Basic Folk podcast, eps. 318 – Tami Neilson
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In recent years, Tami Neilson has been learning to carry both great joy and great sorrow simultaneously. The New Zealand-based, Canadian-born powerhouse’s new album Neon Cowgirl is named after the towering electric figure that’s sat on Broadway in Nashville, watching over Tami’s career since she was 16 years old. The songs were born from a five month family road-trip combined-major musical tour that would allow Tami the once-in-a-lifetime chance to really give it her all with her career. It was the chance for her children to experience what her life was like at their age: touring the country with her family’s band, led by her eccentric and wildly lovable dreamer-father, Ron Neilson. Before she got the chance to hit the road, Tami landed in the ICU with sepsis and nearly lost her life. She blessedly recovered, but found that all her priorities centered around the trip had changed.
In our conversation, we talk about the songs on Neon Cowgirl, her exciting performances at The Grand Ole Opry and her special friendship and collaborations with Willie Nelson. We also talk a lot about her brother Jay Neilson. For all of her career and life, Jay has been by her side as her guitarist, co-writer and musical partner. Last July, Jay suffered a rare and debilitating brain injury that he is still recovering from. Tami and Jay have not been able to perform together since that injury. She shares what it’s been like to be without Jay and how it’s been for him to be so public about his condition.
Tami Neilson and I first connected during the pandemic. She was a guest on the podcast after she released her 2020 album Chickaboom! Since then, I have loved following her career, listening to her new music and experiencing her highs and lows. She’s one of my favorite guests and I’m thrilled to welcome Tami back to talk about her wonderful new record. during the pandemic.
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