Let’s first start by congratulating Music City singer-songwriter Jennifer Hart (formerly known as Jennifer Smestad) who just rang in the New Year 2023 by getting married! With that, my wedding gift to her is to simply say that I just love her debut 7-song EP titled “1992.” Jennifer is a great narrative songwriter with an exceptionally beautiful Country voice. It was hard to take this EP off of repeat!

Watch her video for the record’s lead single “Half the Man,” a co-write with dobro player Josh Matheny and crack Country guitarist Erik Halbig. It’s a beautiful song about how her Daddy “set the bar real high” for the man she would marry.

Thanks, Jennifer, for your 11 Questions and we look forward to seeing you singing around town wearing your new ring! Your openness about overcoming the health challenges life has taken you through is an inspiration to us all!

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

I am from Gilbert, AZ and moved to Nashville in October of 2016. Ever since probably around high school I knew I wanted to move to Nashville at some point to pursue a career in Country music. It was just a matter of time for me! What finally inspired my move was actually a bad breakup. It motivated me to pack up all of my belongings and start fresh by pursuing my dreams at a much larger scale.

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

I don’t remember the very first one I bought, but I do remember wearing out Shania Twain, Faith Hill, and Reba McEntire on CD and cassette tapes. And then of course Britney Spears and NSYNC! I do remember buying those ones at Target. I miss going to the CD section at Target and buying a bunch of new full-length albums on CDs. The last CD I bought was probably a Taylor Swift album. I bought hers all the way through college, but now I purchase them on iTunes.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

First concert ever was Black Eyed Peas with Gwen Stefani when I was in eighth grade. But my first Country concert (also in eighth grade) was Tim and Faith’s Soul2Soul II Tour in 2006. It was SO GOOD. The last show I went to was Jason Aldean’s Rock n’ Roll Cowboy Tour with Gabby Barrett and John Morgan.

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

TIM MCGRAW!!!

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

I know I’m the minority here, but I don’t drink coffee! I am a big tea drinker though, and I still love going to coffee shops. I usually go to Frothy Monkey, Americano Lounge, The Well, Barista Parlor, and Steadfast Coffee. For pizza I go to Five Points. YUM.

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

Probably Shania Twain’s The Woman in Me album. There are SO MANY hits on that record and I’ve been singing along to it since I was a kid. And yes, I’m still singing along and will never get sick of those songs!

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

Dino’s and M.L. Rose.

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

Lydia Vaughan, Sean C Kennedy, and Emma Lynn White.

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

The Listening Room. I love that people come from all over the nation and world to hear not only artists, but songwriters too. It’s fun to be up on that stage, connect with the audience, and share the stories behind the songs and how they were written.

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

Kyler Fisher. He lives in Utah with his adorable family and is a great Country singer and writer. I’d love for them to move to Nashville. Go listen to his newest single, “Next to You.”

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

I really hope to play the Grand Ole Opry in the near future and get on Country radio! I have lots and lots of goals that I plan to keep working towards until they happen!