Show Notes
Behind an unforgettable song is a story that reaches far beyond the charts. On Almost Live Nashville, Donna Lewis reflects on years of developing her craft before worldwide success and the lessons that taught her to trust her creative instincts.

Donna shares how motherhood reshaped her priorities and how writing during breast cancer treatment became a source of comfort and expression. She also discusses collaborating with longtime friend David Lowe, embracing emotion over perfection, and her dreams of intimate theater performances and bringing a musical to the stage.

Find Donna at DonnaLewis.com and on Instagram and Facebook at Donna Lewis Music.

Show Notes Behind an unforgettable song is a story that reaches far beyond the charts. On Almost Live Nashville, Donna Lewis reflects on years of developing her craft before worldwide success and the lessons that taught her to trust her creative instincts.
Donna shares how motherhood reshaped her priorities and how writing during breast cancer treatment became a source of comfort and expression. She also discusses collaborating with longtime friend David Lowe, embracing emotion over perfection, and her dreams of intimate theater performances and bringing a musical to the stage.
Find Donna at DonnaLewis.com and on Instagram and Facebook at Donna Lewis Music.

Nashville based veteran music producer Tony Mantor’s Almost Live… Nashville podcast takes its listener on a journey through the business of music and entertainment. Following the success and popularity of his top-rated podcast on Autism & Mental Health awareness - Why Not Me? - Mantor hosts thought-provoking conversations and behind-the-scenes stories from various celebrity guests from the world of music, television and entertainment. With more than 30 years as an accomplished music producer based in Nashville, Mantor welcomes a worldly guest list of musicians, actors and entertainers who share their unique stories about the roles they’ve played in creating and sustaining what we know as popular American culture. Conversations and stories that also give a deeper understanding on what it takes to achieve success in the entertainment industry for aspiring entertainers who are currently pursuing their own dreams of being a star someday. Whether listening for the entertainment or storytelling factor alone, or for tips on how his guests faced their life’s challenges, Almost Live… Nashville will have a story for anyone who has been a fan of popular culture in music, movies and television over the last few decades.

Nashville based veteran music producer Tony Mantor’s Almost Live… Nashville podcast takes its listener on a journey through the business of music and entertainment. Following the success and popularity of his top-rated podcast on Autism &amp; Mental Health awareness - Why Not Me? - Mantor hosts thought-provoking conversations and behind-the-scenes stories from various celebrity guests from the world of music, television and entertainment. With more than 30 years as an accomplished music producer based in Nashville, Mantor welcomes a worldly guest list of musicians, actors and entertainers who share their unique stories about the roles they’ve played in creating and sustaining what we know as popular American culture. Conversations and stories that also give a deeper understanding on what it takes to achieve success in the entertainment industry for aspiring entertainers who are currently pursuing their own dreams of being a star someday. Whether listening for the entertainment or storytelling factor alone, or for tips on how his guests faced their life’s challenges, Almost Live… Nashville will have a story for anyone who has been a fan of popular culture in music, movies and television over the last few decades.

Tony Mantor's : Almost Live..... Nashville

Donna Lewis joins Tony Mantor to share the story behind her timeless hit “I Love You Always Forever,” her decision to prioritize motherhood, and how creating music during breast cancer treatment helped her find emotional healing and renewed purpose.

Donna Lewis: Beyond “I Love You Always Forever”

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/d2e8065b-4e96-407c-9153-b4d9017da39b/transcript

Show Notes

What happens when a holiday singalong becomes the beginning of a new musical chapter?

Tony Mantor welcomes Liverpool singer and performer Beverly Ann to Almost Live Nashville for a conversation about a lifetime in music and the unexpected connection that led to her single “Daystar.”

Beverly shares her beginnings in a musical family, the lasting influence of mentor Hilda Fallon, and the lessons she learned performing with comedy legend Ken Dodd. She also recalls appearing at Liverpool’s Capital of Culture celebration alongside Ringo Starr and explains why connecting with an audience remains her greatest motivation.

A chance encounter on holiday in Crete eventually introduced her to a Belgian composer whose melody inspired “Daystar.” Blending pop, jazz, and cinematic influences, the song reflects her love of classic Hollywood and music that tells a story.

In this episode:


Growing up surrounded by Liverpool’s musical talent.


Hilda Fallon’s lessons in kindness and giving back.


Performing with Ken Dodd as a child.


A memorable encounter with Ringo Starr.


The holiday connection that sparked “Daystar.”


Finding inspiration through melody and imagination.


Balancing motherhood, touring, and songwriting.


Pursuing creative dreams at every stage of life.

Beverly’s message is simple: keep creating, take chances, and never assume your most exciting chapter has already happened.

Follow Almost Live Nashville for more conversations about music, entertainment, and the people behind the performances.

Contact:media@plateaumusic.com

Show Notes
What happens when a holiday singalong becomes the beginning of a new musical chapter?
Tony Mantor welcomes Liverpool singer and performer Beverly Ann to Almost Live Nashville for a conversation about a lifetime in music and the unexpected connection that led to her single &ldquo;Daystar.&rdquo;
Beverly shares her beginnings in a musical family, the lasting influence of mentor Hilda Fallon, and the lessons she learned performing with comedy legend Ken Dodd. She also recalls appearing at Liverpool&rsquo;s Capital of Culture celebration alongside Ringo Starr and explains why connecting with an audience remains her greatest motivation.
A chance encounter on holiday in Crete eventually introduced her to a Belgian composer whose melody inspired &ldquo;Daystar.&rdquo; Blending pop, jazz, and cinematic influences, the song reflects her love of classic Hollywood and music that tells a story.
In this episode:
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
Growing up surrounded by Liverpool&rsquo;s musical talent.
</li>
<li>
Hilda Fallon&rsquo;s lessons in kindness and giving back.
</li>
<li>
Performing with Ken Dodd as a child.
</li>
<li>
A memorable encounter with Ringo Starr.
</li>
<li>
The holiday connection that sparked &ldquo;Daystar.&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
Finding inspiration through melody and imagination.
</li>
<li>
Balancing motherhood, touring, and songwriting.
</li>
<li>
Pursuing creative dreams at every stage of life.
</li>
</ul>
Beverly&rsquo;s message is simple: keep creating, take chances, and never assume your most exciting chapter has already happened.
Follow Almost Live Nashville for more conversations about music, entertainment, and the people behind the performances.
Contact: <a href="mailto:media@plateaumusic.com">media@plateaumusic.com</a>

Liverpool performer Beverly Ann joins Tony Mantor to share stories of Ken Dodd, Ringo Starr, and the chance holiday encounter that inspired “Daystar.” She reflects on songwriting, motherhood, and why it is never too late to pursue your musical dreams.

Beverly Ann: From Liverpool’s Stages to the Magic of “Daystar”

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/42673796-9fb9-42e1-abbc-b4d90187ed06/transcript

Show Notes

From performing with Marvin Hamlisch as a teenager to starring in her own BBC television series, Grace Kennedy has a lifetime of stories to share. She joins Tony Mantor on Almost Live Nashville for a conversation about unforgettable encounters, artistic independence, and the passion behind her album, DZIRE.

Grace recalls the encouragement she received from Sammy Davis Jr. and Aretha Franklin, including an evening when Sammy personally cooked her dinner. She also reflects on performing before British royalty, starring in Carmen Jones in Tokyo, and finding unexpected peace through gardening.

Looking ahead, Grace shares the seven-year journey behind DZIRE, working with her brother Errol Kennedy, and why songs such as “Strong,” “Wherever You Are Tonight,” and “Love Affair” mean so much to her. Along the way, she offers honest advice about resilience, choosing trustworthy collaborators, and taking ownership of your career.

Follow Grace on social media at @GraceKennedyOfficial.

Follow Almost Live Nashville for more conversations about music, entertainment, and the people behind the performances.

Show Notes
From performing with Marvin Hamlisch as a teenager to starring in her own BBC television series, Grace Kennedy has a lifetime of stories to share. She joins Tony Mantor on Almost Live Nashville for a conversation about unforgettable encounters, artistic independence, and the passion behind her album, DZIRE.
Grace recalls the encouragement she received from Sammy Davis Jr. and Aretha Franklin, including an evening when Sammy personally cooked her dinner. She also reflects on performing before British royalty, starring in Carmen Jones in Tokyo, and finding unexpected peace through gardening.
Looking ahead, Grace shares the seven-year journey behind DZIRE, working with her brother Errol Kennedy, and why songs such as &ldquo;Strong,&rdquo; &ldquo;Wherever You Are Tonight,&rdquo; and &ldquo;Love Affair&rdquo; mean so much to her. Along the way, she offers honest advice about resilience, choosing trustworthy collaborators, and taking ownership of your career.
Follow Grace on social media at @GraceKennedyOfficial.
Follow Almost Live Nashville for more conversations about music, entertainment, and the people behind the performances.

Grace Kennedy joins Tony Mantor to share unforgettable stories about Sammy Davis Jr., her BBC television years, and performing before British royalty. She also explores the passion behind DZIRE, her seven-year album project, and the strength it takes to build a lasting entertainment career.

Grace Kennedy: Stories Behind the Spotlight and the Passion Behind DZIRE

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/8dfc0655-1579-419b-9183-b4d901831ef1/transcript

Randy Montana spent seven years rebuilding his career after his record deal ended. Then Luke Combs recorded “Beer Never Broke My Heart”—and Randy found himself standing in a packed stadium listening to thousands of people sing the words he helped write.

In this episode of Almost Live Nashville, Randy joins Tony Mantor for an honest conversation about the work, uncertainty, and persistence behind a hit songwriting career. Growing up with his father, songwriter Billy Montana, Randy saw the struggle long before he saw the success. Those early lessons helped him navigate his own journey from recording artist to writing songs for other voices.

Randy shares the experience of recording with Emmylou Harris, the heartbreak of a potential George Strait single that fell through, and the childhood fishing memories that inspired “Too Broke for a Boat.” He also explains why creativity requires showing up, how trusted collaborators help shape a career, and why having a hit doesn’t make self-doubt disappear.

Through it all, Randy has found something he didn’t fully appreciate when he first dreamed of stardom: a career that lets him create music while being present for his wife and three children.

For anyone pursuing a dream through setbacks and changing plans, this conversation offers a candid look at what it takes to keep going—and how success can turn out differently than you imagined.

Follow Almost Live Nashville for more conversations with the people behind the music.

Randy Montana spent seven years rebuilding his career after his record deal ended. Then Luke Combs recorded &ldquo;Beer Never Broke My Heart&rdquo;&mdash;and Randy found himself standing in a packed stadium listening to thousands of people sing the words he helped write.
In this episode of Almost Live Nashville, Randy joins Tony Mantor for an honest conversation about the work, uncertainty, and persistence behind a hit songwriting career. Growing up with his father, songwriter Billy Montana, Randy saw the struggle long before he saw the success. Those early lessons helped him navigate his own journey from recording artist to writing songs for other voices.
Randy shares the experience of recording with Emmylou Harris, the heartbreak of a potential George Strait single that fell through, and the childhood fishing memories that inspired &ldquo;Too Broke for a Boat.&rdquo; He also explains why creativity requires showing up, how trusted collaborators help shape a career, and why having a hit doesn&rsquo;t make self-doubt disappear.
Through it all, Randy has found something he didn&rsquo;t fully appreciate when he first dreamed of stardom: a career that lets him create music while being present for his wife and three children.
For anyone pursuing a dream through setbacks and changing plans, this conversation offers a candid look at what it takes to keep going&mdash;and how success can turn out differently than you imagined.
Follow Almost Live Nashville for more conversations with the people behind the music.

Hit songwriter Randy Montana joins Tony Mantor to share his journey from losing a record deal to co-writing Luke Combs’ “Beer Never Broke My Heart.” From lessons learned watching his father, Billy Montana, to recording with Emmylou Harris, Randy reflects on perseverance, family, and finding success on an unexpected path.

Randy Montana: Seven Years to “Beer Never Broke My Heart”

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/4b4c922c-f888-44eb-bfcf-b4d9017411a4/transcript

Donna Lewis: Beyond “I Love You Always Forever”

Tony Mantor's : Almost Live..... Nashville

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