Friday Photo Flashback

If you asked me to give you a list of artists/singers who I thought should have been much bigger stars, it would be a long one. There are so many underrated singers that never got the proper recognition or airplay they deserved. Many of them got record deals, and had fantastic songs, but for one reason or another never really connected with audiences (or programmers).

So many new faces would stop by the radio station and play for the staff in our conference room. There were songs that left me speechless or close to tears. There were songs that screamed “hit” from the opening line. There were songs that left me in awe of the lyrics and just how deep they were. Sadly, many of those artists never really “made it.” I could speculate about why (radio politics, biased programmers, strict consultants), but it would be my opinionated speculation.

One of those singers, who really struck a chord with me was Sarah Buxton, who celebrates her 46th birthday today.

Sarah was thrilled to meet Stevie Nicks after she graduated high school. Stevie was one of her musical idols and played a key role in Sarah’s career. It was Stevie who told her that she should follow her musical dream and move to Nashville.

She formed a band and did a lot of songwriting. Superstar Keith Urban recorded her song “Stupid Boy” in 2006 and took it to #3 on the country charts. She signed with Lyric Street Records that same year. She released a couple singles which almost cracked the top 20.

She continued to write and in 2008 released a song that she wrote with Lari White and Chuck Cannon entitled “Space.” This was the single that she was working when I had the chance to meet her. I had heard the produced single prior to her visit and liked it. To hear her sing it with just a guitar in our conference room gave me chills. I loved it.

We were lucky enough to host a show with Sarah and her labelmate, Josh Gracin, at a local venue. She was one of the sweetest gals and our staff and listeners were treated to an amazing show. Today’s Friday Photo Flashback is from 2008 in a back stage moment that is one of many memories from that night.

She has gone on to write songs for Keith Urban, The Band Perry, Big & Rich, Trisha Yearwood, Kelly Clarkson and Florida Georgia Line. She also had many of her songs featured on the ABC show Nashville which ran from 2012-2018.

Happy Birthday, Sarah! I’m forever a fan!