Dr. Avonia Richardson-Miller

And I didn't just live there, I had to work the land.

So when I hear the themes of country music, the connection to the land, the value of hard work, the stories of a small town,

It was my actual world.

It's not just the genre to me.

It's the soundtrack of my upbringing.

So when I listen to Chris Stapleton's Tennessee Whiskey, I know you know that, Ed.

I hear more than just a great song.

I hear a modern day hymn about redemption that feels right at home.

That song was originally written in the 80s.

and found its ultimate soul expression in Stapleton's version, which was famously inspired by Etta James' blues classic, I'd Rather Go Blind.

And my first dance when I got married was to an Etta James song, The Love of My Man.

So it perfectly blends the country and soul roots that I love.

Even the newer hits that I have on repeat on my playlist.

So it's a track, a bar song, Tipsy by Shaboozy.

It's a fun, catchy song that...

talks about the pressures of the nine to five grind.

And also Lainey Wilson's Four by Four by You.

It's a sweet and simple love song about finding your home in another person, no matter where it takes you.

So when you put it all together, my playlist reveals...

a person who is drawn to authentic stories of the human experience, stories of faith, stories of hard work, stories of love and redemption.