Appreciating and celebrating all the women in our lives is an important endeavor on any day of the year but especially on March 8, International Women’s Day. These country musicians gave us the women who have inspired and shaped them into the artists they are now.
Martina McBride
Martina McBride on her high school piano teacher, Kathy Clarke Elder:
“I was inspired by my high school piano teacher, Kathy Clarke Elder. She always made me feel that I had talent and that she believed in me. She was young, cool and had such a positive energy; and I really looked up to her. Growing up in a small farming community in Kansas where becoming a recording artist was not a common dream, it was empowering to know she believed it was possible. She showed a genuine interest in me and my interests, asking about the music I liked, for example, and always supported my dream of being a musician and singer. Her genuine encouragement made me feel capable, confident and powerful.”
Jerrod Niemann
Jerrod Niemann on his wife, Morgan Petek:
“When I’m standing at the bottom of a mountain and my dreams are looking down at me from the top, my wife inspires me to not be afraid of new heights. I’ve learned no matter how high I climb, she still keeps me grounded.”
April Kry
April Kry on Martina McBride:
“Martina McBride has always been such an inspiration to me from the moment my mom bought me her LP when I was a young girl. Little did I know, years later, she would get to hear me sing one of her songs, and I’d get to meet her! She’s such an advocate for women in country and sings about subjects that truly matter with a passion. She is so empowering, and I hope to have an impact on my fans the way that she has impacted me.”
James Barker Band’s Bobby Martin
Bobby Martin on his grandmother:
“My grandmother was the strongest woman I’ve ever known, and I miss her every day. She lost her battle with cancer but fought it until the very end. She’s my hero.”
James Barker Band’s Connor Stephens
Connor Stephens on his mother:
“My mother has always been an inspiration to me in multiple avenues. She inspires me to maintain a high moral standing while pursuing goals than many would believe to be unattainable. The first priority on her mind is always ensuring that our family is happy and healthy, and not to mention, well fed. Once my mother has completed these tasks, and only then, will she indulge in a glass of wine. #WandasLit.”
Carly Pearce
Carly Pearce on her mother:
“My mom inspires me every day. She is such a strong woman, who achieved her dreams of becoming a successful cosmetologist before giving up her career to help me chase my dreams. I was raised to follow my dreams, have faith in Jesus and always be kind. She’s my best friend.”
Brett Eldredge
Brett Eldredge on his mother:
“It’s something to be selfless and do everything for your kids and expect nothing in return. My mother gives everything she’s got. If she only had a little bit, she’d give you everything and leave herself with nothing. That’s just so admirable and something that I strive to live up to.”
Blaire Hanks
Blaire Hanks on his mom:
“My mother is the most important woman in my life. She has set the bar so high for any other girl that will ever come into my life. She is now and will forever be my biggest fan.”
Josh Gracin
Josh Gracin on his wife-to-be, Katie:
“There are many women that have inspired me throughout my life, but if I had to choose one it would be my wife-to-be, Katie. They say your true friends/family are there in your darkest moments. Not only was she there, but she was the main reason why I stood back up and continued moving forward. Her love of life and compassion for others, her sense of worth and motivation made me realize some of the things that were missing within myself. She truly is my strength and the only person I want by my side, pushing me forward for the rest of my life.”
James Barker Band’s Taylor Abram
Taylor Abram on his mom:
“My mom. Compassionate, driven, determined, honest and successful — what I strive to be every day!”
James Barker Band’s James Barker
James Barker on his mom:
“My role model is Denise Barker. She was my first supporter, drove me to fiddle lessons, then drum lessons and then guitar lessons. She picked me up from band practice, showed up to every concert and even taught me the first song I learned on guitar. I feel like she would have supported me no matter what I was passionate about!”
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