CMA Fest Artist Spotlight: Mickie James

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Conversations with Missy: Mickie James

Returning to Center Stage Magazine as a CMA Fest Artist Spotlight is one of my favorite women, Mickie James. We finally got to meet face to face and share in one of the greatest conversations of the week. We laughed, we got silly and we shared. From one mom to another, James has earned the respect of many moms and fans across the globe. For those of you who may not realize, James is quite a singer. She was rocking the Alley Taps stage at CMA Fest 2016 to a full audience.  Check out her bio (taken from her website) below to learn just how much this woman has accomplished.

“In October of 2010, Mickie returned to TNA Wrestling. Her goal was to become the first woman to win WWE's Women's & Divas titles as well as TNA's Knockouts Title. In April of 2011, she accomplished that goal by defeating Madison Rayne in a steel cage match to become TNA's Knockouts Champion. She went on to win TNA's Knockouts Title three times.

While Mickie's wrestling career continues, music has always been a passion for her as well.

"I had played the violin for five years in school. I would walk around the house with a boom box recording myself and give the tapes to my mom. I don't really get the chance to watch TV, so I listen to music all the time. I would write down the melodies in my head and the feelings I had in lyrical form."

In 2009 she began to pursue her dream of recording a country music album. While on the road with WWE, Mickie would travel to Nashville on her days off to meet with producers, songwriters and vocal coaches to perfect her craft.

In the spring of 2010, Mickie released her first album entitled Strangers and Angels. The eleven song album features three songs that Mickie co-wrote: "Hollywood Movie Moment," "No Good at Pretending" and "Don't Apologize." The first single released off the album is a fast paced, exciting track called "Are You With Me?"

How does she compare the two art forms? Mickie explains: "In the ring, fans see this kick-butt girl who is full of energy and full of life, someone who is ready to kick butt and take names. My music is like a whole other side of me that fans and people in general necessarily wouldn't know."

Mickie's albums have received positive reviews from publications such as Country Weekly, CMA Magazine and led to TV appearances on Fox & Friends and Red Eye. Mickie has also shared the stage with other country music recording artists such as Rascal Flatts, Montgomery Gentry, Gretchen Wilson and Randy Houser among others. She's performed in concerts all over the world and also performed at the CMA Fest as well.”

She was such a pleasure to speak with and I am sure you will enjoy our conversation, so please watch it now. Until next time…~Missy