Adalyn Ramey
Written by Rick Heldmann on April 19, 2023
In Kentucky, Highway US 23 is considered a Kentucky Heritage Trail. The reason for that is a history of many Country Music stars hailing from that area, such as Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle, The Judds, Chris Stapleton, Billy Ray Cyrus, Tom T. Hall, Ricky Skaggs, Keith Whitley, Dwight Yoakam and Patty Loveless. There are signs along the road to indicate where the artists are from.
Also hailing from the North East corner of Kentucky is a young, aspiring Bluegrass singer and songwriter, Adalyn Ramey. Adalyn has been an active singer for some time, and is just beginning to bloom as a songwriter. She is well known in that area, but yet to attract much attention nationally. Adalyn has a new, original song that she has released, and this writer believes the scope of her visibility is about to change!
Little did I know, this week, that I would be in the right place, at the right time, to meet Adalyn and her father, Phillip. I was also fortunate to spend some time talking in detail, with them. Adalyn’s father accompanies her, because she is 11 years old. The Ramey’s live along US 23, and Adalyn says, ‘just a few minutes from where Chris Stapleton grew up’. Adalyn started singing in Church when she was only 2 years old. Whenever the family took a trip in the car, Adalyn would entertain with her singing.
Very soon, her singing opportunities expanded to Church presentations and small gatherings. More recently, Adalyn has become a feature in the ‘Billie Jean Osborne’s Kentucky Opry Junior Pros’, as Directed by Bobby and Teddi Cyrus. At different times of the year Kentucky Opry puts on different Shows. I am told Adalyn has been in a recent Rock Show, and is preparing for the summer shows.
A recent development for Adalyn is that she has been selected to appear on the ‘Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour’, the regular Show and a new version of the Show ‘Woodsongs Kids’. Both of these shows are the features developed by Michael Johnathon, musician, singer, songwriter, and Music Dad. (A tip of my cap to Michael, for continuing to be a music innovator.) Adalyn is delighted and honored to have these opportunities.
Adalyn started playing the piano at age 5, and is progressing to play the mandolin and guitar. Adalyn’s piano teacher is an inspiration to her, and in giving her information on the history of the area where they live, the importance of the Coal industry, and how along with Coal, Music has always been one of the area’s biggest exports.
You’re probably wondering, when is he gonna tell us about the song?! Adalyn entered a song contest and used the stories of her part of Kentucky for her motivation. Her category had to do with tourism. The song itself is about a man who loves music, wants to be a singer, but is required to work in the mines to get by. Everyone he talks to about it says, he will never make it, but he is determined to see his name on one of those signs on 23, one day. You should really listen to ’23 Country Music Highway’ now, if you haven’t already.
To say that this song and Adalyn are both remarkable is an understatement. Then again, I promised Adalyn that I would not be a person who will ‘butter her up’ or try to sell her on the ‘dreams of success’, as I see and hear that way too much in the music business. Honestly, I am just thankful that the Lord and my boss, Annette Grady gave me the opportunity to meet Adalyn & Phillip. Adalyn tells me she has a couple more songs in the works. I can hardly wait!
You can follow Adalyn on facebook, www.facebook.com/tunesbyadalyn or on youtube. Music download on Streaming platforms.
