Ramblin’ Woman: Kelsey Waldon brings new material home to Kentucky

By Kevin Murphy Wilson • Photos Provided

Kelsey Waldon can’t remember a time in her life when she was not singing. Growing up in Monkey’s Eyebrow, Kentucky, her influences ranged from local bluegrass bands to the Beatles. After moving to Nashville and honing her performance skills for more than a decade, Waldon’s career got a big boost when she caught the ear of John Prine, who promptly signed her to his Oh Boy record label. Since that moment, Waldon has never looked back. We recently caught up with this bona fide Kentucky Colonel [Waldon was commissioned by Governor Andy Beshear in 2024] for a quick chat about her sixth and latest LP, Every Ghost, and the tour that lands her in the region for an intimate concert at the historic Zanzabar club in Germantown on February 20.

VOICE-TRIBUNE: What sort of impact did being raised on bluegrass music in Monkey’s Eyebrow, Kentucky have on your art and overall approach to life?

Kelsey Waldon: “I hear bluegrass and mountain music in everything I create, and my voice is my voice no matter what. So, it’s always there, no matter what ‘genre’ the music is. It’s all coming from the roots. It evolves sometimes as I evolve, as well.”

VT: A while ago you mentioned that [your friend and label boss] John Prine and [Grateful Dead co-founder] Bobby Weir were occasionally getting together for hot dogs and beer, or whatever. What role did those two late, great artists [Prine and Weir] play in your musical formation, both before and after you knew them personally? 

KW: “I never got to know Bobby Weir, unfortunately. But I always dug the Dead. ‘Friend of the Devil’ was one of the first songs I learned to play on guitar! As far as John Prine goes, we were close the last couple years of his life and I am so thankful for his influence and somewhat mentorship. I learned so much about how to put on a show, how to treat your openers, and your band and team, from him. A lot of young artists out there try so hard to be rock stars, they act up and they try way too hard, and they aren’t grateful for any of it. John actually was a real legend and rock star, he never tried to be too cool but he just WAS that cool, and at the end of his life, he was really just living it up. He was finally selling out theaters and just in pure joy on stage. I learned a lot about just being yourself on stage from him. The crowd loved him for it, too. Before I knew him [John Prine] personally, he was my songwriting hero. I think his first album is one of the most influential records of my young life for sure.”

VT: As we speak, you are in the midst of the European leg of your tour. What is the best part about sharing your body of work with audiences far and wide? 

KW: “I enjoy working, and every single year, it’s gotten better, and I am actually making a living at it now. Sure, sometimes you break even, but you gotta build it. The best part is seeing in real time how much you have connected with strangers, and seeing them sing it back. Makes me feel like it actually does mean something.”

VT: Was there anything in particular about the songwriting or recording process for the “Every Ghost” LP that made it special for you?

KW: “This one was special for sure. I will never forget the experience I was having during the making of this record. I’ll never forget how much of my limits were pushed personally, either. Extreme grief and heartbreak were happening while I felt like I was making the best thing I’ve ever done. But that’s art. There was joy and there were tears. We went there. It was inspired every step of the way. It was the most fun I’ve had while making a record while at the same time the most vulnerable. A safe space with my band and my partner making some magic. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

VT: You once told me that it’s a songwriter’s responsibility to speak the truth at all costs and that you don’t ever intend to write “tailgating music.” Honestly that is all anyone could ask of an artist in terms of attitude or ethos. But in this day and age, and at this point in your career, how do you measure success? 

KW: “Success means different things to different people. Just by waking up and having another day, we are successful. If you are doing what you love and making a living at it, you are successful. If you are truly ‘happy’…you have been successful and already beat the odds. You are validated by just being a human being, no matter who you are. I may not be the biggest star quite yet, but I have a loyal fan base and folks who buy tickets across the USA and outside of it, a band who loves me, and a team who cares. I get to do this for a living, no matter what that looks like, so I believe I have been successful. It’s not over yet, either!”

VT: What comes next for you?

KW: “Next for me? To keep it up.”

For more information visit zanzabarlouisville.com.