Three Knott natives -- singer Tyler Stephens, songwriter Jenny Stamper, and producer Danny Huff -- are collaborators on a new song.
By JORDAN THOMAS HALL
Singer/songwriter Jenny Stamper, a native of Knott County, has returned home to release a new single with Knott County artist Tyler Stephens. In a complete Knott County collaboration the song was produced by Knott native Danny Huff in his Louisa studio. The single, “Kentucky Country Girl” has been made available on iTunes. The song’s origins are rooted in Knott County- literally.
“The inspiration for the lyrics in this song came right out of my garden,” expressed Stamper. “I was getting ready for a trip home to Knott County and I cut some mustard greens and put them in a Walmart bag for my mother. That was the beginning of the development of the song. My mommy was and still is a huge influence on my music and songwriting. I remember as a young girl listening to her play Bill Monroe. She instilled in me to be proud of who I am and where I come from.
“I had the idea for a while before I took it to my friend and songwriter Randy Finchum in Nashville, Tennessee,” recalled Stamper. “We bounced ideas off of each other before settling on the lyrics and melody. The connection you have with your co-writer is critical to the creative process. We had a lot of fun writing the song together. I believe a song is never finished- it just stops in interesting places.”
After the song was written Stamper submitted it for a song evaluation through a membership with one of the professional songwriter organizations available in Music City. From there she began working with Tyler Stephens on recording the song. The Hindman native is currently touring the region performing at festivals and other music venues.
“I enjoyed working with Tyler Stephens so much that I am still working with him,” expressed Stamper. “He is such a talented young man and rising country music artist. Tyler is truly honest, hardworking, and dedicated. We have been traveling together to Nashville co-writing with several hit songwriters and writing songs for his upcoming CD. We are also working together to promote the release of Kentucky Country Girl. It has been fun and we’ve shared several laughs along the way!
The collaboration holds special meaning for Stamper.
“If anyone knows me at all, they know I am Knott County, Kentucky proud! So, to have this song come together with Tyler Stephens and Danny Huff is perfect. There are so many talented songwriters and musicians born and raised in these mountains. I think I’ve found two of the best to work with.
“The song is about all of us strong, beautiful, independent, fun-loving, proud Kentucky women. I hope the song conveys just that. The song highlights the best of Kentucky, from mustard greens to moonshine and sweet tea, to our beloved (University of Kentucky) Wildcats to one of our favorite past times, The Andy Griffith Show. I hope everyone enjoys the song as much as we did putting it together.”
More information about the artists and their music can be found at www.jennystamper.com and www.tylerstephensmusic.com.
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