While I love that this space has introduced me to many new Nashville artists who I (and maybe you) may have never otherwise got to hear, it’s always a joy to work with someone I’ve admired ever since I moved to this great city. The latest 11 Questions subject is one of Nashville’s best writers and most beautiful voices, Kim Richey.

Kim is currently celebrating the 20^th anniversary of her “Glimmer” LP in a rather unique way. Yep Rec, perhaps the hippest label in the biz today, will soon be releasing “A Long Way Back” which is Kim’s reinterpretation of ten songs from that LP. She has recently been touring and performing “Glimmer” in its entirety.

I just couldn’t talk about Kim without mentioning one of my favorite Music City moments that I know I’m not the only one to fondly recall. That was in October 2004 when she wrecked everyone in the room at the Belcourt Theater with her unforgettable performance of The Beatles’ “She’s Leaving Home” with The Long Players.

Thanks, Kim, for your time, and we look forward to hopefully seeing this show in Nashville.   

Where are you from originally, when did you move to Nashville and why?

I am originally from Kettering, OH. I moved to Nashville in 1988 when I was encouraged to do so by my friends Bill Lloyd and Radney Foster. It’s all their fault.

What are the first and the last records you bought, and where did you buy them Were they CD, vinyl or digital?

The first record I remember was a 45 from my Great Aunt Helen’s record store in McConnelsville, OH. The record was “Summer in The City” by the Lovin’ Spoonful, and it was free. I had connections. The last record I bought was If I Could Only Remember My Name by David Crosby. I had to have that record after I saw the documentary about him. It was a used CD.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen? 

Chicago was the first and Mark Kozelek was the last.

Whose star should be added to the Music City Walk of Fame?

Unless I’m missing something on the list you sent me, Patty Loveless, one of the best singers ever is not on there. That’s wrong.

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

Coffee is Ugly Mugs. I can walk there in about four minutes. Nice folks and good neighborhood vibe. Pizza is City House or Folk.

What’s your favorite record to ever come out of Nashville?

The record that had the most influence on me was Steve Earle’s Guitar Town which was produced by Richard Bennett. It got me thinking about Nashville and lead me to Richard.

Where’s the best place to eat late night after a show?

Dino’s! My niece and nephews took me there for a burger and beers after I opened for Brandi Carlile at the Ryman. It was cause for celebration!

The Bluebird calls and asks you to host an “In the Round.” Pick three local songwriters to join you.

I’m going to pick Mando Saenz, Will Kimbrough and Caroline Spence.

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

The Ryman and The Basement.

Name a musician who you’d like to see move here.

Chuck Prophet.

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

Yep Roc is releasing my new record A Long Way Back on March 27. It’s a collection of the songs from Glimmer reimagined to commemorate the record’s 20^th anniversary.  And touring, lots of touring.