01 Apr From Texas Opry Houses to the Billboard Charts: Tori Martin’s Country Journey
On this episode of The Jeff Crilley Show, Jeff sits down with country singer-songwriter Tori Martin, a Florida native now splitting her time between Texas and Nashville. Tori traces her path from singing under the hallway light with a hairbrush to performing in Texas Opry houses at 14 and landing paid gigs in her hometown of Azle. She shares how her grandfather’s love of classic country shaped her sound, and how artists like Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, and Johnny Cash still influence her music today. The conversation also explores her recent releases, including the Texas chart-topping “Abilene,” the Laredo-inspired ballad “Last Night in Laredo,” and her Billboard Indicator-charting single “Lucky.” It’s a candid look at the work behind the music and the steady persistence required to build a career in country music.
Key Topics
- singing in Texas Opry houses
- the influence of classic country artists
- writing "Last Night in Laredo"
- the Texas No. 1 single "Abilene"
- reaching No. 42 on the Billboard Indicator chart with "Lucky"
- balancing life between Texas and Nashville
- encouragement for young aspiring artists
Episode Timestamps
- 01:16 – Tori Martin’s early love of singing and hairbrush performances
- 03:07 – Her grandfather’s influence and love of classic country
- 04:47 – First paid gigs in Texas Opry houses and Azle, Texas
- 06:55 – The story behind “Last Night in Laredo”
- 08:50 – Co-writing in Nashville and finding the hook
- 10:35 – The message behind “Lucky” and chart success
- 14:20 – Advice to young artists: keep showing up and take the chance
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