Welcome to Biscuits and Jam from Southern Living. I'm Sid Evans, editor-in-chief of Southern Living magazine.

Today's guest has been making a name for herself ever since she picked up the violin

at age three. And her early love for country music was rewarded by her parents as long as she

made time to practice classical. I'll never forget hearing Whiskey River, Willie Nelson. And it was

actually kind of like my treat if I practiced. I was supposed to practice

an hour a day. And if I did, I could listen to Whiskey River and jump on the bed and be crazy.

I didn't even know what it was about. It just felt good. I just, um, who didn't love Willie Nelson?

Jenae Fleener grew up in Northwest Arkansas. And as a child, her obsession with the fiddle led her to performing with musicians, often generations older than her.

As she attended Belmont University, she split time between her studies and jamming with bluegrass bands around Nashville.

And though she's now toured the world backing up stars like Blake Shelton,

Martina McBride, and Rascal Flats,

she's also an acclaimed singer-songwriter in her own right,

with legends like Dolly Parton, Kathy Matea, and Gretchen Wilson all recording her songs.

And if that weren't enough, she's the first woman ever to win the CMA's coveted

Musician of the Year award, and she's done it twice.

On today's show, Jenae shares what it's been like to break that glass ceiling and pave the way for female musicians everywhere. I just hope it lights a fire

in a lot of these girls that it can be done. And I certainly have had sometimes, especially when I

first stepped in the studio, and they're like, oh gosh, here's the girl, my girl. And I always say the

proof's in the picking. So I just let my fiddle do my talking.

Plus, her dad's chili recipe and much more this week on Biscuits and Jam.

Well, Jeney Fleaner, welcome to Biscuits and Jam.

Thank you.

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