Steve Goodie photographed in Nashville, TN for the Beautiful Strength Project October 2022

Back when I moved to Nashville in 2014, I had a few acquaintances in the town, but no one I really knew well. My friend Jennifer flew in the first weekend I was here and we hit the town. I knew very little about Nashville. I wasn’t here because it was the hot new place to move but I knew there were bigger photo opportunities for me here and divine intervention kept leading me here.

I had no idea what the Blue Bird Cafe was. Only that the couple I moved in with in Franklin recommended it and the hotel I was staying in that weekend was right down the street. So off to the Blue Bird Cafe Jen and I went on a Sunday night. After standing in line, we got in and the first person I met was Steve Goodie. Immediately funny, witty, and goofy. We got seated next to the stage… or shall I say, behind the stage kind of. So I got to stare out into the audience the whole night, and get butt shots of all the artists that stood up to sing. LOL

Steve Goodie has MC’d at the Blue Bird Cafe for 15 years. Photo by Annette approx 2015

Some people sang acoustic love songs and songs about chasing dreams and their road to Nashville. Some people sang about love and heartbreak. And then there was Steve. I honestly can’t remember what song Steve sang, but for some reason I think one of them was “Turn Left” a song about Nascar as well as one that I think he had a hard hat on. Let’s just say it was an entirely different vibe from all the rest. It was like stand up comedy meets music… and by music I mean fast paced, up beat, a plethora of words, and an incredible ability to utilize every ounce of breath in his lungs. My face was probably glued in a smile and my abs got a workout from laughing.

As we walked out of the building, we started a conversation with Steve and became instant friends. I also caught the Nashville bug that night so we exchanged guitar lessons for headshots. My photography has since grown and developed, but let’s just say my dreams of being a rockstar guitar god have yet to develop. Not because of Steve’s inability to teach; he is a great teacher, as well as a producer; but more my inability to wrestle my ADD and concentrate. Someday!! Someday! I did get to watch some magic come to life in his studio when he recorded the late Bo Dean Adams, who I also met at the Blue Bird via Steve. Being in a room where you’re hearing such touching music that the world doesn’t even know yet come to life is an incredible experience.

Steve Goodie and Bo Dean Adams work on Adam’s album in Steve’s studio. Nashville, TN approx 2015

Over the past eight years, Steve and I have remained friends. We don’t see each other often but when we do, it’s as if I just saw him yesterday. Facebook helps keep us connected but there is nothing better than in person interactions. I was so happy when he reached out for me to be his guest at the Blue Bird (y’all, this man has hosted Sunday nights for 15 years!!!!!). Sitting in the back watching such talent take the stage brought me back to when I was the naive newbie to town. I remembered how inspired I was at that moment and how grateful I am to have the opportunity to experience dream chasing (and catching) in person. I am lucky to have crossed paths with such genuine people who continue to invite me to be engaged in this world and have incredible experiences.

Headshot of Steve Goodie by Annette McNamara Photography circa approx 2014

If you’re ever in Nashville and have the opportunity to get in to the Blue Bird on a Sunday night, do it! You will not be disappointed. If you want to hear some crazy insane music that will be sure to make you laugh please check out my friend’s website www.stevegoodie.com. Some of my favorites are “Dumbledore,” “I’ll hold your hair while you hurl,” and “Mobile Trash Unit,” (he says glitter a lot in this song!!).

As you can tell by the names of the songs, he is a hoot! Help keep his music going by supporting his artistry.

Steve Goodie... The Music Man of Many Words