Since July is National Ice Cream Month Music Matters Magazine thought what better way to find out unknown facts about our favorite Country icon SYLVIA than to discover your favorite ice cream treats and talk a little about what is going on in your world of music.

 

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Rocky Road is my favorite.

 

Do you prefer it in a bowl, cone, and waffle?

I usually prefer a cup when it’s very hot outside, but eating ice cream on a regular cone is more fun!

 

How many scoops make up the perfect ice cream treat?

Two scoops are perfect for me!

 

Fruit or candy toppings? And what kinds?

I love coconut and white chocolate chips. I won’t turn down hot fudge and/or peanut butter either!

 

Is ice cream a year- round thing or only summer time when it’s warm?

I have to say I think about eating ice cream more often in the summer, but it is a year-round treat!

Favorite ice cream shop?

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is very popular and has great choices! AND, Bobbie’s Dairy Dip is a Nashville classic!

Do you have a favorite brand of ice cream? (Blue Bell, Eddy’s, Häagen-Dazs, ect.)

Breyers is a favorite brand along with Eddy’s and Ben and Jerry’s.

 

Is frozen yogurt just as good as ice cream?

I also love frozen yogurt… I was the kid who stirred up their ice cream as a kid making it have a similar consistency as frozen yogurt. I’m not an ice cream snob! Lol!

How does it feel being back in the Country Music spotlight?

It feels wonderful to be recording music again! I’ve released two new CDs in the past 2 ½ years, “It’s All in the Family” and “Second Bloom – The Hits Re-Imagined.” Now, I’m eager to get back out on the road in concert! Performing live is an important part of the creative cycle. I have found that for me songwriting, recording, and performing live are the three main components of living a creative and meaningful life. I would also add continuing my work as a life and career coach. At this point in my life, these are the things that are calling to me strongly and make for a happy life!

 

Being in Nashville since the ‘70s you’ve interacted with many different kinds of artists. Who would you say has had the most lasting impression on your career (friendship or influencer)?

The person who has been most influential in my music career is my dear friend and co-producer, John Mock. He is a composer, multi-instrumentalist, and recording artist. John and I have been performing together since 1991 and co-produced my first independent record together in 1996. It would be hard to imagine creating music without John. We’re really more like duo artists. A famous artist who made a big impression on me early on and is still a tremendous role-model for me and for all artists is Dolly Parton. I first met Dolly in the summer of 1974 at the Little Nashville Opry in Nashville, Indiana. I drew a portrait of Dolly, knocked on her bus door and was invited in by Dolly herself! She gave me a little tour of her bus, then, sat down with me for a short conversation. I told her about my dreams of coming to Nashville to become a recording artist just as soon as I graduated from high school. Thinking I was about to ask for her help, she quickly explained how she was already trying to help several members of her family create careers in music. Then she said something that had a huge impact on me – “Honey, if that’s what you really want to do, don’t you let anybody tell you, you can’t do it!” I believed her and her words have served me well ever since!

“Second Bloom: The Hits Re-Imagined” is a collection of some of your greatest works of art, how excited were you going into this project to bring a life to the songs?

I originally recorded these songs when I was in my early and mid-twenties. So, it was very exciting to record these songs in the voice I have today, imbued with a lot more life experience than when I first recorded them. As my voice teacher Gerald Arthur says, “All of your life experiences show up in your voice, whether you’re aware of it or not.” Each song on “Second Bloom” feels more alive to me now. I have literally lived into these songs, and I’m so pleased with how the album turned out!

 

You have an amazing collection of hits; are there any thoughts of an album of new material in the future?

In October of 2016, I released an album of new music entitled, “It’s All in the Family.” I’m a co-writer on 9 of the 12 songs on the album.  I think this is my best work musically so far. I’m not bragging. What I mean is that it is a true reflection of where I am as an artist today. And, yes! I think there will be another album of new music that will be written and recorded within the next couple of years!

 

Returning to CMA last month with all the fans and excitement buzzing around the “Second Bloom” album releasing, how were fan reactions?

CMA Fest this year felt like a family reunion! I had an artist booth set up for the first time in quite a few years! I spent a couple of hours in the booth each day talking with fans, taking pictures, and signing CDs. I could tell that fans were genuinely glad to know that I’m continuing to record music and do live concerts! “It’s All in the Family” is a fitting title for the feeling of connection country music artists have with their fans and visa versa!