Lisa Dudley

Interviews with Lisa Dudley

Interview with Lisa Dudley:

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I was born in a naval hospital to a military family. Both my parents served. I was raised overseas with a real love for my country. When you've lived in countries with martial law you really appreciate America.

Q: What made you realize that music was your path?
A: I have been singing since before I could speak. But I gave my life to music after a really bad car accident. I started having amazing dreams and the songs would come to me in my sleep. I know these songs are meant be to heard. Sometimes, it feels like they come to me from a divine source.

Q: How would you describe the music that you typically create?
A: My music is Spirit Country. That means it's usually positive (even if its a sad song), it's heartfelt, and often has a foot-stomping beat. I'm into the high lonesome sound of grieving and healing. Soldiers tell me my songs help them feel again. My most requested song is Angel on My Shoulder -- because angels brought them safely home from battle.

Q: Who are your biggest musical influences?
A: My earliest musical influences were the Kingston Trio, Joan Baez, and Elvis. Oh, and of course, the Beatles. As I grew up I was more influenced by Emmy Lou Harris, Dolly Parton, and Randy Travis. But Vince Gill is the one who changed my life forever with his song, "Never Knew Lonely til You."

Q: What makes your music unique?
A: I try to have something to say, and to say it in a way that matters. My song, Trail of Tears -- that song gets to me every time I sing it. I feel the utter despair -- and then the absolute victory of surviving. And I know if she could do that, then what can I do?

Q: Has there been one particular moment in your musical career that you're most proud of?
A: I am most proud of our first Concert for Veterans. We recorded it live (that's one take, folks) and released it. Another time, an 85 year old man -- a WWII veteran -- told me his wife listened to one of my CDs every day for a year while she was taking chemo. Whenever I think I can't do this for one more day -- I remember that brave woman --and how she was comforted by my music.

Q: How did you come to write I Believe in America?

A: I was living in upstate NY when the towers fell. It was the most beautiful day. The sky was electric blue. I had been in the woods for four days fasting and praying and when I came back into the real world I still had smoke in my hair. Everyone was writing their 9/11 songs and I was like a deer in headlights. I finally asked myself, "Who are you? What do you believe?" I believe Americans always do the right thing, eventually.

Q: And then you translated I Believe in America into Spanish?

In Spanish, it sings better as Yo Te Amo, America. I had a close friend, Meri Rosado who was born in Puerto Rico. She would cry when I sang it because, "Puerto Ricans are American citizens! Even if we only speak Spanish, we still love our country." I was with her days before she passed from breast cancer. I promised her I would get this song out into the world.