Page 87 - July ONLINE VERSION

ZGP INTERVIEW ioned a milk crate for her. Emily was so little, and ing and was a voice major in college. She can sing
she moved that milkcrate over and received a in different languages as well.
standing ovation right away.
Katie: My favorite part of classical music was the
Katie: I don’t really remember the first time I was acting involved. When you are singing in different
on stage. But I remember being with Mom, and languages, you must physically manifest what that
she would take me to Macy’s in the mall to the song means in order for people to understand. The
make-up counter. Mom knew all the women that most exciting part of singing in all those different
worked there. I was two-years old, and she would styles is what you can physically put into a song. If
put me up on those counters and I would sing, for a you can make your spirit feel what the song and the
tip I would receive those free gifts they would give melody mean, that is what is going to make every-
customers. Those sessions at Macy’s were my first one else feel what you are delivering.
‘stage’ experience however, my official performance
would be during the Carl Perkins Child Abuse Paula: Yeah, you get more of the feel of the song.
Telethons. Katie and Emily grew up in musical theatre: Emily
played “Dorothy” in the Wizard of OZ and “Mor-
LIGHT, LIFE, & LEGACY Paula: The ladies at Macy’s just loved Katie and ticia” in The Addams Family. Katie played “Tracy”

in Hairspray. This is just a few roles the girls have
would ask her to sing every time we visited. One
The Late Chuck McGill, Katie McGill, Emily McGill & Paula Bridges McGill day they asked but Katie was not interested in played. They are great actresses, just ask their mam-

By Tammy Yosich singing, she was around 3 years old. However, when ma.
offered a rubber ducky, Katie quickly changed her
It was an honor and a plea- mind. The tune she decided to sing may not have ZGP: Emily, who are some of your musi-
sure to sit down with these ZGP: Starting with you Paula, when did music begin for you? been what I or her Macy’s audience was expecting. cal influences?
three remarkable women: Paula: Music started for me when I was nine years old, my parents moved back “I searched the world over, thought I found true Emily: I really love 70’s music. Linda Ronstadt is
Paula Bridges McGill, Katie, to Camden, Tennessee from Chicago, Illinois where I was born. My grand- love you found another, and you were gone,” a Buck probably the biggest artist I listen to. I also like
and Emily McGill. The power parents started me singing gospel. My grandfather played guitar and I banged Owens tune titled, “Pfft You Were Gone.” After- John Denver with that organ vibe. I always tell Ray
behind their music and their around a little on piano. We would go around to churches in the Camden area wards she let me know that if I sang I could get a (Barnette) put more organ on the track, I just love
life is unmistakably guided by and sing, that is where it started for me. rubber duck too. that sound. As far as a newer artist, I love Kacey
their faith and strength in the Musgraves.
Lord. Emily: I guess music started for us when we were born because our parents ZGP: Paula, you played with the legend-
met in the band in 1980-81 and so we were kind of born into it. ary Carl Perkins, correct? Paula: Oh, my goodness, I love Bonnie Raitt and
Without question, we would Paula: Yes, I didn’t actually play in his band, but we Stevie Nicks. I just like it all–I love gospel and just
discuss Chuck McGill: a bril- Katie: I can’t think of a start date because it has just always been something our performed some duets on the Exchange Club Carl all kinds of music. There are a few exceptions but
liant musician, loving husband family has done. Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse for the most part, I just love music.
of nearly 36 years, and a de- Telethon. Our band backed him when he would
voted father. His legacy con- ZGP: When did you all start singing together? play some of his live shows here in Jackson. Carl ZGP: We touched some about music and
tinues to be a beacon of light, Emily: Oh my gosh, when we could start talking and just got adopted into the was a dear friend of ours and a great guy. its powerful connectivity, do you believe
glowing and guiding each lady family band. there is a connection between music and
daily. ZGP: Katie, who are some of your musi- the soul? Does it have the power to trans-
Paula: We did the Caravan of Stars show for eleven years and the girls were cal influences? form us into better people?
young, they sang backup with all the stars. Katie: I have always loved to hear Bonnie Raitt
“Let your light so shine sing. I really loved listening to music with my dad, Katie: Oh yes, I think that is why music therapy has
before men, that they ZGP: When were you first in front of an audience? (Chuck McGill), such as Lowell George, lead singer become such a prominent thing. People are starting
may see your good Paula: Nine years old, belting out gospel since they didn’t have microphones. of Little Feat. George has a lot of really cool horn to realize that music is connective. Worship music
works, and glorify your I was raised Catholic and when I returned to Camden, I began attending a parts in his songs. If you saw one of my playlists, it is a way that we can connect to God on a whole
Father which is in Pentecostal church, it was a bit of a switch. But I loved that Pentecostal church is all across the board. I really love Etta James and different level. Music touches the soul in a way
heaven.” because you could just get up there and wail, foot tap and worship. The first Adele. that allows it to spill out into the world, communi-
Emily sang a solo at church it was a Martina McBride’s tune titled “Anyway.” cate within you and to others.
Matthew 5:16 KJV She was too short to reach the podium, so her father – Chuck McGill – fash- Paula: Katie also has had five years of classial train- Continued Next Page

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