National Memorial Day Concert 2023 (Trace Adkins, Yolanda Adams, Phillip Phillips, The War & Treaty and More!

1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:04,640 In this episode of Pop Culture Weekly, it's all about the 2023 National Memorial Day 2 00:00:04,640 --> 00:00:08,760 concert we've got Trace Agkins, Philip Phillips, Yelanda Adams, and so much more. 3 00:00:08,760 --> 00:00:11,120 Let's go! 4 00:00:11,120 --> 00:00:15,760 Welcome to Pop Culture Weekly with Kyle McMahon from My Heart Radio. 5 00:00:15,760 --> 00:00:22,080 Your Pop Culture News, Views, Reviews, and Celebrity Interviews on all the movies, TV, 6 00:00:22,080 --> 00:00:25,240 music, and pop culture you crave weekly. 7 00:00:25,240 --> 00:00:27,240 Here's Kyle McMahon. 8 00:00:27,240 --> 00:00:30,280 Hey, what's up? 9 00:00:30,280 --> 00:00:35,800 It's Kyle McMahon, I heart Radio's Pop Culture Weekly, and I am here live in Washington, 10 00:00:35,800 --> 00:00:36,800 D.C. 11 00:00:36,800 --> 00:00:42,800 Once again, on the West lawn of the Capitol for the 2023 National Memorial Day Concert 12 00:00:42,800 --> 00:00:44,800 on PBS. 13 00:00:44,800 --> 00:00:51,200 It is, I'm in rehearsals now, and it is going to be an incredible show. 14 00:00:51,200 --> 00:00:57,660 Joe Montenia and Gary Seneese once again are hosting performers, Trace Agkins, Yelanda 15 00:00:57,660 --> 00:01:07,680 Adams, Jody Messina, Philip Phillips, Esopotham, Markerson, John Slattery, Doole Hill, 16 00:01:07,680 --> 00:01:12,120 Chosen Jacobs, Mary McCormick, The War and Treaty. 17 00:01:12,120 --> 00:01:17,960 It's the National Symphony Orchestra, and I'm talking to all those people as well, FYI, 18 00:01:17,960 --> 00:01:21,800 it is going to be an incredible show. 19 00:01:21,800 --> 00:01:29,200 The stories that they are telling, one, in particular, really, really, is just incredible. 20 00:01:29,200 --> 00:01:38,280 Sergeant Anthony O'Neill McGee, Colonel Carlisle, Smitty, and Louise Harris, his loving wife. 21 00:01:38,280 --> 00:01:45,760 It is going to be an excellent show, a locket right here for all of the interviews, and 22 00:01:45,760 --> 00:01:51,960 then, of course, the show airs live on Sunday, and if you're listening to this after, for 23 00:01:51,960 --> 00:01:59,200 two weeks afterwards, you can watch the live show on YouTube, PBS is YouTube, or go to 24 00:01:59,200 --> 00:02:04,840 PBS.org to the National Memorial Day Concert site, and you can watch it there. 25 00:02:04,840 --> 00:02:09,160 It is well, well worth your time. 26 00:02:09,160 --> 00:02:18,640 Next up, we have our hosts, The One and Only, or The Two and Only, Joe Montenna, and Gary 27 00:02:18,640 --> 00:02:19,640 Sinise. 28 00:02:19,640 --> 00:02:20,640 All right. 29 00:02:20,640 --> 00:02:26,880 So, you both have done this, you know, since it's inception, essentially. 30 00:02:26,880 --> 00:02:33,680 Why is it so important for you to come back every year and tell these amazing stories? 31 00:02:33,680 --> 00:02:38,720 This is our National Memorial Day Concert. 32 00:02:38,720 --> 00:02:44,280 It's actually a well-kept secret when you consider how many people don't know about this concert. 33 00:02:44,280 --> 00:02:49,880 I didn't know about it until Joe called me 2005 and asked me and said, "Hey, I started doing 34 00:02:49,880 --> 00:02:53,560 this Memorial Day Concert a few years ago, come and do a segment." 35 00:02:53,560 --> 00:02:58,680 And that was 2005, and I was unaware of the National Memorial Day Concert. 36 00:02:58,680 --> 00:03:00,400 But this is our 34th year. 37 00:03:00,400 --> 00:03:03,040 This concert has been going on for 34 years. 38 00:03:03,040 --> 00:03:07,920 I hope that we can spread the word and more and more people each year will tune in. 39 00:03:07,920 --> 00:03:13,720 This is a way for our nation to come together in remembrance and honor and appreciation of 40 00:03:13,720 --> 00:03:18,320 the sacrifices that have been made to keep us all free over the years. 41 00:03:18,320 --> 00:03:20,080 And the freedom comes at a cost. 42 00:03:20,080 --> 00:03:22,160 There's a price that has to be paid. 43 00:03:22,160 --> 00:03:25,280 People have paid it and we honor them here at the National Memorial Day Concert. 44 00:03:25,280 --> 00:03:26,280 I love that. 45 00:03:26,280 --> 00:03:27,280 I love that. 46 00:03:27,280 --> 00:03:31,040 Well, you know, at Coing area, I didn't know about the concert before I first did it. 47 00:03:31,040 --> 00:03:35,560 And after I was in my third year of doing it, and when they asked me to take over his host 48 00:03:35,560 --> 00:03:38,160 with the great Aussie Davis, it passed away. 49 00:03:38,160 --> 00:03:42,000 I wanted to bring Gary in because I knew he already, this was a guy that already knew that 50 00:03:42,000 --> 00:03:45,200 Memorial Day was the most important holiday we celebrated in this country. 51 00:03:45,200 --> 00:03:47,840 I didn't until I did that first concert. 52 00:03:47,840 --> 00:03:50,520 I had a lot of military in my family, but they all came home. 53 00:03:50,520 --> 00:03:54,880 And so the Memorial Day didn't quite have the same meaning for me as it ultimately did 54 00:03:54,880 --> 00:03:56,480 from doing this concert. 55 00:03:56,480 --> 00:04:01,600 So now both of us have been here, you know, a couple of decades now. 56 00:04:01,600 --> 00:04:06,480 And it's, I could easily say that it's the most important thing I do over here. 57 00:04:06,480 --> 00:04:09,680 So given the opportunity to do it, it's a privilege. 58 00:04:09,680 --> 00:04:10,680 I love that. 59 00:04:10,680 --> 00:04:16,520 I learned more about the relatives in my own family and their service. 60 00:04:16,520 --> 00:04:23,840 And kind of later in life when I was growing up, my family members never talked about their 61 00:04:23,840 --> 00:04:26,400 war years or anything like that. 62 00:04:26,400 --> 00:04:32,120 It was after September 11th and the attack on September 11th and the recognition that people 63 00:04:32,120 --> 00:04:39,480 were now deploying in reaction to that event and that I started doing all kinds of things 64 00:04:39,480 --> 00:04:46,320 and then discovered this thing that had been going on for years, the National Memorial 65 00:04:46,320 --> 00:04:47,320 Day concert. 66 00:04:47,320 --> 00:04:51,520 So I learned more about my own relatives and my own family. 67 00:04:51,520 --> 00:04:55,400 I started doing this show than I did when I was growing up as a kid. 68 00:04:55,400 --> 00:04:56,400 I love that. 69 00:04:56,400 --> 00:04:57,400 Thank you both so much. 70 00:04:57,400 --> 00:04:59,560 I really appreciate it. 71 00:04:59,560 --> 00:05:01,320 National Memorial Day concert. 72 00:05:01,320 --> 00:05:03,080 West Lawn of the Capital. 73 00:05:03,080 --> 00:05:11,120 They've been doing this show as you heard for a long time now and they do it impeccably 74 00:05:11,120 --> 00:05:15,120 and they're going to do it impeccably once again. 75 00:05:15,120 --> 00:05:21,240 Next up we have Mary McCormick and John Slattery. 76 00:05:21,240 --> 00:05:25,280 Let's talk to them. 77 00:05:25,280 --> 00:05:30,480 So Mary you've been here numerous times. 78 00:05:30,480 --> 00:05:34,600 This is your first time for you. 79 00:05:34,600 --> 00:05:36,920 Why do you keep coming back? 80 00:05:36,920 --> 00:05:38,240 It's obviously very important. 81 00:05:38,240 --> 00:05:44,920 It's a beautiful concert that is put on every year but you make it a point to do that. 82 00:05:44,920 --> 00:05:45,920 Why is that important to you? 83 00:05:45,920 --> 00:05:47,240 I came the first year I came. 84 00:05:47,240 --> 00:05:51,680 I was so touched and moved by how powerful the night is that I just said to the producers 85 00:05:51,680 --> 00:05:52,680 and everyone here. 86 00:05:52,680 --> 00:05:54,160 I was like I'll be back next year. 87 00:05:54,160 --> 00:05:58,160 I wasn't really invited back next year but I just said well I'm coming either way. 88 00:05:58,160 --> 00:06:01,160 So I'm a little stalker/performer. 89 00:06:01,160 --> 00:06:05,320 I'm not sure I'm really invited but I just was so taken with it. 90 00:06:05,320 --> 00:06:11,080 My dad was a Marine and I just grew up thinking Memorial Day should be about more than 91 00:06:11,080 --> 00:06:13,840 cookouts and so it's a real honor to be here. 92 00:06:13,840 --> 00:06:15,080 I love that. 93 00:06:15,080 --> 00:06:18,440 And for you this is your first time. 94 00:06:18,440 --> 00:06:19,920 What is that moment like for you? 95 00:06:19,920 --> 00:06:24,120 You know to be here on the lawn of this rehearsal is unbelievable. 96 00:06:24,120 --> 00:06:26,920 I mean as you can see where we are. 97 00:06:26,920 --> 00:06:33,560 I mean just to acknowledge all the people, all the men and women who are serving now, who 98 00:06:33,560 --> 00:06:40,360 have served their country over the history of the United States, all over the world. 99 00:06:40,360 --> 00:06:46,920 So that we can live the way we live here and to protect us. 100 00:06:46,920 --> 00:06:52,600 I think sacrifice and POW and all the, and thank you for your service or things that are 101 00:06:52,600 --> 00:06:59,520 thrown around genuinely but to consider the actual sacrifice is and how these people have 102 00:06:59,520 --> 00:07:03,360 to live their lives in order to do this. 103 00:07:03,360 --> 00:07:05,240 It just means a lot. 104 00:07:05,240 --> 00:07:16,040 And the your performance is in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the return of POW. 105 00:07:16,040 --> 00:07:19,560 Thank you. 106 00:07:19,560 --> 00:07:24,920 Does that, you know, I feel like as an actor, I'm not an actor but I feel like if I was I would 107 00:07:24,920 --> 00:07:32,040 feel almost more nervous than like a than a normal role maybe rather than you know telling 108 00:07:32,040 --> 00:07:36,920 the story because it has such reverence and history. 109 00:07:36,920 --> 00:07:41,320 Is that true or are you able to disassociate yourself a bit or? 110 00:07:41,320 --> 00:07:47,760 I mean we're we're reading I'm reading the part of Carlisle, Smitty Harris who was who was 111 00:07:47,760 --> 00:07:53,440 imprisoned in the Hanoi Hilton was now known as the Hanoi Hilton for eight years. 112 00:07:53,440 --> 00:08:00,480 Met his eight year old son when he got back at the Air Force Base when he got back. 113 00:08:00,480 --> 00:08:02,920 He was supposed to be here but he couldn't make it. 114 00:08:02,920 --> 00:08:04,360 This couldn't be here this weekend. 115 00:08:04,360 --> 00:08:14,000 So I just want to mention I mean we're not you know we're reading his words and I mean I'm 116 00:08:14,000 --> 00:08:18,720 not nervous because we're just saying thank you. 117 00:08:18,720 --> 00:08:24,480 It's a tribute to him and so it's not like a film performance. 118 00:08:24,480 --> 00:08:31,160 It's not like a we're here in thanks and in service to all these people and I'm just 119 00:08:31,160 --> 00:08:32,160 glad to be a part of it. 120 00:08:32,160 --> 00:08:38,100 Yeah I think if we stay present in that you know sometimes it's live so there's a beautiful 121 00:08:38,100 --> 00:08:43,080 orchestra playing behind us and there's you know tens of thousands of people out here. 122 00:08:43,080 --> 00:08:49,240 It's a big night and it's magical and powerful but I find if I stay present in the thank you 123 00:08:49,240 --> 00:08:52,440 and just let their words do the work. 124 00:08:52,440 --> 00:08:56,240 Their words are beautiful and authentic and speak to so many. 125 00:08:56,240 --> 00:09:01,720 You know I hope all POWs and their families will hear of Smitty's story and his wife's 126 00:09:01,720 --> 00:09:04,320 story and relate and all Vietnam vets. 127 00:09:04,320 --> 00:09:06,520 I hope they all feel honored by it. 128 00:09:06,520 --> 00:09:07,520 Awesome. 129 00:09:07,520 --> 00:09:10,880 What can we expect next from you beyond National Memorial Day Concert? 130 00:09:10,880 --> 00:09:12,480 What are your do you have any projects landed on? 131 00:09:12,480 --> 00:09:17,240 Yeah I'm on a show right now that's on stars network and it's called Heels and our second 132 00:09:17,240 --> 00:09:18,760 season is premiering in July. 133 00:09:18,760 --> 00:09:20,760 Okay so we have a month or so to get. 134 00:09:20,760 --> 00:09:21,760 Yeah awesome. 135 00:09:21,760 --> 00:09:26,640 I just finished directing a movie while I finished it a while ago. 136 00:09:26,640 --> 00:09:32,360 It's called Maggie Moore's it's with John Hamm and Tina Fey and it I directed it and it 137 00:09:32,360 --> 00:09:36,280 is coming out June 16th. 138 00:09:36,280 --> 00:09:42,400 Wherever you can buy movies it'll be in New York and LA and theaters and then I believe 139 00:09:42,400 --> 00:09:43,400 Hulu after that. 140 00:09:43,400 --> 00:09:44,400 Awesome. 141 00:09:44,400 --> 00:09:45,400 Yeah. 142 00:09:45,400 --> 00:09:46,400 Good I'm looking forward to both of your projects. 143 00:09:46,400 --> 00:09:47,400 Thank you so much. 144 00:09:47,400 --> 00:09:48,400 Thank you. 145 00:09:48,400 --> 00:09:49,400 Cool. 146 00:09:49,400 --> 00:09:50,400 Nice to see you again. 147 00:09:50,400 --> 00:09:51,400 Nice to see you. 148 00:09:51,400 --> 00:09:52,400 Definitely. 149 00:09:52,400 --> 00:09:53,400 We're a master. 150 00:09:53,400 --> 00:09:57,320 We're a master. 151 00:09:57,320 --> 00:10:05,640 All right Mary McCormick and John's slattery two incredible talents and there I can't 152 00:10:05,640 --> 00:10:11,400 wait to you see their the story that they are performing really really powerful stuff 153 00:10:11,400 --> 00:10:12,680 here. 154 00:10:12,680 --> 00:10:20,520 Next up we have Dulay Hill, Esapatha, Markerson and chosen Jacobs. 155 00:10:20,520 --> 00:10:26,360 I'm here with these three incredibly talented artists and you all are telling an incredibly 156 00:10:26,360 --> 00:10:32,960 powerful story from three different perspectives over you know three different generations. 157 00:10:32,960 --> 00:10:39,400 Can you tell me a little bit about what that means to you being here telling that story 158 00:10:39,400 --> 00:10:41,760 Memorial Day at the Capitol? 159 00:10:41,760 --> 00:10:47,240 I believe it's a really unique opportunity especially as an actor to be able to show just 160 00:10:47,240 --> 00:10:52,440 the breath of the pain that comes from war and just from these battles and these brave soldiers 161 00:10:52,440 --> 00:10:57,080 that go out and risk their lives and not only themselves but the families that they leave 162 00:10:57,080 --> 00:10:58,080 behind. 163 00:10:58,080 --> 00:11:02,360 So I'm just grateful to be here and be able to express this story that's just so human 164 00:11:02,360 --> 00:11:07,680 and a pain and loss but also of triumph and coming up. 165 00:11:07,680 --> 00:11:09,920 Well he said it beautifully. 166 00:11:09,920 --> 00:11:16,360 The reason we're here is to highlight this family the McGee Davis family of losing their 167 00:11:16,360 --> 00:11:22,080 son Anthony and to be able to look at it from three perspectives. 168 00:11:22,080 --> 00:11:29,720 I've done this before and it was just me and now to have a family because that is who 169 00:11:29,720 --> 00:11:36,840 is affected large families you know to not just the three of the people that we're speaking 170 00:11:36,840 --> 00:11:43,120 for but sisters and brothers and cousins and aunts and uncles. 171 00:11:43,120 --> 00:11:50,440 So it's a real privilege to be able to speak for the gold star families. 172 00:11:50,440 --> 00:11:52,720 It's an honor to be here. 173 00:11:52,720 --> 00:11:53,720 Alright. 174 00:11:53,720 --> 00:11:59,240 I don't even know what more I can add to it as we say so wonderfully by chosen in a 175 00:11:59,240 --> 00:12:04,120 payther but really and truly we are here to honor those who came before us, honor those 176 00:12:04,120 --> 00:12:08,760 who've given the ultimate sacrifice and really to highlight the domino effect, the ripple 177 00:12:08,760 --> 00:12:12,000 effect of pain, the cost of it all. 178 00:12:12,000 --> 00:12:16,120 We don't really count the multiplying effect of it when somebody gives their life. 179 00:12:16,120 --> 00:12:17,880 It's so brave as to lay down their life. 180 00:12:17,880 --> 00:12:22,960 There was a ripple effect of struggle that is happening that really goes for generations. 181 00:12:22,960 --> 00:12:24,200 A generational trauma. 182 00:12:24,200 --> 00:12:25,200 Right. 183 00:12:25,200 --> 00:12:28,800 And you know we're so we're really just taking the time right now to shine a light on it so 184 00:12:28,800 --> 00:12:35,160 that hopefully the rest of the nation can really get a grasp of what that cost is. 185 00:12:35,160 --> 00:12:37,960 When we get up we're here talking right now. 186 00:12:37,960 --> 00:12:40,720 It was a cost somebody had to pay for us to do this. 187 00:12:40,720 --> 00:12:44,240 And that is what this moment is about saying we see you, we appreciate you and we are here 188 00:12:44,240 --> 00:12:46,040 for you. 189 00:12:46,040 --> 00:12:51,920 And for all of you is you know as actors you've done all kinds of different roles and pieces 190 00:12:51,920 --> 00:12:53,720 and performances. 191 00:12:53,720 --> 00:13:01,280 Is there something different when you're doing a real life person's story? 192 00:13:01,280 --> 00:13:05,280 As an actor do you feel more of a responsibility? 193 00:13:05,280 --> 00:13:08,480 Do you disassociate like how does that work for you? 194 00:13:08,480 --> 00:13:10,840 Take the responsibility. 195 00:13:10,840 --> 00:13:15,600 And the thing that heightens this as well is that they'll be sitting in front of us. 196 00:13:15,600 --> 00:13:23,760 So you want to honor them in a real way but not you know go too far where you can't tell 197 00:13:23,760 --> 00:13:25,000 the story. 198 00:13:25,000 --> 00:13:28,880 But it is a sad story. 199 00:13:28,880 --> 00:13:38,440 But our job is to tell it properly and emotionally and allow the family to feel you know 200 00:13:38,440 --> 00:13:45,000 really good about what their son, what their daughter, what their child has done. 201 00:13:45,000 --> 00:13:51,320 And I would echo exactly what Epitha said even though we are there telling this story especially 202 00:13:51,320 --> 00:13:57,120 when a family is right there then it really brings it to light that your story actor that 203 00:13:57,120 --> 00:13:59,360 you are telling is my journey. 204 00:13:59,360 --> 00:14:01,680 Your story is my life. 205 00:14:01,680 --> 00:14:04,960 This pain that you are talking about is a reality for me. 206 00:14:04,960 --> 00:14:10,480 That does heighten the stakes for me to make sure that I do honor and do justice to their 207 00:14:10,480 --> 00:14:11,480 experience. 208 00:14:11,480 --> 00:14:13,480 It's not just words on the page. 209 00:14:13,480 --> 00:14:16,640 It's not just, this doesn't connect for me. 210 00:14:16,640 --> 00:14:19,760 Yes it does because it's my life. 211 00:14:19,760 --> 00:14:20,760 You see what I'm saying? 212 00:14:20,760 --> 00:14:21,760 Yeah. 213 00:14:21,760 --> 00:14:22,760 That's amazing. 214 00:14:22,760 --> 00:14:29,720 I mean really just once again echoing what they're saying it's less so even acting as much 215 00:14:29,720 --> 00:14:32,360 as I'm not imagining a world. 216 00:14:32,360 --> 00:14:34,360 I'm not imagining a scenario. 217 00:14:34,360 --> 00:14:36,320 You're really here to tell someone's story. 218 00:14:36,320 --> 00:14:41,680 So I think as an actor it even informs anything I do after this point where I'm not just here 219 00:14:41,680 --> 00:14:44,600 to tell stories of fictitious people. 220 00:14:44,600 --> 00:14:47,480 This is a real life situation and this is real life pain. 221 00:14:47,480 --> 00:14:53,280 So you know you have that true responsibility and I just know I'm here with great actors so 222 00:14:53,280 --> 00:14:56,080 I feel like we'll be able to do it to the best of our ability and just show respect to 223 00:14:56,080 --> 00:14:57,080 the family. 224 00:14:57,080 --> 00:14:58,080 I love that. 225 00:14:58,080 --> 00:15:03,800 For me anyway that's what great art does is it's not just telling stories but it's telling 226 00:15:03,800 --> 00:15:11,720 stories in a way that affects the viewer in some way and this you know happens to be a 227 00:15:11,720 --> 00:15:20,120 very real story that not just affects me watching you perform it but affects exactly 228 00:15:20,120 --> 00:15:21,120 exactly. 229 00:15:21,120 --> 00:15:25,400 So finally what can we expect next from you guys after this? 230 00:15:25,400 --> 00:15:29,080 I can't speak on that yet. 231 00:15:29,080 --> 00:15:32,120 I'm heading down to Savannah to do a film. 232 00:15:32,120 --> 00:15:33,120 Awesome. 233 00:15:33,120 --> 00:15:38,840 And next to me is this summer June 14th the one-de-years returns to ABC. 234 00:15:38,840 --> 00:15:39,840 June 14th. 235 00:15:39,840 --> 00:15:40,840 That's right. 236 00:15:40,840 --> 00:15:41,840 Cool. 237 00:15:41,840 --> 00:15:42,840 Thank you all. 238 00:15:42,840 --> 00:15:46,320 I really appreciate it. 239 00:15:46,320 --> 00:15:49,320 Powerful, powerful stuff. 240 00:15:49,320 --> 00:15:55,080 I think for me anyway it's going to be a real highlight of the show. 241 00:15:55,080 --> 00:16:03,440 Okay next up that I'll be talking to next up the war and treaty these guys oh wow they 242 00:16:03,440 --> 00:16:08,880 are showstoppers the song that they're performing performing two songs actually. 243 00:16:08,880 --> 00:16:14,680 It's a husband and wife duo Michael Trotter Jr and Tanya Tanya Trotter and those are these 244 00:16:14,680 --> 00:16:17,600 guys are wow. 245 00:16:17,600 --> 00:16:21,360 What I can't say enough about them you got to see the show. 246 00:16:21,360 --> 00:16:23,240 Let's talk with the war and treaty. 247 00:16:23,240 --> 00:16:25,240 Good. 248 00:16:25,240 --> 00:16:31,240 All right I am here with the war and treaty we're on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol for Memorial 249 00:16:31,240 --> 00:16:32,240 Day. 250 00:16:32,240 --> 00:16:37,280 You yourself come from the military thank you for your service. 251 00:16:37,280 --> 00:16:40,400 What is this like for you this this moment? 252 00:16:40,400 --> 00:16:45,760 We walked on stage last night for the first time and I must say I was speechless. 253 00:16:45,760 --> 00:16:52,200 I didn't have one word to say it took my breath away to be out here to think about all 254 00:16:52,200 --> 00:16:58,600 that those who have fallen have done for us so that we can honor them you know. 255 00:16:58,600 --> 00:17:00,840 How about for you? 256 00:17:00,840 --> 00:17:06,480 This means everything for me as you know I'm a warrior. 257 00:17:06,480 --> 00:17:12,800 I feel the presence of my battle buddies and I'm happy to be here to honor them but 258 00:17:12,800 --> 00:17:16,000 also to represent them. 259 00:17:16,000 --> 00:17:22,160 The songs the two songs that you guys at first of all showstoppers that incredible 260 00:17:22,160 --> 00:17:28,200 how did you decide on those two songs for this concert? 261 00:17:28,200 --> 00:17:34,240 Well they decided for us they heard the two songs and believed that these two songs would 262 00:17:34,240 --> 00:17:41,200 not just fit this moment but will fit the moment that our entire nation is in as far as 263 00:17:41,200 --> 00:17:46,760 we feel the separation at times but we want to come together and realize that we are one 264 00:17:46,760 --> 00:17:52,200 and that's what our nation's military represents the one this of the will to survive and the 265 00:17:52,200 --> 00:17:56,520 will to close this together in freedom. 266 00:17:56,520 --> 00:18:04,040 For both of you you know especially you have been there you know in the trenches and I 267 00:18:04,040 --> 00:18:12,800 come my father's just retired from the Navy after 30 years thank you both and you know we 268 00:18:12,800 --> 00:18:20,080 know how it is right we know we all have friends or a loved one who didn't make it you have 269 00:18:20,080 --> 00:18:22,240 been there. 270 00:18:22,240 --> 00:18:29,920 Do you feel that weight you know that you carry with you of your brothers both that came 271 00:18:29,920 --> 00:18:35,480 home and that didn't or are you able to when you're up here kind of disassociate yourself 272 00:18:35,480 --> 00:18:42,600 a little bit and get the song out you know yeah there's no heaviness brothers and sisters 273 00:18:42,600 --> 00:18:52,960 yeah there's no heaviness nothing of a pure honor pure honor just say hey brother I made 274 00:18:52,960 --> 00:19:01,600 it driving on I'm continuing your legacy so there's nothing but pure honor that I feel 275 00:19:01,600 --> 00:19:08,200 and I'm grateful to the decision makers to give me and my wife this opportunity to be here 276 00:19:08,200 --> 00:19:17,760 and on a different topic that you are obviously married to each other and your career is just 277 00:19:17,760 --> 00:19:25,480 skyrocketing and and you know you're you are making your mark but I gotta ask who who's 278 00:19:25,480 --> 00:19:30,800 who are you both equal and call in the shots or like what's you know how do you come to an 279 00:19:30,800 --> 00:19:36,200 agreement I heard that your he's pointing to you and you're pointing to depends on the 280 00:19:36,200 --> 00:19:43,480 true the values of an of the army is telling the truth and as you can see here I serve you 281 00:19:43,480 --> 00:19:48,680 can see that she has it's time's not time true she calls all the shots he's a shot call 282 00:19:48,680 --> 00:19:57,360 yeah yeah yeah I made it I did nothing wrong with that how do you decide when you're doing you 283 00:19:57,360 --> 00:20:02,680 know when you're doing the song do you both come together and kind of work it out yourselves 284 00:20:02,680 --> 00:20:07,720 like who is there a certain role that one or the other has or is it totally collaborative 285 00:20:07,720 --> 00:20:13,400 every part of the process you know it early on when we started the war and treaty it was 286 00:20:13,400 --> 00:20:17,600 pretty much Michael bringing me songs that were totally complete and I would say what do 287 00:20:17,600 --> 00:20:22,240 you think about them you know we I think we should do this song and I would you know decide 288 00:20:22,240 --> 00:20:25,600 if it's something that I wanted to think about but as we've grown as a band we've gotten 289 00:20:25,600 --> 00:20:30,240 more into a collaborative effort with a lot of things and from here on forward yeah 290 00:20:30,240 --> 00:20:36,760 definitely what can we expect next from you after this we go home for a little bit spend some 291 00:20:36,760 --> 00:20:42,800 time with family and then we hit the road with Chris Stapleton yeah yeah yeah oh my god 292 00:20:42,800 --> 00:20:48,400 ready to go Chris yeah awesome thank you both so much thank you for your service thank you for 293 00:20:48,400 --> 00:20:55,960 your service I appreciate or they amazing I told you these guys are incredible and I can't 294 00:20:55,960 --> 00:21:05,560 wait for you to see their performances next up we have Joe D. Messina let's talk with her 295 00:21:05,560 --> 00:21:14,520 Kyle McMan and I heart radio I'm here with the one and only Joe D. Messina you absolutely beautiful 296 00:21:14,520 --> 00:21:21,600 song that you're performing what does that song mean to you performing it at you know 297 00:21:21,600 --> 00:21:28,040 I think West Lawn of the US Capitol on Memorial Day what is that moment like for you 298 00:21:28,040 --> 00:21:33,440 um fascinating I wrote that song I remember I was like three o'clock in the morning and I was 299 00:21:33,440 --> 00:21:38,320 watching the news why I was up at three o'clock in the morning I don't know and I wrote it 300 00:21:38,320 --> 00:21:44,120 after we lost the first female soldier in combat and I saw the news coverage of it and I was 301 00:21:44,120 --> 00:21:51,520 really moved by it and sat there in my piano and just wrote the song by myself and who would 302 00:21:51,520 --> 00:21:56,800 have thought you know years later that they would invite us to this is great that's that's mind-blowing 303 00:21:56,800 --> 00:22:02,560 to it's kind of surreal right I can't put it in words but to have it be put such part of such 304 00:22:02,560 --> 00:22:06,960 a huge event and honoring our soldiers and the men and women lost in war protecting our 305 00:22:06,960 --> 00:22:13,600 freedoms I mean in this country it's it's a great honor and as you're singing that this 306 00:22:13,600 --> 00:22:19,280 song that you wrote you know does it does it hit you as you're doing it you know or are you 307 00:22:19,280 --> 00:22:26,880 able to kind of take yourself out for those four minutes or I think it's surreal is a great word 308 00:22:26,880 --> 00:22:32,320 for me it's performing it it's not like oh I wrote this song it's more like what it's about 309 00:22:32,320 --> 00:22:38,880 and who it's for and in the front row to my left you're right my left is you know there will be 310 00:22:38,880 --> 00:22:44,000 people from like Walter Reed you know soldiers that have come back and that are injured or have done 311 00:22:44,000 --> 00:22:50,240 some you know rehab there and so it's really kind of a personal thing to be able to like sing it 312 00:22:50,240 --> 00:22:57,280 to these guys and then the lawn all the folks here celebrating it's pretty neat I know my dad is 313 00:22:57,280 --> 00:23:04,320 he just retired from the Navy after 30 years and I know he's a fan of yours so he's looking forward 314 00:23:04,320 --> 00:23:09,920 to seeing you so I think it'll have yeah my dad was a Navy man too yeah you're telling me stories 315 00:23:09,920 --> 00:23:13,520 yesterday but like his first trip he had to go down a Puerto Rico and they went out to see and he's 316 00:23:13,520 --> 00:23:19,360 like once we went out there once we passed wherever it was he's like hurricane hit and so he was telling 317 00:23:19,360 --> 00:23:25,120 me all of his stories of being in the Navy and on the ships and and so it does you know being from 318 00:23:25,120 --> 00:23:33,760 a military family does it have you know a even more powerful meaning to you you know that because 319 00:23:33,760 --> 00:23:39,280 there's there's family history there well yeah there is I mean on both sides of the family and my 320 00:23:39,280 --> 00:23:44,480 brother still works for the government and my in down in Tennessee he works for the VA hospital 321 00:23:44,480 --> 00:23:51,520 and my my my both my parents worked my mother worked for the VA as well and then my dad 322 00:23:51,520 --> 00:23:55,920 deserved the military so it's huge we were just playing basketball yesterday before we came up 323 00:23:55,920 --> 00:24:01,520 here my dad has you know the veteran license plate and so it sees very proud we're very proud 324 00:24:01,520 --> 00:24:07,440 of that and finally what's what's next for you what what were you up to next oh jeesh we've been 325 00:24:07,440 --> 00:24:12,640 touring we're in the middle of the headscarolina tails california tour so we will head out would do 326 00:24:12,640 --> 00:24:18,800 see them a fast I think before we head out for our next run which is next week the week after June 327 00:24:18,800 --> 00:24:24,240 8th I don't even know what day it is I do know a date is but it's I can't the calendars not right in my 328 00:24:24,240 --> 00:24:28,960 head yeah but where we doing that all summer right up until November is we're doing the headscarolina 329 00:24:28,960 --> 00:24:35,760 tails california tour awesome cool jody missina thank you so much all right there she is jody 330 00:24:35,760 --> 00:24:46,000 missina and I love I love our next guest I've interviewed her numerous times before and I love her 331 00:24:46,000 --> 00:24:52,960 more every time she's so talented one of the best voices ever the queen of gospel performing 332 00:24:52,960 --> 00:25:02,160 two songs at the 2023 national memorial day concert the one and only yelanda Adams I am here at the 333 00:25:02,160 --> 00:25:08,160 west lawn of the u.s. capital once again with the amazing yelanda Adams legend icon 334 00:25:08,160 --> 00:25:14,400 ever all the things I could listen to you narr sing anything what should I like narrate my life 335 00:25:14,400 --> 00:25:21,360 as I'm like walking around but but you were here once again this is not your first time by any means 336 00:25:21,360 --> 00:25:29,280 why do you choose to keep coming back first of all capital concerts they're my family I love them 337 00:25:29,280 --> 00:25:36,720 so much and I love the fact that they honor men and women who sometimes get overlooked and don't 338 00:25:36,720 --> 00:25:43,280 get the recognition of being heroes and keeping the peace here at home and abroad and I just I'm just 339 00:25:43,280 --> 00:25:51,040 so grateful that every year I get to do my part to make them feel needed wanted and seen and 340 00:25:51,040 --> 00:25:58,560 my part is to give them the encouragement and the love and let them know that there are people out 341 00:25:58,560 --> 00:26:05,200 here such as myself who have family members who've been deployed overseas and who have served in 342 00:26:05,200 --> 00:26:12,320 the military for years and we see you we love you we appreciate you and don't give up I love that 343 00:26:12,320 --> 00:26:17,760 and you know for you you're doing the national anthem you're also doing count on me 344 00:26:17,760 --> 00:26:25,520 CC winons and Whitney Houston yeah and you are you are carrying that lead by yourself flawlessly 345 00:26:25,520 --> 00:26:32,640 of an amazing choir in the background um what does it mean I mean that song yes with the backdrop 346 00:26:32,640 --> 00:26:41,360 of this is so powerful do you do you have to like kind of step back when you're when as you're singing 347 00:26:41,360 --> 00:26:46,960 because it is it's at least for me it seems like it would be super overwhelming it number it's 348 00:26:46,960 --> 00:26:52,960 overwhelming because I love both of those ladies with all my heart and then to know that you know 349 00:26:52,960 --> 00:27:01,920 our Whitney is gone but the song still carries such a huge positive loving message and um 350 00:27:01,920 --> 00:27:11,360 Gary and John have been in the forefront of veterans rights and making sure that our veterans 351 00:27:11,360 --> 00:27:18,160 and our servicemen and women who are presently working in service are you know are applauded or 352 00:27:18,480 --> 00:27:25,200 you know are are seen and so when they came to me with the song I said guys this is perfect it makes 353 00:27:25,200 --> 00:27:31,920 perfect sense because sometimes you know when you are in service and you hear crazy things from 354 00:27:31,920 --> 00:27:37,200 just one person you know one troll on a social media or something like that it can make you feel like 355 00:27:37,200 --> 00:27:43,040 what you've done is not worth it but I'm here to tell you guys and gals that all of your service and 356 00:27:43,040 --> 00:27:48,960 all your dedication means a whole lot to us so you can count on us as well that's I love that so much 357 00:27:48,960 --> 00:27:54,640 on a personal note what can we you have Yelanda Adams jewelry you have so much going on what 358 00:27:54,640 --> 00:28:00,480 what can we expect from you next well season two of kingdom business is coming up we don't have this 359 00:28:00,480 --> 00:28:05,280 yes we're hoping that it's summer because of the writers we're not saying strike the writers' 360 00:28:05,280 --> 00:28:09,440 decisions we're saying that because we need y'all to come back to work and give them their money 361 00:28:09,440 --> 00:28:15,360 no because they are so worth it I mean you're a writer you understand what that means you know time 362 00:28:15,360 --> 00:28:21,440 and talent and you know writing your babies out and stuff like that so that's coming out and then 363 00:28:21,440 --> 00:28:28,800 we're trying to schedule new music Jimmy Jammitarian I have finished the project okay so now it's 364 00:28:28,800 --> 00:28:34,800 up to Sylvia Roan awesome and we're really excited I cannot wait because last time I guess it was 365 00:28:34,800 --> 00:28:41,520 4th of July at the hotel we were talking about you starting to work on that project so now it's 366 00:28:41,520 --> 00:28:47,280 here yeah that's awesome so we'll be looking for a date for that and you're gonna do some shows 367 00:28:47,280 --> 00:28:54,320 to support the album yeah we're doing all of that and we have been green stamped for green lit 368 00:28:54,320 --> 00:28:59,920 for a season three of kingdom business so all of those things that we happening at one time so 369 00:28:59,920 --> 00:29:05,760 just make sure you follow me awesome we're gonna have all the Ylanda stuff thank you so much queen I 370 00:29:05,760 --> 00:29:15,440 appreciate it I know how much I love you thank you I literally love Miss Ylanda Adam she is just a 371 00:29:15,440 --> 00:29:24,800 powerhouse she's a legend you know she is the queen of gospel she could sing anything and I would 372 00:29:24,800 --> 00:29:32,880 listen she's amazing all right next up American Idol winner he's got a new album coming out too 373 00:29:32,880 --> 00:29:41,200 Philip Phillips all right I am here with Philip Phillips West Lawn U.S. Capitol for National Memorial 374 00:29:41,200 --> 00:29:47,040 Day you're performing one of your songs what does that moment mean for you oh man it's just an honor 375 00:29:47,040 --> 00:29:51,680 to be asked to come back and and then perform an informa gone from my first record and uh 376 00:29:52,960 --> 00:29:57,600 you know that song has really throughout the years I've heard so many stories how people have 377 00:29:57,600 --> 00:30:04,000 connected with it and it's a you know it is a song about you know loss but also you know it's a 378 00:30:04,000 --> 00:30:08,880 it's a love song about you know all of those memories that you did get to have with those people 379 00:30:08,880 --> 00:30:14,640 and that you're creating with those ones that you love and so tonight or tomorrow night just 380 00:30:14,640 --> 00:30:20,880 hope everyone enjoys enjoys performance yeah and it and you did an incredible job I can't wait to 381 00:30:20,880 --> 00:30:29,280 see tomorrow when it is at something like this you know something that Memorial Day you have you 382 00:30:29,280 --> 00:30:34,880 know Gold Star families in the audience does it hold something different for you when you're 383 00:30:34,880 --> 00:30:40,080 up on stage or you able to block that out or you do that every time you perform or you know I'm 384 00:30:40,080 --> 00:30:45,360 honestly I get so nervous either any any kind of performance man I get really nervous so I'm just 385 00:30:45,360 --> 00:30:50,400 gonna go out there and try to sing it the best I can and play it and forget everything I just say I 386 00:30:50,400 --> 00:30:55,840 get really nervous but it is you know it's just such an honor you know the families that are here 387 00:30:55,840 --> 00:31:03,520 that you know have lost someone and you know I'm again I get to play music for live and they you 388 00:31:03,520 --> 00:31:09,040 know they're them and their families and all the other one everyone else that whose family has lost 389 00:31:09,040 --> 00:31:14,400 someone they've made it possible for me to you know be able to create music and pursue it so 390 00:31:14,400 --> 00:31:22,560 anytime I can give back I want to I love that and for your career you are now independent right 391 00:31:22,560 --> 00:31:28,640 and you have a new album coming out June 9th yeah yeah yeah got new album coming out June 9th 392 00:31:28,640 --> 00:31:33,440 called Driftback and really loving these songs they've got four new songs out right now 393 00:31:33,440 --> 00:31:38,320 dance with your shadows and several others so check them out really excited about it going to 394 00:31:38,320 --> 00:31:45,360 announce a tour for the fall as well and it's gonna be a good time good good year and you have so far 395 00:31:45,360 --> 00:31:52,720 it I think it's over what 1.3 billion Spotify strings something like like what are you like stoked I 396 00:31:52,720 --> 00:31:57,440 mean that's a huge thing you don't even know the number I don't keep up with the numbers it stresses 397 00:31:57,440 --> 00:32:04,400 me out too much yeah I said that too yeah you're stressing me out no no it it's pretty cool man I'm just 398 00:32:04,400 --> 00:32:11,920 again I'm very very blessed and very thankful for all the fans and people that enjoy my music I 399 00:32:11,920 --> 00:32:17,680 can never ever think anyone enough for that and yeah just got some new music coming out too and 400 00:32:17,680 --> 00:32:23,520 hopefully they all like that and just yeah just working away awesome so we have a National Memorial Day 401 00:32:23,520 --> 00:32:28,160 concert tomorrow live we have the new album coming out in a couple weeks and a tour after that right 402 00:32:28,160 --> 00:32:35,280 all awesome cool thank you so much Philip Phillips one busy man thank you brother appreciate you 403 00:32:35,280 --> 00:32:46,560 such a great guy Philip Phillips is the man and and of course the song is performing you will know 404 00:32:46,560 --> 00:32:55,680 it love and sing along with I love it all right finally we have trace adkins let's talk with trace 405 00:32:57,040 --> 00:33:02,560 all right I'm here with trace adkins Washington DC for the National Memorial Day concert this is 406 00:33:02,560 --> 00:33:10,240 not your first one why why do you choose to keep coming back and and doing this incredible event 407 00:33:10,240 --> 00:33:17,760 I think man this is just such an inspirational show I don't I can't recall ever doing a Memorial Day 408 00:33:17,760 --> 00:33:24,160 event that moved me the way this does and as a singer I mean if you got but if you have an 409 00:33:24,160 --> 00:33:31,440 opportunity to have one of your pieces of music interpreted and played by an orchestra you don't pass 410 00:33:31,440 --> 00:33:39,200 that you don't pass that up and what does Memorial Day mean to you well it's just a chance for us to 411 00:33:39,200 --> 00:33:46,480 remember and I think it's important that we let those families that have sacrificed one of their 412 00:33:46,480 --> 00:33:52,720 loved ones let them know that we were never going to forget I think they need to be reminded of 413 00:33:52,720 --> 00:33:57,360 that from time to time because I'm afraid sometimes they feel like nobody cares or remembers anymore but 414 00:33:57,360 --> 00:34:04,480 some of us do absolutely I think it's a good reminder for all of us really what's next for you 415 00:34:04,480 --> 00:34:10,800 what can we expect after after National Memorial Day concert I'll get back on the bus go somewhere else 416 00:34:10,800 --> 00:34:18,000 get off and do my silly country music show are you sorry you in the middle of the tour yeah you know 417 00:34:18,000 --> 00:34:22,800 we're just we're just doing weekend stuff this summer I wanted to kind of you know kick back a 418 00:34:22,800 --> 00:34:29,520 little bit this year not not work quite as much and so we're just doing weekend stuff awesome and now 419 00:34:29,520 --> 00:34:36,400 you preparing for anything else for next year no I don't I might do another record it just depends 420 00:34:36,400 --> 00:34:43,200 how I feel you know if I have anything left to say okay all right Trace thank you very much I 421 00:34:43,200 --> 00:34:50,480 appreciate your time all right Trace addkins I'm sure you've seen all of my social coverage I've 422 00:34:50,480 --> 00:34:59,360 been posting to stories and Snapchat and everything else Instagram and Facebook and all so that's our 423 00:34:59,360 --> 00:35:10,400 show I have to get ready for our for the actual live broadcast Sunday PBS live 8 p.m. Eastern and like 424 00:35:10,400 --> 00:35:20,560 I said the next two weeks after that you can watch it on YouTube or PBS dot org and believe me from what 425 00:35:20,560 --> 00:35:28,320 I'm saying from rehearsals this is one you will not want to miss all right from live live from 426 00:35:28,320 --> 00:35:37,360 National Memorial Day concert West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol PBS is National Memorial Day concert all 427 00:35:37,360 --> 00:35:43,520 right I love you yeah thank you for listening to pop culture weekly you're all the latest at pop 428 00:35:43,520 --> 00:35:52,960 culture weekly dot com 429 00:35:53,920 --> 00:36:01,920 you