Today we’d like to introduce you to Loretta Callens.
Hi Loretta, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in Keene, Texas, a faith-based college community. I attended elementary and high school there, and that is where my journey through music began. My first gig, at six, was singing in church. I had my bear, Teddy clutched tight, and together, we made it through the song. I continued singing at private and public events until I entered adulthood. At that point, making music was put on the back shelf, though never forgotten.
My parents were music lovers with beautiful voices who cultivated my love of music by making sure I had plenty of exposure to it. They had the radio set on WBAP (Dallas), which played only country music in those days. My cousins from California moved nearby, that’s when I heard Rock & Roll for the first time. Upon that exposure, I began to explore other genres.
In the eighties, my mother took up mandolin, and my father played bass. My parents, myself, and an uncle started up the band Pinehill Bluegrass. We performed at festivals for a few years, but we were tired of traveling, so we produced our own festivals at Pine Hill Music Park near Tyler, TX, from 1989-1998. Mother became ill in 98, and music was put back on the shelf for several years again.
In 2005 I started attending song circles, festivals and music camps with a friend. In 2007 I decided to step out as an independent artist while attending “Pickin’ In The Pines”, a weekend music festival. It was after watching the evening show when I said to myself, I can do that! So, I did, and it has been a wonderful experience since.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For the most part, the road has been smooth. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1992, and that can be a bump in the road from time to time. I had been in remission for many years until a mild MS exacerbation came on me in 2022. I’m all better now, YAY!!!
As for the business end of music, technology and the Internet have made it much easier to produce, distribute, and promote original and independent music over the past 15 years. For that, I am thankful. Before the internet, it was almost impossible to get your music heard.
Gig searching, sending out EPK emails, scheduling, negotiating pay, etc., is the most challenging activity in my opinion.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Composing, recording, and performing is my work. It is also what I love doing. I’ve written all the melodies to my pieces.
My co-writers and writers have been wonderful in providing me with lyrics for my melodies or helping me corral my scattered thoughts and form them into a song.
Melodic creations just come flowing out through my guitar or piano at any given time. All are inspired by an emotion, people, places, or events. Some have lyrics, some don’t.
I am extremely proud of my producers/musicians, Gordon McLeod and Ryan Elmore. Also, all the talented musicians that lent their talents and brought my compositions to life over the years.
My latest work, “Wings Unopened,” an easy-listening instrumental album featuring Milo Deering, Gordon McLeod, and Alan Fox, was released in 2023. You can listen and or download at https://lorettacallens.bandcamp.com/album/wings-unopened-album.
Presently, I’m performing, writing, and working on a new instrumental album, “Comin’ Home,” to be released in the summer of 2024. It is bluegrass/country genre’, featuring Gordon McLeod and T-Roy Miller. You can preview the title song, “Comin’ Home,” at https://lorettacallens.bandcamp.com/track/comin-home.
When not working solo, I am performing in a duet, “Lo & The Captn,” with Mike Thomas. We also perform as “Captn’ and the Crew,” a five-piece band. Contact: lorettacallens@gmail.com for booking info.
You ask, what is my specialty? My answer is performing in Alzheimer’s, skilled nursing, and retirement centers. I absolutely love it! Performing for the residents is such a sweet blessing and I will do it as long as physically possible.
How do you define success?
The biggest measure of success to me is, are you doing what you love? Are you enriching the lives of others? However, that being stated, I am thrilled to have been acknowledged for my work by receiving a 2018 “Female Artist of the Year” Josie Music Award in Folk/Americana”. Success is also a state of mind, so get out there and be successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lorettacallens.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorettacallens
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorettacallens/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loretta-callens-6302153a
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@RetJean
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/loretta-callens
- Other: https://lorettacallens.bandcamp.com/
Image Credits
Toabi’s World
Loretta Callens
Michelle Garrison
Alan Fox
Scott Hendryx
