The Rhythm Section: A Memphis Music Podcast
Welcome to The Rhythm Section: A Memphis Music Podcast From legendary artists to emerging talents, we celebrate the soul of Memphis music. Tune in for engaging interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and a rich tapestry of musical heritage. The Rhythm Section Podcast is more than just a music podcast; it celebrates Memphis’ vibrant community, which keeps it alive. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Memphis music or a newcomer looking to discover the city’s hidden gems, The Rhythm Section Podcast is the perfect podcast for you. Follow at TheRhythmSectionPod.com Hosted by Derrick Michaud and Jeff Ward Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting - SRPStudiosLLC.com
Episodes

Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
On this episode of The Rhythm Section Podcast, Derrick and Jeff catch up on Jeff’s recent trip to North Carolina for his daughter Sarah’s wedding. They also break down this week’s featured interview, giving listeners a preview of what to expect from the upcoming guest. Tune in for behind-the-scenes insights and a look ahead at another exciting episode!
For the feature interview, hosts Derrick and Jeff welcome special guests Carmen Briana and Fannie Horton, dancers from Elevation Memphis: A Tina Turner Tribute Experience. They share how they became part of the tribute show and what the experience has been like performing in honor of the legendary Tina Turner. The duo also discusses their performance at the Tina Turner Brass Note Ceremony, their early careers with the Memphis Grizzlies, and the dance influences that shaped them. Plus, they educate Derrick and Jeff on the many different styles and genres of dance. Tune in for a fun and insightful conversation about movement, music, and paying tribute to an icon!
Elevation Memphis: A Tina Turner Experience
www.memphistinaturnertribute.com
Matt Montgomery GoFundme - https://gofund.me/7677dd56
TIP BUCKET
If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you can do so through our new Venmo and CashApp. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help shine a brighter spotlight on the great Memphis Music Community.
Venmo - @therhythmsectionpod
CashApp - $therhythmsectionpod
Thanks for tuning in and supporting the Rhythm Section Podcast.
🌐 Follow The Rhythm Section Pod: therhythmsectionpod.com
📺 WATCH - YouTube and Facebook
🎧 LISTEN - Apple and Spotify
🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com
![REPLAY | Kenny Francis, Adventures of Touring Musicians [11/22/23]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/15429086/Cover_Art_-_Season_273ha0_300x300.jpg)
Sunday Mar 09, 2025
Sunday Mar 09, 2025
Featured guest Kenny Francis tells us about his involvement in the music scene and his experiences on the road with the band Roxy Blue. Kenny shares stories about his past, including his time as a tour manager, his current profession as a long-haul truck driver, and his love for Mustang cars. The conversation also covers how he met his wife, Tina, and his early career in the music industry.
YouTube - https://bit.ly/3UgqsY2
Spotify - https://bit.ly/3EJOGBO
HOW TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST
If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you can do so through our new Venmo and CashApp. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help shine a brighter spotlight on the great Memphis Music Community.
Venmo - @therhythmsectionpod
CashApp - $therhythmsectionpod
Thanks for tuning in and supporting the Rhythm Section Podcast.
🌐 Follow The Rhythm Section Pod: therhythmsectionpod.com
🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
On this episode of The Rhythm Section Podcast, Jeff is back after escaping the death grip! Derrick and Jeff kick things off with a huge thanks to Steve Owens for stepping in last week. Jeff talks about his upcoming trip to North Carolina for his daughter’s wedding.
For the feature interview, Derrick and Jeff sit down with Vanessa Sudbury, the powerhouse vocalist for Rock The Boat. Vanessa shares how she landed the gig, her introduction to yacht rock, and gives us a rundown of the talented musicians in the band. She also dives into her long-time acoustic duo Six String Lovers with Charvey McLemore, her journey in writing original music, and her work with M-Town and Country Grammar. Plus, she talks about her early and current musical influences and her YouTube channel.
Vanessa’s YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@vanessasudbury386
SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS at TheRhythmSectionPod2022@gmail.com
HOW TO SUPPORT
If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you can do so through our new Venmo and CashApp. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help shine a brighter spotlight on the great Memphis Music Community.
Venmo - @therhythmsectionpod
CashApp - $therhythmsectionpod
Thanks for tuning in and supporting the Rhythm Section Podcast.
🌐 Follow The Rhythm Section Pod: therhythmsectionpod.com
📺 WATCH - YouTube and Facebook
🎧 LISTEN - Apple and Spotify
🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com
![REPLAY | Andy & Traci McCullough, Roxi Love [11/15/23]]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/15429086/Cover_Art_-_Season_273ha0_300x300.jpg)
Sunday Mar 02, 2025
Sunday Mar 02, 2025
Our featured guests, Andy and Traci McCullough, discuss their shared love for music and wrestling, their upbringing in Tate County, and their journey as musicians. Traci shares her experience as a bass player and singer, and they both discuss their musical influences, which range from Christian hymns to 60s oldies. The conversation also covers their experiences with different band members and their past collaboration with drummer Pete Mondello.
YouTube - https://bit.ly/3UgqsY2
Spotify - https://bit.ly/3EJOGBO
HOW TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST
If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you can do so through our new Venmo and CashApp. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help shine a brighter spotlight on the great Memphis Music Community.
Venmo - @therhythmsectionpod
CashApp - $therhythmsectionpod
Thanks for tuning in and supporting the Rhythm Section Podcast.
🌐 Follow The Rhythm Section Pod: therhythmsectionpod.com
🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
On this episode of The Rhythm Section Podcast, Derrick is joined by special guest Steve Owens, who steps in while Jeff recovers from the crud. Steve kicks things off by sharing his weekend adventures checking out local bands and dives into his work helping musicians with custom merch—from cups and shirts to stickers and more. Plus, we take a trip down memory lane as Steve recalls the night he met his wife, Katrina Owens, at Rascals.
The great Juno Marrs joined us for the feature interview. Juno Avent and Donnie Marrs (not Jimmy Fulp) came in and talked about all 100 projects they’ve been a part of through the years including, The Cow Tippers, Gabby Johnson, Triple Annie, FuriousGeorge, Kid Ego and KC Johns to name a few. And tune in for Donnie’s rant on his beloved Dallas Cowboys.
SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS at TheRhythmSectionPod2022@gmail.com
HOW TO SUPPORT
If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you can do so through our new Venmo and CashApp. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help shine a brighter spotlight on the great Memphis Music Community.
Venmo - @therhythmsectionpod
CashApp - $therhythmsectionpod
Thanks for tuning in and supporting the Rhythm Section Podcast.
🌐 Follow The Rhythm Section Pod: therhythmsectionpod.com
📺 WATCH - YouTube and Facebook
🎧 LISTEN - Apple and Spotify
🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com
![REPLAY | Seth Kuykendall, Formerly Known As [11/8/23]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/15429086/Cover_Art_-_Season_273ha0_300x300.jpg)
Sunday Feb 23, 2025
Sunday Feb 23, 2025
Today’s featured guest is Seth Kuykendall from Formerly Known As. The interview covers Seth's background, musical influences, and involvement in the Memphis music scene. They talk about Seth's early interest in The Beatles and Elvis, his passion for guitar playing, and his favorite albums from The Beatles and Pink Floyd. Seth shares his journey of joining the band Formerly Known As and his experiences performing live. The conversation also covers Seth's love for gear and pedal boards, his family's support, his involvement in multiple bands, and his experiences at the Tony Awards. The episode concludes by discussing their favorite rock bands and the importance of supporting local music.
YouTube - https://bit.ly/3UgqsY2
Spotify - https://bit.ly/3EJOGBO
HOW TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST
If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you can do so through our new Venmo and CashApp. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help shine a brighter spotlight on the great Memphis Music Community.
Venmo - @therhythmsectionpod
CashApp - $therhythmsectionpod
Thanks for tuning in and supporting the Rhythm Section Podcast.
🌐 Follow The Rhythm Section Pod: therhythmsectionpod.com
🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
On this episode of The Rhythm Section Podcast, Derrick and Jeff kick things off by discussing the band Chasing Angels and their performance at Sidecar Southaven. Derrick shares his experience at Lafayette’s, where he caught Elevation Memphis: A Tina Turner Tribute Experience. Plus, the guys welcome their newest sponsor, Desoto Local, and highlight its support for the podcast.
In the feature interview the guys sit down with Jonas and Leslie Palmer from the band The Pinch for a captivating conversation about music, passion, and life experiences. Jonas shares his admiration for legendary bassists like Les Claypool, Flea, and Peanut, while Leslie reveals her love for the smooth sounds of yacht rock. The duo also discusses the formation of The Pinch, their individual musical journeys, Jonas's time in the military, and Leslie’s background in radio at Memphis’s iconic Rock 103.
The Pinch FB - www.facebook.com/thepinchrocks
SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS at TheRhythmSectionPod2022@gmail.com
HOW TO SUPPORT
If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you can do so through our new Venmo and CashApp. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help shine a brighter spotlight on the great Memphis Music Community.
Venmo - @therhythmsectionpod
CashApp - $therhythmsectionpod
Thanks for tuning in and supporting the Rhythm Section Podcast.
🌐 Follow The Rhythm Section Pod: therhythmsectionpod.com
📺 WATCH - YouTube and Facebook
🎧 LISTEN - Apple and Spotify
🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com
![SUNDAY REPLAY | Derrin Lee, Elevation Memphis [11/01/23]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/15429086/Cover_Art_-_Season_273ha0_300x300.jpg)
Sunday Feb 16, 2025
Sunday Feb 16, 2025
The featured guest is Derrin Lee, the keyboard player from Elevation Memphis. They discuss Derrin's musical journey, from his upbringing in Dallas, Texas, to his move to Memphis, his education, and his passion for various music genres. Derrin shares his experiences playing in different ensembles, receiving a piano scholarship at Tennessee State University, and his desire to be a versatile musician. They also discuss his involvement in a Tina Turner tribute project and the importance of supporting live music. Derrin's love for music, humility, and eagerness to learn are highlighted throughout the conversation.
Apple - https://bit.ly/3rqqZLP
Spotify - https://bit.ly/3EJOGBO
HOW TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST
If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you can do so through our new Venmo and CashApp. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help shine a brighter spotlight on the great Memphis Music Community.
Venmo - @therhythmsectionpod
CashApp - $therhythmsectionpod
Thanks for tuning in and supporting the Rhythm Section Podcast.
🌐 Follow The Rhythm Section Pod: therhythmsectionpod.com
🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
In this episode, Derrick and Jeff share exciting updates, including their big studio move and the podcast’s growing list of sponsors—Musicians Booking Agency, Moore Loud, David Griffin Audio, Area 51, and Big Note Music Lessons. They also discuss their continued partnership with Radio Memphis and the shift to a Tuesday release schedule to align with the station. Plus, they celebrate a major milestone as the podcast’s Facebook page surpasses 2,000 followers! A huge thank you goes out to Kenny Francis and Tina Hinds for their generous Venmo donations ahead of the new season.
For the feature interview Derrick and Jeff sit down with Ric Chetter and Monica Summerfield from Radio Memphis to dive into the origins of the station and its mission to support local, original music. Ric shares his history at Rock 103, while Monica reflects on Memphis’ thriving independent film scene back in the day. They also reveal the story of how they met, Monica’s first introduction to radio, and the exciting new collaboration with Weapons of Mass Production airing after The Rhythm Section. Plus, they discuss Radio Memphis' shift to non-profit status—and introduce the infamous studio doll, Rosie Palms!
Radio-Memphis.com
SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS at TheRhythmSectionPod2022@gmail.com
HOW TO SUPPORT
If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you can do so through our new Venmo and CashApp. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help shine a brighter spotlight on the great Memphis Music Community.
Venmo - @therhythmsectionpod
CashApp - $therhythmsectionpod
Thanks for tuning in and supporting the Rhythm Section Podcast.
🌐 Follow The Rhythm Section Pod: therhythmsectionpod.com
📺 WATCH - YouTube and Facebook
🎧 LISTEN - Apple and Spotify
🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com
![SUNDAY REPLAY | Karen Dillard Brown, Midnite Train From Memphis [10/25/23]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/15429086/Cover_Art_-_Season_273ha0_300x300.jpg)
Sunday Feb 09, 2025
Sunday Feb 09, 2025
Featured guest, Karen Dillon Brown discusses her experiences as a musician, her band Midnight Train from Memphis, and her involvement in charity work. Karen shares her early musical influences, the challenges of being a female artist, and the joy of performing live. She also talks about her role in booking gigs and her work in the dental profession. The conversation touches on the importance of supporting live music and original artists. Karen's dedication to a charity feeding children is highlighted, as well as her upcoming benefit event for a member of the Memphis music community.
Spotify - https://bit.ly/3EJOGBO
Apple - https://bit.ly/3rqqZLP
HOW TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST
If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you can do so through our new Venmo and CashApp. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help shine a brighter spotlight on the great Memphis Music Community.
Venmo - @therhythmsectionpod
CashApp - $therhythmsectionpod
Thanks for tuning in and supporting the Rhythm Section Podcast.
🌐 Follow The Rhythm Section Pod: therhythmsectionpod.com
🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com