Welcome to another episode of Biscuits and Jam from Southern Living.

I'm Sid Evans, editor-in-chief of Southern Living magazine. During this 12-part podcast series,

we'll speak with legendary musicians and celebrated chefs about their hometowns, their first jobs, their big breaks, and the

southern food they love, both at home and on the road.

We'll cover everything from being hungry for a career in the spotlight to being just plain

hungry.

Recorded as we all sheltered at home, you'll also hear honest conversations about what really matters and the hope for a better future.

Make sure to subscribe to our program for discussions with Gladys Knight, Willie Nelson, Leanne Womack, Scott Avitt from the Avet Brothers, and more later this season.

My guest today may have grown up in the meat and

potatoes Midwest, but her status in country music also brought her an awakening to southern

food. I've never really fried a chicken. She always said to me, she was like, your kids don't even

know what a chicken leg is. They only know, you know, boneless, skinless breath. And I'm like,

you're right, because I've never cut up a chicken.

Martina McBride grew up on a wheat and dairy farm in Kansas, joining her dad's band at

just seven years old. 14 Grammy nominations later, she is one of the most influential

voices in the genre.

Martina has multiple cookbooks under her belt, her own podcast from Luminary called Vocal Point,

and she's being spotlighted this year as part of the Country Music Hall of Fame's annual exhibition American Currents.

On this week's program, hear how Martina's groundbreaking hit

Independence Day changed the lives of many living with domestic violence. I got letters

from people saying it gave them the courage to leave. It's one of those songs that if you write it

on paper, it's just poetry. That's the power of a great song, you know. It has really stood the test of time.

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