By Judy Shields
I had the chance to talk with Lee Newton about her new single “Be The Man” and some about her new album coming out later this month “Beautifully Undone.”
She discussed her recent travel from North Carolina to Tennessee, mentioning the hot weather and high humidity in the region. We briefly talked about Lee’s experience with clogging, a traditional dance form, and how the humidity affected her hair.
Discussion on Song “Be the Man”
We discussed Lee’s song “Be the Man,” and that it was filmed at the historic cabin in Cowpens. Lee explained that she wrote the song after a touching moment with her young son, who gave her a ring and said he would take care of her. She mentioned that she writes approximately 90% of her songs and selects them based on whether she can relate to them or wants to experience the emotions they convey.
Lee’s Album and Video Releases
Lee discussed her recent album releases, including “Beautifully Undone” and “Silver Thread and Golden Needles,” with the latter’s video set to release on July 29th featuring numerous cameos from country music stars.
She shared that she has been busy performing, opening for acts like Confederate Railroad, Diamond Rail, and Shenandoah, and has traveled extensively with her son who accompanies her on tour. Lee mentioned that the Oak Ridge Boys will have a main cameo appearance in the upcoming video, and I expressed interest in discussing the video’s production and the cameos in more detail at a future interview.
Gospel Song Video Production
Lee discussed creating a video for a gospel song featuring Ben Isaacs, filmed at local North Carolina locations including Lorelei Inn, Lake Junaluska, and Pretty Place Chapel. The song, a stripped-down version of “How Great Thou Art,” was described as raw and authentic. I expressed strong appreciation for the video and stating it would be added to my playlist. I told Lee I was a big fan of the late Merle Haggard and asked about her single “Working Girl Blues”, she talked about working with Leona Williams, who was married to Merle Haggard, on the “Unleashed” album and wanted to pay tribute.
“Beautifully Undone” Music Project Update
Lee discussed her music project “Beautifully Undone,” which included re-recorded songs with guitar work by Eugene Moles, who played with Merle. Lee mentioned she will be performing at the Bakersfield Music Awards at the Fox Theater in November and invited me to meet her in person. With excitement I told her I would be there and looked forward to meeting her in Bakersfield and even offered to pick up her and drive there myself!
Lee’s Music Journey
Lee shared her journey into music, beginning with her childhood love of performing and learning to play guitar with her father. She described her first solo performance at age 14 and her continued passion for country music, inspired by artists like Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton, and Loretta Lynn. Lee mentioned experiencing full-circle moments, including meeting some of her musical idols.
Enjoy our conversation:
Author Lee’s Book Discussion
Lee discussed her author journey, sharing that she wrote four children’s books in the Brenda Lee series, a cookbook titled “Lee Newton’s Carolina Kitchen Cookbook,” and a book called “Strength of a Woman, Heart of a Man.” She described reading her children’s book during a Lee Newton weekend in North Carolina where she was presented with a North Carolina state flag that had flown over the Capitol. I told Lee that I loved following her on social media and invited her back for a future discussion focused on her books.
About Lee Newton
Nashville Recording Artist and Singer/Songwriter Lee Newton comes from humble beginnings in a small town in Western North Carolina. Growing up, she experienced her share of hard times, but music was always a source of hope. At just five years old, Lee began singing in church alongside her mother. Her love for music blossomed when her father, a local cab driver, filled their home with the sounds of Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and Patsy Cline. At seven, he placed a guitar in her hands, teaching her to play as they sang together while he drove his taxi on calls.
“My Daddy, who named me Brenda Lee after the amazing country singer, always told me, ‘One day, you’ll be playing at the Grand Ole Opry.’ From that moment, I knew music was my calling.”
Heavily influenced by country greats like Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, The Judds, and Lorrie Morgan—along with the bluesy grit of Susan Tedeschi and the southern rock of Lynyrd Skynyrd—Lee’s unique style blends traditional country with soulful blues and a touch of southern-rock edge. By 20, she had joined bands, taught herself drums, and even traveled to New York City to sing backup for Artimus Pyle, Leslie Hawkins, and JoJo Billingsley—original members of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Current Project:
Journey
Lee is in the studio recording her fifth studio album, alongside producer Bill McDermott. The first single, “The Long Goodbye,” was released September 13, 2025. The full album has an anticipated release in 2026, continuing Lee’s trademark blend of raw emotion, soulful delivery, and timeless storytelling.
With a voice as authentic as her story—and a heart devoted to faith, family, and community—Lee Newton continues to carve her place in country music, bringing her daddy’s dream of the Grand Ole Opry closer with every song.
Website – https://leenewtonofficial.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/leenewtonofficial
Instagram – Lee Newton (@LeeNewtonMusic) / X
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source hollywoodtimes.net ’
