Someone Bluegrass Can Count On

Photo by Sandlin Gaither

At just 21 years old, Jaelee Roberts is off and running as fast as she can, chasing her musical dreams. Along with holding down the lead vocalist/guitar player position with the powerhouse band Sister Sadie, Jaelee released her debut solo CD Something You Didn’t Count On in May 2022. For Roberts, there’s never been a time that she wasn’t singing, playing, listening to, or thinking about music. It’s all she’s ever wanted to do.  

Growing up Bluegrass

Roberts comes from an impressive bluegrass pedigree. Her dad, Danny Roberts, is a renowned mandolin player, luthier and founding member of the award-winning band, The Grascals.  Her mom, Andrea Roberts, owns her own booking and management company, The Andrea Roberts Agency, and was also a longtime touring artist with her band Petticoat Junction, Special Consensus and others.

“I don’t think I have ever viewed music as just a hobby,” Roberts says. “Because I grew up in a house where music was business, I have always taken it very seriously and not just for fun. From a very young age I knew playing music and singing was what I wanted to do forever, and I’ve honestly never thought about doing anything else.  I look up to both of my parents and I want to carry on our musical family tradition.”

Roberts grew up singing in church and watching both of her parents be part of the worship services as well as frequently hanging out backstage at the Grand Ole Opry from the time she was four years old.  She attended her first bluegrass show (The Nashville Bluegrass Band) at the Station Inn when she was just two weeks old and has been going to festivals and concerts ever since.  

Roberts has a long list of bluegrass and country musicians who have influenced and encouraged her along the way, but the two most important are her parents. “I have two of the best people who have ever walked the earth to look up to, and I can’t even begin to put in words just how thankful I am for my mom and dad and their influence on me is truly immeasurable. They both do everything in their power to help me chase my dreams. Beyond the music, they have always taught me to keep God in the forefront of everything I do—and will ever do—and let me tell you, that is the best advice anyone could ever get. I am so grateful that God blessed me with them and beyond the influence of music, they have been loving parents that made sure I knew right from wrong and that I was always in church, so I had a solid foundation as I got older. Both of my parents have been in the music industry professionally for close to 40 years and I’ve had the privilege to observe them do business the right way all my life.  So, as far as parents go, I have two amazing examples on how to handle yourself in the music industry and in life!  My mom and dad have never once tried to steer me away from music and have always supported me.”

And the Roberts’ have been a fountain of valuable knowledge about the art and business side of music.  “My mom was an artist for a long time, and my dad handles a lot of business for his band, so I can get a full picture of the music industry from both of their experiences. On the business side of things, I have learned to know what to say and what not to say. I’ve also learned not to share too much of your business plan with anyone, and most importantly don’t go spreading around what you might hear from others (NO gossiping). You should keep most things to yourself and only discuss what needs discussing. On the music side of things, I have learned about stage presence (still working on that one), how to talk to people after your shows (which is not a hard thing because I enjoy that tremendously), the importance of practice and being prepared, how to handle stressful situations, and most of all to enjoy what you’re doing. Both my mom and dad have always told me to go have fun!”

Still, it’s important to both Jaelee and her parents that she can stand on her own, but independence doesn’t mean turning a deaf ear to their solid advice. “I am very happy for my parents to offer their help to me. Their experiences and what I can learn from them is so valuable, and I know that if I listen it will likely save me some heartache and hard-knock lessons down the road. They want to help guide me from the background so that I can shine, and it not be about them. I have the best parents.”

Music Education

The multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter had help along the way honing her craft from a variety of teachers.  “I started taking fiddle lessons from Gail Johnson when I was four years old, and I continued taking lessons from her for so long that I don’t remember when I stopped. Ironically, when I was an older teen, I started taking fiddle lessons from Deanie Richardson who I now play with in Sister Sadie. My earliest guitar lessons were with Cheryl Chunn who also taught me the process of how to learn songs to play and sing. Mrs. Cheryl was also my clogging instructor and square-dancing coach. I also took lessons from Kelsi Harrigill (Flatt Lonesome), and she would teach me songs to sing. Along the way I also took some mandolin lessons and even a few banjo lessons from time-to-time, but I learned quickly that banjo was not for me. I also had some singing and piano lessons when I was around 10 or 11 years old from a wonderful singer and piano player named Kristen Voorhies and then took some singing lessons in my teenage years that have been very beneficial to me from a wonderful vocal coach, Cindy Roberts.” 

Roberts furthered her music education with her selection as a vocal track participant at GRAMMY Camp in Nashville (2017) and Los Angeles (2018).  This gave her the opportunity to spend two weeks fully immersed in music with her peers, collaborating with songwriters, musicians and recording engineers, and getting instruction from industry professionals. Her education became even more formal when she enrolled at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee majoring in Commercial Songwriting at the school’s College of Media and Entertainment.

“I was extremely nervous about college at first, but when I got into it and started learning and taking classes that I am really interested in, it really opened my eyes. I think it was a good life decision to go for the bachelor’s degree in case my plans as an artist/songwriter don’t go as expected, and I can use my college education to still work in the music business. I am taking songwriting classes and music business courses like public relations, artist management, venue management, intellectual property, publishing, and even digital audio recording. I want to be well-rounded as an artist as well as the business side of the industry. Even though it can be super stressful trying to balance school with touring, recording, etc., I am very thankful to have the opportunity to attend such an awesome university where I get to learn from some of the most prestigious instructors in the industry. Attending MTSU has already provided performance opportunities to me from connections that I have made there. Two events that stand out to me are singing for Grand Ole Opry member (and MTSU alum) Chris Young at the grand opening of the Chris Young Café on our campus and singing background vocals with country artist Gabby Barrett live on the CMT Artists of the Year 2021 television special.  

“Right before I started college, I got a special pep talk from Doyle Lawson, and he told me to get that degree and not to give up on it even when it got hard, and I certainly took what he had to say to heart. It meant a lot to me that he encouraged me to make my college education a priority. Attending college and receiving my bachelor’s degree is very important to my parents—they have been so encouraging and supportive and I want to make them proud. I will be proud of myself when I have graduated!”

A Career Changing Call from Sister Sadie 

“I got a call from Deanie Richardson, and she mentioned that Dale Ann Bradley was going to step away from Sister Sadie to pursue her solo career,” Roberts said. “I thought for sure she was going to ask me to recommend someone to try out for the opening, but she said, “We want you to come try out.”  I was over-the-moon excited about the possibility of playing with Sister Sadie, and I ran straight downstairs to tell my parents.”

Nervousness combined with excitement rushed through her veins as the Nashville native began to prepare and practice “A LOT.” In addition to trying out for one of bluegrass music’s prestigious groups, she had never played guitar before in a band configuration. 

“On the day of the audition, I was so scared/intimidated, but they immediately made me feel better because they were all so nice and encouraging to me. Anyway, I tried out for the band, and it was so much fun, and in my heart I knew I really wanted to be part of Sister Sadie.”

Her only previous professional gig was in high school playing fiddle with The Rebekah Long Band and landing the job with Sister Sadie would be an extremely high accomplishment for the newcomer.  A few very long weeks passed, and they contacted her again to do a live audition to see how well she could perform in a show setting. 

“However, because we were in the big COVID shut down (fall of 2020), and there weren’t any shows to play, my live audition ended up being on the Grand Ole Opry. What?!?!?  Sister Sadie was invited to be on the televised celebration of the 75^th Anniversary of Bluegrass Music and that was going to be my live audition. No pressure!  So, even without being an official member of Sister Sadie, they made my biggest dream come true—playing on the Grand Ole Opry. I don’t even have the words to describe how thankful I was and still am to them for that. I can still feel what it was like when we stepped onto that stage. I had chills and was at my literal peak of happiness. Then, as soon as we got off stage, and we went back to our dressing rooms all I could do was cry. There’s just nothing in the world like being on the Opry stage!”

At the time, the GRAMMY-nominated band had just won 2020 IBMA “Entertainer of the Year” and were the 2019 and 2020 IBMA “Vocal Group of the Year” and Richardson was the 2020 IBMA “Fiddler Player of the Year.”  

“I knew what a big deal getting the gig with Sister Sadie was and that having the opportunity to play with them would be a life-changer for me. The possibility that I could be joining them was pretty mind-blowing for me.”

Roberts was officially invited to become a member in February 2021. “They have all been so welcoming and helpful to me, and I love these ladies so much. I still get nervous before we perform, but they are encouraging and make me feel comfortable because they really want me to do well and to grow. I think I was ready for the big move, and I’m still putting in the work for it! I am just so thankful and grateful to be part of this awesome band.

“I have already made some of the best memories playing with Sister Sadie I am looking forward to everything that is to come with these amazing ladies.  We have a blast on stage and off stage and truly have a good time together doing what we love and challenging each other to really ‘bring it’ each time we perform.  Just a few of the standout shows that we’ve played since I’ve been in the band are ROMP, MerleFest, DelFest, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Red Hat Amphitheater, and the IBMA Awards Show. We’ve also had the opportunity to play the Grand Ole Opry several times since I’ve been in the band and that will NEVER get old.  Being on the stage on the Opry stage truly is my dream come true!  When we’re not on stage, we eat a lot of Mexican food and have car dance parties and laugh until we are literally in pain. I really love traveling with Sister Sadie—it is just the best!”

Coming Into Her Own 

Before she walks the graduation line later in 2023, Roberts will have quite a list of accomplishments that include signing a recording deal with Mountain Home Music in 2020, joining Sister Sadie in 2021, being named the 2021 IBMA “Momentum Vocalist of the Year” and awarded the “Vocal Group of the Year” trophy with Sister Sadie, and releasing her debut solo album Something You Didn’t Count On in 2022.  

“I feel so close to this album, and it honestly feels like it’s part of me. I do have to admit that I was a little nervous about getting in the studio to record Something You Didn’t Count On, but mostly, it was excitement and anticipation. I have been thinking about recording my own music since I was just a little girl, and this album is a dream come true for me!”

“Something You Didn’t Count On was recorded during the height of the pandemic while everything was shut down, and I feel so blessed that during such a troubling time I was able to create music with the help of some incredible people. I am so thankful for the musicians that played on the album: Tim Surrett (bass/dobro), Kristin Scott Benson (banjo), Tony Wray (guitar), Jimmy Mattingly (fiddle), and Alan Bibey (mandolin). Harmony vocals were sung by: Kenny and Amanda Smith, Paul and Kelsi Harrigill, Tim Surrett, and Theo MacMillan. I also had a very special guest join me on the Fleetwood Mac classic, ‘Landslide’—Vince Gill—and I still can hardly believe that happened!  Also, Tim Surrett was my producer, and he was such a huge help to me and for making sure that everything came together just like I prayed that it would.

“I am completely over-the-moon happy, excited, and proud of how Something You Didn’t Count On turned out! I truly couldn’t have hoped for anything more. The cast of all-star musicians and vocalists made every song come to life just like I felt in my heart and heard in my mind, and I am so thankful.”  

Jaelee comes into her own with this first solo effort, but she did enter the studio with some experience.   “I recorded in the studio the first time when I was 10 years old and sang on four songs (and played fiddle on one) for Tom T. and Mrs. Dixie Hall’s Daughters of Bluegrass Pickin’ Like A Girl boxset. When I was twelve years old, I recorded three songs on my dad’s solo project Nighthawk. My dad also has a new single ‘Small Town America’ (from a forthcoming album), and I sang harmony on it and the other vocal tracks. I absolutely LOVE singing in the studio and have been incredibly fortunate to sing harmony vocals on three bluegrass albums—two with Daryl Mosley and one with Ray Cardwell. I am also singing with Rick Faris on his single ‘Laurel of The Mountains.’ I have done background vocals on some southern gospel recordings and with an Americana artist in addition to singing demos. I really enjoy singing BGVs and demos and I hope to do that for the rest of my career.”

When the opportunity came for Roberts to lay down tracks for herself, she was able to turn the experience into exactly how she had always envisioned.  “Something You Didn’t Count On represents most of my musical tastes and allowed me to express my feelings and introduce myself to the world as an artist. The songs were all purposefully chosen with the objective of making a true album and not just a collection of songs put together. I also wanted this album to be my introduction as a songwriter as well as having the opportunity to select songs from other songwriters.  To say that I am grateful for the success of Something You Didn’t Count On is a huge understatement!  I was just happy to have the opportunity to share my musical heart with people and to have so many singles chart as well as the album is absolutely amazing—I am so very thankful.”

As a songwriter, she had a hand in co-writing four songs on the album:  “Something You Didn’t Count On” (with Theo MacMillan), “November” (with MacMillan), “Lie To Me” (with Jerry Salley and Kelli Kingery) and “The Beginning Was The End (with Mallory Eagle).” 

“The story behind the title cut and the album’s lead single ‘Something You Didn’t Count On’ is about meeting someone that you didn’t expect and falling for them—just coming out of nowhere and changing your life! I have had different people tell me that the song has a different meaning to them and as a writer that is awesome to hear.”

Her formal learning of songwriting in college began a few years ago, but Roberts has been crafting tunes for a long time.  “I started writing songs when I was very young and mostly wrote by myself until about four years ago when I had my first co-writing experience with Jerry Salley, Donna Ulisse, and Rick Stanley at a Little House Songwriting workshop. Now I love getting together with other songwriters and throwing ideas and stories at each other and having a song come from it. How cool is that! The whole experience of co-writing is so much fun, and there is so much to learn from other writers and their experiences and processes. I do still enjoy a solo write, as well, and I write whenever inspiration comes to me or just a line or idea pops into my head. My writing process changes depending on what the circumstance is. For example, I can be driving and have a new idea and I will sing it into my voice notes or pull off the road and write down my lyric idea into my notes. I also write a lot in my room with my guitar and one of my favorite things in the world is when a song just seems to flow out without much effort. That definitely doesn’t always happen!  If I were to say I have a ‘strength’ as a songwriter, it would be that I always have a lot of ideas for song hooks. My writing style is changing some and I do feel like it has matured. Of course, that comes with some age and more experience—it’s a work in progress.” 

The Road Ahead

Roberts and her Sister Sadie bandmates have been in the studio and recently released their highly anticipated first single “Diane” from their forthcoming album on Mountain Home Music. Sister Sadie continues to tour while Roberts also juggles schoolwork and promoting her own album. With a great deal of excitement, this hard-working musician has just begun to make a mark on the bluegrass world.  “My dreams and goals for my future in music is just to continue what I have started and just do more of it!  I want to play live music, travel, write songs, and be in the studio recording my own music or singing background vocals and demos—for my living and for the love of it.  

“I am a fan of all kinds of music, and I am a firm believer that if a song is a good song, it’s a good song no matter what genre.  I would love to have the opportunity to record traditional country music someday because I have always loved it, but my heart is in bluegrass—it always has been, and it always will be. I would also love to record an all-gospel album in the future, too, because that music is dear to me and will always be a big part of who I am.  What I enjoy the most about this musical life I’ve chosen is that I get to live out my dreams and truly enjoy what I do. Who could ask for more? I am extremely thankful that God has blessed me with this life.”