard of her. She is very talented!” I shared my stories of Brandy with her as we walked through the lobby. I hugged her again and thanked her for everything. Kathy reminded me to never quit and that she is always there if I need anything. I walked out of the hotel with the image of Kathy Bee, in her beautiful red dress and hat, waving goodbye. Although I was sad our time was up, I was more inspired than I ever thought possible.

Kathy Bee is known as the Ambassador of American Music. Her career is filled with achievements, awards, but most of all, giving back to her fellow Americans. She wants everyone’s dreams to be achieved. Kathy is a pioneer in country music and supports women in country music. Please read about her accomplishments at http://www.kathybee.com and what she still does today to support music.

It is all about the music. It always has been, it always will be. Unfortunately, this is not a true statement when it comes to mainstream radio and major record labels. To them, it’s all about the almighty dollar. It always has been, it always will be. Fortunately, we can make this statement false by taking action and finding alternatives to mainstream. If radio and streaming services want to continue the inequality for women, there is a whole new world to be discovered. This world is where I see artists, fans, and supporters all coming together for the equal opportunity for women in country music. #TimeForChange has been answered by #ChangesAreHappening. We have a long way to go, but we have come a long way. I will leave you with these words from Kathy Bee:

“Before your journey here is through, what kind of footsteps will you leave for those that follow you?”