In this episode of The Heath Bar, Heath sits down with country artist JJ Kent to hear his incredible journey from playing honky-tonks for tips to landing a #1 hit in 1990—without the backing of a major label. JJ shares how a simple road trip turned into a career-defining moment, leading his song to climb the charts and gain national airplay.

He talks about his early days as a traveling musician, living in a van and playing wherever he could, and how his persistence and love for music led him to record in Nashville. JJ also shares stories about opening for country legends like Waylon Jennings and Chris LeDoux, and what it was like navigating the highs and lows of the music industry.

Beyond his career, JJ opens up about fatherhood and resilience, reflecting on how raising his daughter has shaped his perspective on life and music. His story is a testament to grit, passion, and the power of simply putting yourself out there.

Whether you're a country music fan, an independent artist, or just love a great underdog story, this episode is one you don’t want to miss.

For more information on JJ Kent, go to https://jjkentmusic.com/

In this episode of The Heath Bar, Heath Johnson sits down with singer-songwriter Jackson Holte to discuss his upcoming album, life as a backcountry ranger in Wyoming, and how solitude shapes his music. Jackson opens up about the challenges and rewards of crafting a record over two years, the importance of tracking live, and the beauty of finding inspiration in quiet, vast landscapes. Tune in for an insightful conversation about creativity, nature, and the art of songwriting.

Jackson Holte's music can be found at www.jacksonholteandthehighwaypatrol.com

Stay connected to The Heath Bar at heathjohnson.substack.com

In this episode, Heath Johnson chats with award-winning indigenous musician Ryan LittleEagle. Ryan shares his journey from playing the Native American flute to becoming a singer-songwriter, blending contemporary country and indigenous music. They dive into Ryan's musical evolution, family influences, and the personal challenges he's overcome, including burnout, heartbreak, and finding his identity. This episode is full of stories about resilience, faith, and the power of music to heal and inspire.

For more information on Ryan, check out https://www.ryanlittleeaglemusic.com/.

Keep up with The Heath Bar at http://www.heathjohnson.substack.com.

Welcome back to another round at The Heath Bar! On tap today is an engaging conversation with Quinlan Valdez, a passionate songwriter and van life aficionado. This episode delves into the unique blend of Quinlan's musical journey, his adventures on the road, and the evolving craft of songwriting. Join us as we explore Quinlan’s life, from the perks of van living to the supportive music scene in the Black Hills, infused with notes of creativity, perseverance, and inspiration.

How Best to Enjoy this Chat:

Taste Along:

Wanna join in with what we were sipping while we had the chat? Enjoy a pint of Crow Peak Brewery’s finest while listening. The local craft brew pairs perfectly with the authentic and heartfelt conversation.

Engage with the Content:

Reflect on your own creative process. What sparks your inspiration? How do you navigate the balance between your passions and daily life?

Stay connected with Quinlan at https://www.quinlanvaldezmusic.com/.

Join the Community:

Subscribe to the Substack and join the ever-growing crowd of regulars at The Heath Bar for more insightful conversations and musical stories.

Get full access to Heath Johnson at https://heathjohnson.substack.com/.

Welcome back to another chat on tap at The Heath Bar! A pull of this handle will pour ya an enriching conversation with the multitalented Bobbie Jo Kuhl, singer-songwriter and founder of the Stardust Festival. Much like a masterfully brewed beer that balances complexity with drinkability, this chat reveals the depth of human resilience, spiritual curiosity, and the transformative power of embracing change. Join us as we pour through Bobbie Jo's journey from the loss of her holistic wellness center to the creation of Stardust Fest, blending notes of personal growth and spiritual awakening.

How Best to Enjoy this Chat:

* Taste Along:

* As you listen, we encourage you to reflect on the 'flavors' of your own life experiences. What are the bitter notes? The sweet successes? How do they blend to define who you are today?

* Engage with the Content:

* Follow the links provided to explore more about Bobbi Jo’s spiritual practices and musical performances. Dive deeper into the themes discussed by visiting her websites and possibly attending Stardust Fest.

* StarDust Festival

* Bobbie Jo Kuhl

* Join the Community:

* Subscribe to the Substack account here and join the ever growing crowd of regulars at The Heath Bar!

In this engaging episode of The Heath Bar, host Heath Johnson welcomes Lizzie Mattson, the visionary founder of Henry's Books in Spearfish, South Dakota. Lizzie shares her inspiring journey from conceptualizing a community-centric, crowdfunded bookstore to overcoming the hurdles of making it a reality. Through their conversation, we delve into the importance of bookstores in fostering community ties, encouraging literary appreciation, and supporting local authors. Lizzie's passion for reading and her commitment to creating a space that goes beyond just selling books - aiming to be a hub for cultural and educational growth - shines through, promising a bright future for Henry's Books and the Spearfish community.

Support Henry's Books by visiting shophenrysbooks.com and follow the journey on Instagram @henrysbookstore. For more updates from Heath Johnson on his music and more, follow @theheath_bar on Instagram and check out his Substack. Join us as we support the growth of a reading community in Spearfish and keep the conversation about books and beyond going at The Heath Bar.

Heath serves up a chat with Tom Frear, music producer at Cottonwood Studios and drummer for Kenny Fiedler. They discuss their intertwined musical paths, Tom's evolution as a musician, and their shared passion for authentic music production. This episode offers insights into the challenges of live performance, the importance of supporting original music, and the exciting potential for future collaborations.

Check out Cottonwood Studio here.

Build a deeper connection with The Heath Bar by subscribing to the Substack!

In this episode The Heath Bar, Heath kicks back with a morning coffee and chat with Bubba Startz, a musician who's all about the stories behind the music and living life to the fullest. He talks about how getting up early changed his game, the ups and downs of writing songs, and making music, working with other artists, and building a culture and community for a thriving arts and music scene. Bubba's diving back into the music world with a new song called "Rise Up" available now on Spotify!

He shares how he manages to keep up with a busy 50-hour workweek while still chasing his dream of making music, finding that perfect spot where he can let his creativity loose, and how important it is to have friends and connections in the music business. Bubba's story is all about sticking with it, working together, and trying to reach out to people through his music. For early risers and night owls, this episode gives you a peek into what it's like to be an artist trying to make every second and sound count.

For more info on Bubba, go to http://startzandendz.com.

Subscribe to The Heath Bar Newsletter also at http://heathjohnson.substack.com.