Lee Ann Womack — “I Hope You Dance”

She sings both kinds of music—country and Western—and you better be grateful for it. Lee Ann Womack followed in the footsteps of icons like Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Tammy Wynette, but she took even greater inspiration from male country stars like George Jones. After making a name for herself with her captivating tunes, Womack reckoned with love and faith on the beautiful—and melancholy?—"I Hope You Dance," which became a crossover hit and Womack's signature song. Rob is joined by music journalist Marissa R. Moss, who discusses what Womack faced as a woman in country music during the late '90s and 2000s and the selflessness it takes to write a love song to someone who is leaving your life.

(00:00) Intro: The Blues Brothers go to Bob's Country Bunker

(24:19) Remembering Dolly Parton

(38:11) This week's song: "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack

(41:02) Womack's early tracks and the state of country in the late '90s

(57:28) Is "I Hope You Dance" a sad or happy song?

(01:05:27) Interview with Marissa R. Moss

(01:33:12) Outro

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Marissa R. Moss

Producers: Julianna Ress, Chris Sutton, Justin Sayles, and Olivia Crerie

Power up your play with Nintendo Switch 2.

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