Candi Carpenter’s name might not yet be a household staple, but for those in the know, especially after Dolly Parton’s public praise in October 2019, she’s been a rising star in the country music scene. Introduced to many through Kalie Shorr and the Song Suffragettes, Carpenter’s unique background and powerful songwriting resonate deeply with listeners. Her story, as unveiled in her music, is as compelling as her vocal talent.
Candi Carpenter performing, showcasing her early musical influences and gospel roots
From Gospel Roots to Honky Tonk Stages: The Making of a Musician
Born into a gospel band, music was not just a part of Candi Carpenter’s life; it was her upbringing. She humorously recalls believing every family had their own band, as membership was automatic from birth. Her grandfather, a steel guitar player with perfect pitch and eclectic musical taste, introduced her to a wider spectrum of sounds beyond gospel, subtly laying the groundwork for her future country explorations. It was country radio that truly captured her teenage heart, setting her on a path toward Nashville and the broader music industry.
Driven by an early ambition, Carpenter’s pursuit of a record deal began at just 11 years old. During family vacations to Tennessee, she would diligently look up record labels in the phone book, making calls in hopes of an audition. Undeterred by unanswered calls, she and her family discovered a book at the legendary Ernest Tubb Record Shop, a guide to navigating the music industry. This led them to a producer who agreed to work with the young Carpenter, marking the start of her professional journey with her first EP. Her eagerness to immerse herself in the music world was undeniable.
Candi Carpenter at the Opry, highlighting her country music journey and aspirations
Yodeling Skills and Broadway Honky-Tonks: Honing Her Craft
Carpenter’s talents extend beyond singing and songwriting; she’s also known for her impressive yodeling. Inspired by the group Riders in the Sky, she immersed herself in learning this unique skill at the age of nine. Armed with their CD and a “Learn to Yodel the Cowboy Way” book, she spent a summer practicing, much to her parents’ amusement and perhaps slight exasperation. This dedication to mastering different musical styles showcases her commitment to her craft from a young age.
At 15, Carpenter’s career took a turn when she moved to Nashville with a woman who claimed to be her manager. Unbeknownst to her family, this marked the beginning of a difficult period. She was taken out of school and found herself in an abusive situation, living in a room at a Shoney’s Inn, performing in Broadway honky-tonks nightly until the early hours of the morning. Despite the challenging circumstances, these experiences on the bustling stages of Broadway undoubtedly contributed to her performance experience and resilience.
Learning from a Legend: The Jack Greene Era
Adding another layer to her unconventional journey, at 16, Carpenter’s manager introduced her to Grand Ole Opry star Jack Greene. Greene, affectionately known as the Jolly Greene Giant, was facing Alzheimer’s. He moved in with Carpenter and her manager, and by 17, they were all living together. Due to Greene’s memory issues, his performances were limited to about 30 minutes, and Carpenter filled the remaining half hour of his show. This period, though complex, provided invaluable learning opportunities. She toured alongside a country music legend, observing and absorbing from Greene and his peers like Loretta Lynn, Bill Anderson, and Jean Shepard. It was, as she describes, an “incredible learning experience,” albeit within a challenging personal situation. Offstage, both Carpenter and Greene faced mistreatment, but supervised calls home kept the full extent of the hardship hidden from her parents.
Seeking escape from this difficult environment, Carpenter married at 20. However, as she candidly puts it, it was “going from the frying pan into the fire,” leading to another five years of unhappiness. These formative and often turbulent experiences became the bedrock of her songwriting and her deep connection with audiences.
From Pain to Purpose: The Heart of Carpenter’s Music
Reflecting on her past, Carpenter expresses gratitude for her journey, stating, “I am thankful for all of it now because I want to use my platform and my music to help people. I wouldn’t feel qualified to do that if I hadn’t been through so much and come out of it on the other side.” This sentiment underscores the therapeutic and cathartic nature of her “Carpenter Band Songs”—music born from personal trials, designed to connect with others through shared experiences of pain and resilience. She emphasizes the importance of openness and honesty in healing, wanting her music to assure listeners they are not alone in their struggles.
Dolly Parton and Candi Carpenter, symbolizing the endorsement of her talent by a country music icon
Dolly Parton’s praise of Carpenter as “One of the greatest writers and singers on the planet” is a testament to the raw emotion and authenticity that permeates her work. Indeed, the most impactful “carpenter band songs” often emerge from heartache, tapping into universal human experiences of pain and hope. Carpenter’s mission is to empower people to shed their secrets and find solace in shared vulnerability.
Prior to signing with CTK Management in 2014, the same firm managing Dolly Parton and other music icons, Carpenter worked tirelessly, cleaning houses and holding down multiple jobs to fund her demos and living expenses. This hard-earned success is a classic Nashville story of perseverance paying off.
Her song “Cry Baby” evokes the spirit of Patsy Cline, while “Burn the Bed,” a raw and honest track about infidelity, draws directly from her personal experiences during her difficult marriage. These songs, along with her collaborations on Kalie Shorr’s “Open Book” album, showcase her songwriting versatility and emotional depth.
“The Astronaut,” produced by Brandi Carlile, stands out as perhaps her most reflective and healing song to date. This single offers a glimpse into her forthcoming EP, promising more introspective and powerful “carpenter band songs” that explore themes of healing and self-discovery.
Despite years of Opry performances alongside others, Carpenter made her official Grand Ole Opry debut in July 2019, followed by a performance at Dolly Parton’s 50th Opry Anniversary in October 2019. She shared the special moment of Dolly Parton doing her makeup for this event. The anniversary celebration, broadcast on NBC, featured Carpenter performing her new single “The Astronaut” and a rendition of Dolly’s classic “Little Sparrow,” further solidifying her place in the country music landscape.
Bethany Bowman and Candi Carpenter, capturing a moment of connection and shared appreciation for music
Currently collaborating with Brandi Carlile on her latest EP and continuing to perform with the Song Suffragettes, Candi Carpenter is poised to become a prominent figure in country music. Her journey, reminiscent of a real-life Cinderella story where she ultimately saves herself, is a testament to her talent, resilience, and the power of “carpenter band songs” to tell stories of survival and hope.
To explore more of Candi Carpenter’s music and journey, follow her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Spotify.
