Meet Ole Red’s Women Artists Who Bring the Power of Country Music to the Stage

OR Women's History Month

At Ole Red, we have the pleasure of getting to know women in country music during many stages of their careers, from new-to-the-stage to signing that first record deal and onto the Opry stage, we love to be the ones who knew they were a big deal every step of the way. 

To celebrate the power of female music on the Ole Red stage, we’ve rounded up the artists you need to listen to now from Tishomingo to Nashville, and from Gatlinburg to Orlando. 

Tishomingo

Anna Massey

ORT- Anna Massey

Anna has been a performer since she was 7 years old, and won “Entertainer of the Year” at the North America Country Music Association International Awards that same year. Since 2018, Anna has made regular appearances at Ole Red Tishomingo. In 2020. She was nominated for “Country Artist of the Year” and “Acoustic Solo Artist of the Year” at the We Are Tulsa Music Awards Pre-Concert. 

What made you choose music as a passion?  

Music has been my lifeline since I was a little girl. It’s a language we all speak and the place I feel most at home. I love connecting on that level with others when I perform! 

Check out Anna’s Music:

Bailey Rae

Bailey Rae at Ole Red Tish

Singer-songwriter, Bailey Rae, is an 18-year-old emerging country artist with a true passion for preserving classic country music, mixing it with a little red dirt country grit. Most recently, Bailey Rae was a member of Team Legend on Season 19 of NBC’s The Voice, becoming part of the Top 9 and having the honor of being the first country artist on Coach John Legend’s team. 

What women have influenced your life the most? 

I am fortunate to have many strong, confident women who have influenced my life… all in different ways. One would be my vocal coach, mentor and friend, Shawnda Rains of Shawnda Rains Entertainment Group. She has been a vital part of my music journey from the day I stepped into her studio at just 13 years old. Shawnda has helped me find my true voice and helped shape me into the artist I am today. My mom has also been a big influence on my life and has worked hard behind the scenes to help me be successful.   

Check out Bailey’s Music:

Mikayla Lane

Mykala Lane

Mikayla Lane is a 15-year-old singer-songwriter from the Tulsa, Oklahoma area who was added to the Ole Red Tishomingo roster as an acoustic act at the young age of 13. She then joined the Ole Red Nashville family with full-band shows at age 14 and continues to soar to new heights through performing regular shows across Oklahoma, Texas and Tennessee.

Who are your women music heroes and why? 

My greatest female music hero is Carrie Underwood, because she is true to herself and isn’t afraid to talk about her faith and family. She’s a great role model. Jenna Paulette is a great mentor as well; she has taught me a lot about branding myself and how to bring my life into my music. 

Check out Mikayla’s music:

See when they’re playing next at Ole Red Tishomingo here.

Nashville

Taryn Papa

Taryn Papa

With powerhouse vocals and a never-quit spirit, Taryn is a Connecticut native who’s voice recalls the raw electricity of ‘90s country stars like Martina McBride and Trisha Yearwood. With a classically charged sound built for a new era, she was a Top 17 standout on Season 19 of NBC’s The Voice in 2020, also tapping influence from vocal superstars stars like Adele, Chris Stapleton, Celine Dion, Faith Hill and Pat Benatar.

What made you choose music as a passion?

My love of music began when I was introduced to piano by my grandfather. He taught me all of his favorites including Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. When he was later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, it was my piano playing that gave him memories. I witnessed first hand how music can take you on a journey and connect you to a time, place, and feeling. My mother bought me a Martina McBride cd when I turned 13 and I immediately fell in love with the stories in her songs and chose country music as my career and passion in hopes to connect with people through my music the way my grandfather did.

Check out Taryn’s music:

Rachel Horter

Rachel Horter

Rachel is a singer-songwriter living in Nashville, TN. Growing up in Kentucky and Indiana, she began her love for singing and entertaining from an early age that continued into her high school days. After graduating, she decided to put off college and move to Nashville to pursue her dream of becoming an artist. 

Since then, she has played at iconic Nashville venues and events, also enjoying her weekly gig at Blake Shelton’s Ole Red in downtown Nashville. She had the opportunity to tour in Germany, and one of her most memorable shows was an opening performance for country music legend, Loretta Lynn. 

What does it mean to be a woman in (country) music in 2021? 

To be a woman in music, especially country music is to be brave. To be a force. To be passionate and hungry. The music industry as a whole is very male dominated so it’s difficult sometimes to receive the right amount of attention when it comes to your artistry as a female. But I always viewed that as a major head start from the men. It sets us apart. It makes you stop everything and look when a woman in music is absolutely slaying her career. That makes me incredibly proud to be a woman in this industry and makes me want to work even harder each time! 

Check out Rachel’s music:

Sarah Owens of Hudson Valley

Sarah Hudson Valley

What made you choose music as a passion? 

I have always wanted to be a country music singer, ever since I was a little girl listening to Martina McBride on the radio. 

Can you describe your music career in one sentence? 

Not in a sentence that would make any sense! 

What women have influenced your life the most? 

In music Martina McBride, Faith Hill, and Trisha Yearwood, but in life my mom. 

Who are your women music heroes and why? 

When I was growing up the powerhouse vocals of 90’s country music are what made me want to do this for a living; Martina, Trisha, Faith, The Dixie Chicks and Shania.

What does it mean to be a woman in (country) music in 2021? 

You have to be strong, resilient and a little crazy to be a woman in country music.

Check out Hudson Valley’s music:

See when they’re playing next at Ole Red Nashville here.

Gatlinburg

Emily Miller

Emily Miller

Emily Miller is a multi-talented country artist from West Chester, Ohio. Her dynamic voice and guitar have entertained audiences in several states and in large venues across the South and Midwest. Emily has been an opener for country star Easton Corbin along with Grammy-nominated bluegrass group Sister Sadie. Her song “Prince Charming,” was a featured song on an ABC original series, Renee’s Bridal Takeover. Her active engagement with the audience allows everyone to feel connected with her easy going personality, catchy smile, and quick wit. Emily has worked with some of the best in the business including Grammy Award winner Tammy Rogers King of The Steeldrivers and other industry professionals throughout Nashville exposing her to audiences she never dreamed. Playing over 200 shows a year, Emily shows no signs of slowing down. You never know where you’re going to find her next!  

Who are your women music heroes and why? 

Reba and Trisha Yearwood have made me the artist that I am. I grew up watching Reba on TV wishing I could be as funny as her and listening to all of her CDs. She will forever be my queen! Her sass, creativeness, and constant ability to be herself yet evolve as a woman is so inspiring. Trisha Yearwood was one of those voices that captivated me when I was younger. The way she can tell a story through her voice like no one else can is one of the many reasons I fell in love with country music.

Check out Emily’s music:

Temper Evans

Temper Evans

What made you choose music as a passion? 

Music is a way I can express myself and be and an inspiration to women of any age. Teaching women or others that standing strong, independent, and full of life is the most incredible feeling! 

Can you describe your music career in one sentence?  

Exhilarating and everything I had hoped for and more! 

What women have influenced your life the most? 

Miranda Lambert, Martina Mcbride, Loretta Lynn, Reba, Faith Hill, The Judds, Tammy Wynette, and Patsy Cline. 

Who are your women music heroes and Why? 

Miranda Lambert because she is fiery! She sings about what she believes in regardless. She is strong and independent. She’s a boss! Also, Loretta!. She wore the pants in the relationship. She made sure that her family came first but still enjoyed every aspect of her music. She also stood up to other women who would try to take her man.

What does it mean to be a woman in (Country) music in 2021?

It means the world to me! To know that I can stand in the gap for others who may not be able to or maybe even sing the words to something they want to express is empowering. So many times there was so much I had to say but I couldn’t put into words but that one country music woman would sing a song with every word I wanted to say in it and I was like, that’s it! That’s what I was trying to say! It’s like she read my mind. I just want to be able to do that for someone else! 

Check out Temper’s Music:

Sara Collins

Sara Collins

Sara Collins is a country music singer-songwriter from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She currently resides in Dandridge, Tennessee and is performing around the Knoxville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Nashville areas. Sara has opened shows for major artists including Kane Brown, Sam Hunt, Morgan Wallen, Hunter Hayes, Aaron Watson, John Schneider, and many others. Sara brings high energy and a ton of fun to all her shows, acoustic or four-piece band. You can see Sara on Season 18 of The Voice

What does it mean to be a woman in (country) music in 2021? 

Being a woman in country music in 2021 is an exciting thing. There are so many talented women on the radio today and I know there are many more to come. I am forever thankful to Ole Red for giving me an outlet to share my songs and stories, and excited for the many more to come. 

Check out Sara’s Music:

See when they’re playing next at Ole Red Gatlinburg here.

Orlando

Bailey Callahan

Bailey Callahan

What made you choose music as a passion?  

 Music has always been something that was there for me. I got into music because my grandma made a bet that the first grandchild to learn how to play an instrument would get $50. From there, I discovered Taylor Swift’s Fearless album, and I’ve kept progressing. I’ve chosen music as my passion above anything because I know I connect to it unlike anything else in my life.  

Can you describe your music career in one sentence? 

My career is overwhelming amazing! 

What women have influenced your life the most? 

My mom is a big influence on my life. She’s my best friend. I go to her on advice  in my career and in my personal. We talk at least 5 times a day on the phone haha  

Who are your women music heroes and why? 

Taylor Swift is a big hero of mine. She fights so hard for what she believes in and that’s really inspiring. I’m also a big support of everything Leslie Fram (CMT) is doing for woman in country music.  

What does it mean to be a woman in (country) music in 2021? 

 Being a woman in country music has taught me that I have to work so hard for what I want in life. We have to fight much harder to get our names out there, to book shows, to schedule meetings, etc.

But I do think females are in this turning point era in country music right now and I think a lot will be changing for the best! I’m excited to be on the journey of rewriting history alongside other women in country music.  

Check out Bailey’s music:

Diamond Dixie

Diamond Dixie

Diamond Dixie is a country music duo consisting of sisters, Gabriela and Bianca LeDuc. The girls live in Orlando, Florida and commute to Nashville to write and record music. The girls started music about 13 years ago when their dad taught them guitar in elementary school. Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert and Shania Twain are just a few artists that inspired Gabriela and Bianca to play music.  

What does it mean to be a woman in (country) music in 2021? 

To be a woman in country music in 2021 means that we should, like our woman musical heroes, pave our own way into country music despite the negative opinions of others. We have a role in this industry and a gift to share with the world so it is our responsibility to show it. 

Check out Diamond Dixie’s music:

See when they’re playing next at Ole Red Orlando here.

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