BR5-49. Smilin' Jay McDowell & Chuck Mead. Musicians Hall of Fame Backstage, Part One.

[@AC-jp2od]

Wish they would get back together! One of the best bands ever!

[@bobulele]

I remember seeing them in 1994 at Robert's; they still had a saxophone player. It was a crazy scene like I had never seen before. They played for more than 3 hours straight. Amazing, changed my idea of country music forever.

[@martinfitzsimons9539]

Hello from the Republic of Ireland. My first BR5-49 album was 'Live in Robert's' and to my ears it blew me away like AC/DC 'If you want blood, you got it' and Iron Maiden 'Live From Death' and Thin Lizzy 'Live and Dangerous' live albums. Then I saw BR5-49 in Vicar Street, Dublin, Ireland and it was amazing. I was impressed with the 'tightness' of the band (it reminded me of AC/DC -this is a compliment!

[@andyinoregon]

Can't thank you enough, Joe. BR5-49 was part of that modern Golden Age of country music for me, which I measured from roughly 1985-1995. I remember thinking they were country music's version of my favorite roots-rock band The Blasters from East L.A.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Andy

[@bradc32]

i could listen to chucks stories all day BR was great

[@tomstiel7576]

AWESOME interview Joe,,, the first time I came to Nashville,of course I found my way to Roberts,,,,I was so amazed at ALL the talent,,,especially the guitar slingers. I came down three more times within six months from Waterford Mi. just north of Detroit. And then I found the holy grail of museums,,,,,MHOF,,,, I even was fortunate enough to see Old Crow at the Ryman on new years eve,,,,if you love music you gotta go,,,,cant wait to come back,,,Im going to look you up Joe,,,,brings back some great memories !!!!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Tom….. Joe

[@nellymoriarty_5783]

So interesting, what great history Thanks Joe

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching too again Nelly…. Joe

[@theharpeth]

This is literally the best interview I’ve ever watched and listened to.

[@j.g.wentworth3399]

SEE AND HEAR HILLBILLY MUSIC LIVE! What an amazing time that was.

[@jimmarble1425]

Saw Chuck on tour at McMenamins in McMinnville, Oregon a couple years ago, great show!

[@andyinoregon]

Same here, Jim. Saw Chuck and his Grassy Knoll Boys headline at the McMenamins Edgefield Loading Dock Stage in Troutdale, Oregon during 2019's Oktoberfest. "Daddy Worked the Pole (So Momma Didn't Have To)" was my favorite that Sunday night.

[@sayeager5559]

Saw them a couple times in Nashville back in the day. always a great time. Webb Wilder was also always a great show.

[@E.C.2]

Will never understand why they didn't receive immense popularity with those first 2 LP's?!?!? Saw them live it was awesome. Happy New Year Bros + Sisters!

[@sapelesteve]

Terrific interview Joe! Jay & Chuck seem like really nice guys & I am sure that they have lots of great stories under their hats! Looking forward to the remainder of your interview. Hope that you are doing well & staying safe down there. 👍👍😉😉

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks again Steve.. yes they are ok guys:)…. Joe

[@mrDCunningham]

I really liked this Joe. Looking forward to part 2. Thank you sir 👍🏻😎

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks David … they’re coming about two days apart….. joe

[@JaniceBrooksbusgal]

A special part of my music world starting in 1996

[@klcox3184]

Excited to find this 1st of 4 part interview. I have two of their albums on my Ipod. (BR-549 and Big Backyard Beat). Just listened to some of their songs during a recent long flight. I never understood why they didn't make it bigger in terms of notoriety. Looking forward to the next episodes. Keep up the great interviews, Joe.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks KL…. Joe

[@tommymaguire2839]

Perfect way to kick off a Friday morning. Thanks for this. Cheers, Jay!

[@ivannovotny4552]

Awesome stuff Joe, and many thanks for sharing it with us.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Ivan….Joe

[@JuancoRocks]

We'll Joe, you've done it again what a fabulous interview Love these guys when they came to Phoenix on the Jack Daniels tour bus I saw them live a number of times. I look forward to the rest of the interviews." Lookat that kid play that base" JR

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks JR….. Joe

[@AlwaysElvis]

Great stuff...look forward to future episodes.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Tomorrow Elvis.. joe

[@efhs1970]

Fascinating story about their beginnings! Looking forward to seeing and hearing more! Thanks Joe!💫

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks again Larry…. Joe

[@normanwillsie1520]

Another great one Joe you have a knack at choosing the most interesting musicians to interview and do it so well you ask the right questions then allow them the time to answer. A lost art!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Many thanks Norman…. This was a easy choice…. Jay works for me at the museum for years now and is the camera man and editor for our Backstage shows:)… best, Joe

[@luckyone8793]

I agree..this is "cool" & all the pictures & great memories of Nashville!

[@sweetdrahthaar7951]

Cherokee Boogie(Hey-ho-a-lina). Always made me think of my grandmother on my mother’s side. Her name was Helena. Thanks Joe👍🏻

[@SeanSmith-mg1ee]

I had an 80 Olds with BR549 plates..church I drove north and stranded with an out trans Drove back a 77 Chevy van ...it is the story

[@patrickwashburn4501]

Nice work, Joe! I was a fan of BR5-49 since seeing them on the Austin City Limits show around 1997.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks again Pat… joe

[@mikelord9860]

Don't sell yerself short, Chuck, yer a purty damn good player! I could learn a lot from you, if my hands weren't so gnarly now.

[@jacktolmachoff7547]

Ya Joe!!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Jack… joe

[@donaldyonker5542]

Please post parts 2-4 ASAP!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Donald… editing them now… new shows every couple of days… Best, Joe

[@WOKINTUSD]

They are one of the best bands wish they reissue out of print vinyl records

[@annettes4480]

Enjoyed this but can't find Part 2.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Annette…. editing part two now…. Will be up soon… Joe

[@sweetdrahthaar7951]

Hammered teachers😂