Shape Shifting on Pea Ridge

by Billy Kemp on November 19, 2020November 25, 2020

Writing songs has been my favorite go to place since I was fourteen, but I have taken a few artistic detours along the way.

A southern night to remember.

by Billy Kemp on October 5, 2020November 25, 2020

It was an extraordinary evening. A southern night at its finest with good food, good drink and good conversation; a story I have told numerous times. A night to be grateful for. A kairos day. Forever changed.

Demos and Diversions

by Billy Kemp on August 23, 2020November 25, 2020

One of the shows that I really missed getting to do this past spring was a Saturday night House concert in Kansas City for the Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio. It was going to celebrate Benton’s birthday and the Saturday night music gatherings he had at his home. Benton played the harmonica as well.

Sang Satin Sheets

by Billy Kemp on July 20, 2020November 25, 2020

In the spring of 1986, I got a call from Ansley. He was Jeanne’s bandleader, and he asked me if I would be interested in playing rhythm guitar and back-up singing with her band. It had been a dream of mine to play the Opry since 1975 when I first listened to it in my 1960 Rambler on the AM radio. On a good night I could pick up the WSM Grand Ole Opry signal when I parked my car up near the Westchester Community Center in Oella, Maryland near Ellicott City. I told Ansley YES, YES, YES!!!

New Recording, Live Virtual Concert and Greetings from Liberty…

by Billy Kemp on July 6, 2020November 25, 2020

And speaking of new records, many of you know I recently announced a new record I’ve released, The Craig Demos on June 18. The physical CDs arrived on July 1 and I wanted to let you know they are available now from my website. Please visit and have a listen. I hope that you enjoy it. These are recordings I wasn’t thinking about releasing when I tracked them, so this is my first unintentional record.

The Craig Demos release

by Billy Kemp on June 18, 2020November 25, 2020

Greetings to everyone from Liberty, Tennessee, on the edge of the Cumberland Plateau. I certainly do hope that the world is shining brightly on you as we approach summer. This is the first spring that I will have seen in its entirety in middle Tennessee, after thirteen years of hanging my hat here. It’s been good weather and a good time to stay around the house, planting things, mixing and making music. The Craig Demos are now available.