Getting To Know The Nashville Show’s Elaina D. Smith
Catch 'The Nashville Show with Elaina D. Smith' Sun-Thur from 7pm
Last updated 28th Jan 2022
Meet Elaina D Smith - host of The Nashville Show here on Absolute Radio Country. Elaina will be bringing the best and freshest country music to her show, as well as breaking news and interviews with the biggest names in Country Music.
Elaina is one of the most well-known presenters in the Country Music scene, having covered the red carpet for major award shows, hosting Country Music Festivals and even appearing in hit TV drama Nashville.
We sat down with Absolute Radio Country's newest family member, to get to know her a little better.
How long have you lived in Nashville?
I’m from San Diego, California, I grew up on the beach basically my entire life. I’m in my ninth year of living in Nashville, almost ten years! I’m basically a local, I absolutely love it out here. I can’t believe we’re coming up on the ten year anniversary of the show.
And what a way to celebrate, taking the show across the water. When you started the show, did you ever think it was going to reach that far?
No! I didn’t even know I could think that big! It’s wild to me, I’m still trying to grasp that this is a reality. I’m feeling humbled, blessed and excited and ready to bring Nashville to the UK.
Have you ever been to the UK?
I haven’t and I want to so badly! Whenever I talk to artists, they always talk about how the UK fans are the most special because they’re not just about the singles, you really go into the tracks and appreciate the music. I’m the same way so I’m very excited to connect with you on that level. And hopefully come and visit soon!
What can we expect from your show?
Every single night that you listen to the show, you'll hear between one and three country acts checking in. They are always stopping by because they live right down the street, we’re always seeing each other out at the bars.
It feels like you’re not afraid to ask the questions that everybody wants the answers to.
Absolutely not. I feel like we very much over these last nine years have been able to create the relationships with these country music stars so they feel very comfortable coming in and talking about whatever. It just feels like a good hang.
Music wise - all of our favourites? Maybe some surprises?
A lot of the modern stuff that’s coming out right now, the new music and artists that you are interested in. We love to be there from the beginning and see them through to their giant success like Luke Combs, I love knowing I’ve been a part of this career from the start.
If you like being on board early with artists you’re definitely going to love this show. Hit me up on social media, give me a call, we will play whatever you want to hear.
Which artist are you most excited for in 2022?
Morgan Wade. I started following her last year, and just love her all around vibe as an artist and person. I think it’s going to be a big year for her. 'Wilder Days' is one of my new favourite songs.
Which country album could you listen to on repeat forever?
Kacey Musgraves’ Pageant Material. This is kind of like my comfort album in the same way that The Office is my comfort show. I’ll put it on whenever I can’t decide on something else, and I just instantly feel safe, happy and at home.
You can invite three country artists over for dinner, who’re you inviting and what’re you cooking?
Maren Morris, Dolly Parton and Blake Shelton. I just feel like this group would CUT IT UP. Plus, they’re totally allowed to bring a +1 so that means Ryan Hurd, Gwen Stefani and Carl Dean are coming as well. I’ll do some kind of elevated twist on good old fashion southern cooking.
When you get a second to yourself and you’re not talking to the biggest names in Country Music, where can we find you?
Probably in Midtown (a great spot for locals in Nashville) with my friends having some drinks, dancing and listening to live music or checking out the latest restaurant to open. I love hanging with my nephew or just chilling at home with my husband and dog getting a good binge watching session in.
What’s a typical day in Nashville like?
No two days are the same, but I usually wake up, go into the studio and see what I’ve got to prepare for the day. Sometimes we’ll do interviews and record them a little earlier. We’ll have the artists stop by and we’ll hang out for a while.
We have events constantly, I often go to a late night writer’s session after I’ve wrapped up the show and I can walk across the street, I used to live across the street from one of the most famous bars in Nashville, which is Live Oak and Luke Combs still stops by there to this day.
You’ve interviewed so many people over the years, is there one stand out?
My two favourites of all time are Reba and Dolly Parton. That’s when you realise what a long career looks like. I mean they come in, they know what they’re doing, they remember you, they treat you like a human being. They come in and they say "oh, did you get your haircut?" I'll just be having a normal conversation with a legend!
As far as some of the newer artists, Thomas Rhett, oh my gosh I could sit down and talk with him for hours. We came up in this town together. Back in the day he was my co-host for a week with me when his early stuff was out. He went on to co-host the CMA fest and all the things, don’t forget I was your first!
I am so thankful to be a part of the country community. I came from pop radio back in the day so coming from that and having met quite a few of those artists, I mean, they’re nice but it’s nothing like the people in country music who genuinely care about each other.
Favourite nights out in Nashville? Do you have a place you always go to?
Demonbreun Street is where you will find me. And also an area called Midtown, that’s where Losers & Winners is. For anyone who wants to feel like a local, those are the spots to head to. You will not find an artist at this point is who is starting to get in the game, that doesn’t play shows at Whiskey Jam or Live Oak writer’s round.
It used to be that they all played Broadway, not so much anymore. but I do love a good Broadway night out, but those are usually the ones you don’t remember!
Have you had any pinch-me moments in your career?
The first time I ever met Dolly Parton, she came up and started putting her hand on my back, and it was that definitely a moment of - how did I get here? How am I this lucky?! She was consoling me, of course I was nervous! I was 22 at the time and it was somebody I’d looked up to so much.
Baylen Leonard saved some of Dolly Parton’s rhinestones that she left behind after an interview. Have you ever kept a celeb memento?
Kacey Musgraves left some bobby pins behind when I interviewed her, she’s one of my favourites. Oh, and a water bottle that Keith Urban left. It feels creepy to keep them.
It’s nice to hear that you’re just as much of a fan as anyone listening.
Absolutely, fan first is still how I feel. Artists feel the same way too. We’re such massive fans that’s why we chose to do this for our career. We may be the biggest fans out there and I never want to lose that because it’s so special to be a part of this world.
Hopefully red carpets will get back to normal this year. You’re very involved with awards shows, right?
Oh yes, every award show if it has anything to do with country music. Red carpets are a huge part of my life and here we have so many award shows, so it feels like it’s always award show season. It’s the most hectic three hours of my life every year but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Nashville is the kind of place where you could be at a restaurant and Carrie Underwood is at the next table. Has that ever happened to you?
It happens a daily basis thing. I’ve seen Keith Urban at Starbucks, and I have actually seen Carrie Underwood in a restaurant! There isn’t a time where I haven’t been to Demonbreun Street where I haven’t bumped into Chris Young.
That’s the great thing about Nashville. Even though we’re all fans, everyone pretty much leaves them alone for the most part. We’ll go up and say hey and hang out for a while but it’s a really chill place for them to be so they’re not trying to hide.
Listen to The Nashville Show with Elaina D. Smith on Absolute Radio Country Sunday-Thursday at 7pm
Read next: The biggest stars inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame
Patsy Cline
Patsy Cline's career may have been cut short due to her tragic death at age 30, in 1963, but she remains the most popular female country singer in recording history. Cline's hit 'Crazy', penned by Willie Nelson, is the Number 1 jukebox hit of all time. Now a country music icon, her unique and impeccable vocal talent set the standard for country singers and inspired a generation of women including Loretta Lynn, Linda Ronstadt and Wynonna Judd.
Charley Pride
As one of country music's first Black superstars, Charley Pride's baritone captivated audiences and broke racial and cultural barriers. Pride's commercial success was primarily from the 1960s through to the 1980s, but his impact on country music is timeless. The 2020 recipient of the CMA's Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, Pride has inspired countless performers, showing that country music can be loved and performed by anyone, regardless of their skin colour. Sadly, in that same year, Charley sadly passed away aged 86.
Tammy Wynette
Tammy Wynette, alongside Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn, dominated the country music charts in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Wynette's music dealt with the difficulties of working women, raising children, and domestic life. The line between professional and personal blurred in her work, leaving a legacy of graceful style and country-grit.
Elvis Presley
He may be the King of Rock & Roll, but Elvis Presley was raised on country and gospel. Throughout his music, from his early beginnings touring with Johnny Cash and June Carter, to his superstardom, his country roots can be found in his records. One of the most influential performers of all time, his life and career have gone down in history.
Johnny Cash
'The Man in Black' overcame hardship and personal demons to reach superstar status in the late 1960s and continued to record - and be commercially successful - until his passing in 2003. One of the most recognisable country artists, his extensive discography burst the door to country music worldwide, and his raw honesty has impacted millions of music lovers.
Garth Brooks
When it comes to a once in a generation performer, Garth Brooks is the blueprint. His entertainer status, record breaking album sales and immense popularity, was integral in the golden era of 90s country. While others stuck to a neo-traditional sound, Garth Brooks embraced all influences and created concerts that rivalled the biggest pop and rock artists.
Hank Williams
The legend of Hank Williams is beyond what most artists with a short career and tragic ending can hope for. Half a century later, Williams is still referenced and revered in country music. He set the bar impossibly high for modern country songwriters, and wrote some of the best country songs around.
Reba McEntire
The most successful female artist of her generation - and most of the others, too - Reba McEntire is a country music treasure. Cited as an influence by almost every female country artist to follow in her wake, her songs embody the beauty of story telling, and the blend of genres that came together for country music's inception. With more than fifty Top 10 singles and more Number 1 country albums than any other female artist and the prestigious Kennedy Centre Honours for her lifetime of contributions to American culture, there's no one like Reba.
Loretta Lynn
When it comes to origin stories, it doesn't get more country than Loretta Lynn. Born in a one room cabin in the coal-mining hills of Kentucky, married at age thirteen and a mother of four by eighteen, she went on to become one of the most influential country music artists of all time. Not only did she break down barriers and paved the way for every female singer who followed in her footsteps, but she gave a voice to women in her songwriting. By speaking her truth with her unique voice and perspective, she will go down in history as one of the most powerful Southern storytellers.
Vince Gill
Equal parts talented musician and incredible vocalist, Vince Gill is one of the most critically acclaimed country music artists of all time. Having sold more than 26 million albums, his music has won the hearts of every true country music fan - including the late greats, Merle Haggard and John Prine. High praise, indeed. Having been a member of Western swing group the Time Jumpers for 10 years, from 2010, Vince later joined the legendary rock band Eagles in 2017.
Merle Haggard
With the exception of Hank Williams, Merle Haggard is arguably the most influential singer-songwriter in country music history. The California cowboy was a key figure in the Outlaw movement, alongside Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. His work often reflected his complicated life – his problems with the law, five marriages, six children and the complexities a life in the music business yielded. Merle was as country as country gets, proving you don't have to be from the South to be an icon in this genre.
Kenny Rogers
During his lengthy career, Kenny Rogers sold over 50 million albums in the United States alone. His duet with Dolly Parton, 'Islands In The Stream', is one of the most well known and beloved songs, and his versatility between genres meant that he may not be the first name you think of when you think of country music legends, but he certainly deserves his place in the hall of fame.
Emmylou Harris
14-time Grammy Award winner Emmylou Harris has enjoyed an impressive 50-year career as a leading figure in country music. She easily could have ventured into the folk and rock scene of the 60s and 70s, the heartache and loss she endured early in her career, seemingly helped her create the raw ballads that define country music. Not to mention that her Trio work with musical giants Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt was arguably one of the most important country collaborations.
George Strait
According to Eric Church: 'Any song sung by George Strait is country at its best', and nobody will argue with that. Dubbed 'The King of Country', the Texan cowboy has become synonymous with 'real country'. While blending genre lines has given us some of the genres most successful hits, Strait kept it country - and it paid off. One of the most successful artists of all time - regardless of genre - Strait's power comes from western swing, honky-tonk traditions and songs that will stick with you for a lifetime.
Alan Jackson
As a songwriter, recording artist, and performer, Alan Jackson brought traditional country music into the 21st century. A three-time Country Music Association (CMA) Entertainer of the Year and a Grand Ole Opry member since 1991, has sold more than 60 million albums worldwide and released 26 Billboard Number 1 country singles.
The Everly Brothers
The Everly Brothers were one of the most successful acts in popular music between 1957 and 1962 - with only Elvis Presley and Pat Boone having outsold them. Don and Phil Everly were the first consistently successful rock & roll act to come from Nashville. Together, they extended Nashville's sense of what was commercially possible. They took the country brother duet a step beyond their predecessors but the core of their sound remained country brother harmony.
Glen Campbell
A gifted singer and accomplished guitarist, Glen Campbell became an international superstar with a string of pop and country hits released in the 1960s and 1970s. At his peak, Campbell hosted The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, a CBS-TV musical variety show, from 1968 to 1972. He also starred in several feature films, including True Grit (1969) with John Wayne.
Dolly Parton
What would country music be without Dolly Parton? One shudders to think. The genre's biggest star came from humble beginnings in the Tennessee mountains, and has stayed true to her roots ever since. A pioneer for women in country music, Dolly Parton has done it all. From the cover of Playboy magazine to funding a COVID-19 Vaccine, starring in Hollywood movies and having her own theme park, Dolly Parton IS country music. Her songwriting defies logic by being of the highest quality, and existing in the thousands. She wrote 'Jolene' and 'I Will Always Love You' on the same day - and if that's not legendary talent, who knows what is.
Willie Nelson
Singer-songwriter Willie Nelson is synonymous with "outlaw country". After doing away with the music industry conservatism of Nashville in the 1960s and 70s, he has gone on to write some of the most popular and memorable country songs of all time. Adding to his already impressive list of achievements, Nelson joined forces with Johnny Cash, Jennings and Kristofferson to form the country supergroup the Highwaymen.
The Carter Family
And who can forget The Carter Family - A. P. Carter, Sara Dougherty Carter and Maybelle Addington Carter. Engraved into the Country Music Hall of Fame itself are the words: Will The Circle Be Unbroken? Popularised by the Carter Family, the song has become almost a slogan for country music. If you trace country music's lineage, it comes back to Maybelle, Sara and AP all those years ago. Country music's first band, they took old gospel hymns and hill songs and helped craft the genre we know and love today.
The Judds
Inducted into the honourable Country Music Hall of Fame in 2023 were none other than 'Mama He's Crazy' legends The Judds - comprising of Wynonna and Naomi Judd. The mother-daughter duo achieved worldwide fame with huge hits such as 'Why Not Me', 'Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout The Good Old Days)' and 'Young Love (Strong Love)', with their six studio albums making them one of the most successful acts in country music history. From signing their first recording contract with RCA Nashville in 1983, the duo won five Grammy Awards for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, as well as nine Country Music Association awards over their years, before the sad passing of Naomi Judd in April 2022 - just one day before their Country Music Hall of Fame induction. Following her mother's death, Wynonna rescheduled their 'Final Tour', and continuing under the name The Judds, she toured with artists such as with Martina McBride, Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley McBryde, Faith Hill, Brandi Carlile, Little Big Town, and Trisha Yearwood.
Tanya Tucker
Another 2023 inductee was Tanya Tucker 'Delta Dawn' icon Tanya Tucker. Scoring her first Number 1 hit at just 13 years old in 1972, it's no surprise Tanya went on to become one of the biggest country singers of all time - providing us with countless more hits, including the likes of 'Romeo' with Billy Ray Cyrus, 'What's Your Mama's Name?' and 'Mustang Ridge'. Receiving her first Grammy Award in 2020, having countless CMA Award nominations, and with her latest album release, 'Sweet Western Sound', being in 2023 - the critically acclaimed collaboration with Brandi Carlile - it's fair to say her subsequent induction to the honorary list was highly-anticipated and much deserved.
Toby Keith
Serving as one of the most recent inductees, joining the esteemed Country Music Hall of Fame in 2024, is Toby Keith - famed for huge country hits such as 'As Good As I Once Was', 'Should've Been a Cowboy' and his collaboration with The Doobie Brothers 'Long Train Runnin'. From his 1999 breakthrough track 'How Do You Like Me Now?!', Toby enjoyed an incredible career, with saw numerous 4x Platinum albums, with worldwide sales of over 40 million, countless Number 1s and multiple award nominations and wins, before his tragic passing in February 2024. Toby's memory lives on in the world of country music, with fans all over the world continuing to enjoy the offerings of his 19 studio albums, two Christmas albums and five compilation albums.