Building a Life in Music: A sitdown with Grayson Jenkins

Описание: #IndependentCountry #TexasCountry #AmericanaArtist #CountrySongwriter #KentuckyMusic

In this episode of Ranch Sitdown, host Shayne Hollinger sits down with Kentucky-born songwriter Grayson Jenkins to talk about the long road into music, the quiet influences that shaped his sound, and the stories behind his latest album, Country Parables.

Grayson reflects on growing up in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, known to many as “Paradise” from the John Prine song, and how early exposure to music videos, Johnny Cash, and church shaped his fascination with storytelling, even before he ever picked up a guitar.

A latecomer to music by his own admission, he shares how college became the turning point, eventually leading him to leave a traditional job and pursue music full time.

The conversation dives into the realities of being a working songwriter today: the grind of touring, the financial challenges of the modern music industry, and finding balance after years of playing 100-plus shows annually.

Grayson also opens up about the creative process behind Country Parables, an album years in the making, including songs written as far back as 2016 and the impact of co-producing with Tony Bradshaw.

Along the way, Grayson talks about his favorite dive bars and listening rooms, the rich tradition of Kentucky songwriters, comparisons to artists like Tyler Childers and Chris Stapleton, and his growing connection to Texas, both musically and personally. It’s an honest, grounded conversation about patience, place, and building a life around songs that mean something.