Sara Evans

[Kim]

Sara Evans Is Grateful for Her 'Oh My Gosh' Moments

May 4th 2011
by Melinda Newman
theboot.com


Sean Green for The Boot


As Sara Evans' 'A Little Bit Stronger' hits the top spot on the Billboard country singles chart, she tells The Boot she knows she's hit a great new stage in her career.

"The song feels like a game changer. I've had a couple of those songs in my career and I'm just having to pinch myself right now," she says.

'A Little Bit Stronger' is her first No. 1 single since 2005's 'A Real Fine Place To Start.' After taking some time off, Sara wasn't sure what to expect. "You never know what's going to happen. You come back and my insecurity kind of took over: 'Are they still going to like me and want to play my music?' So to have it all happening as big as it is, I'm so grateful."

Two other milestones convinced Sara that her fans were really happy for her return: when 'Stronger,' the album that features 'A Little Bit Stronger,' spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart, and when the single surpassed the gold mark, signifying more than 500,000 downloads. "Those were two 'oh my gosh' moments where I just had to thank God," she says.

After a few solo dates, Sara starts a tour with Rascal Flatts June 18 in Bristow, Va.

[Mallrat]

Sara Evans Juggles 'The Barker Bunch'

Posted May 28th 2011 11:30AM by Donna Hughes

Sara Evans took the last few years off to adjust to life with husband Jay Barker in Birmingham, Ala., and integrate his four children with her three. Now back on the charts, in stores and on the road, Sara is re-learning how to juggle her career and children.

Being on tour with seven children is certainly a change for the country songstress. "There's four more kids now, but not only that, my my three children are 11, 8 and 6," Sara tells The Boot. "They all grew up on a bus. I would have them, and then they all would go on the road. Now that they're older, it's a little bit more difficult to juggle because they have stuff with school and sports. Two of my children are very involved in athletics, so I have to do a lot more careful planning so that I don't miss their games."

The blended family even has nicknamed themselves after a popular '70s television show. "We call ourselves the Barker Bunch, like 'The Brady Bunch,' and we have an Alice, who is in our house every day from 9 - 5, and her job is to help us organize. I live with a calendar strapped to my butt. I never go anywhere without my calendar, because I have to make sure I don't miss anything ... That's the biggest challenge is they have lives now, and they can't just leave everything and go on the road with me all the time."

Sara and her hubby have talked a lot about expanding their family, so they would have an even number of children, but the timing isn't right just now. "We talk about that all the time. We would love it, and I'm only 25 [laughs], so we have plenty of time," Sara smiles. "He's so cute. I have to make a baby with him, but no time soon. I'm enjoying this right now, and I don't want to slow down for any reason."

Sara just celebrated the success of her No. 1 hit, 'A Little Bit Stronger,' and she is just now beginning to hit the airwaves with her latest, the Rod Stewart cover, 'My Heart Can't Tell You No.'
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[Mallrat]

Party Honors Writers of Sara Evans’ “A Little Bit Stronger”

05/26/11, 5:00 pm EDT

Taylor Swift isn't the only songwriter who can turn a heartache into a hit.

ASCAP, BMI and SESAC, the performance rights organizations, threw a party Wednesday (May 25) at Nashville's trendy Cabana restaurant to celebrate the writers of Sara Evans' latest hit, "A Little Bit Stronger." The song, co-written by Luke Laird, Hillary Lindsey and Lady Antebellum's Hillary Scott, was inspired by a shattered love affair Scott suffered through.

"I personally would like to thank that dumb boy who broke your heart," Lindsey told Scott as the three writers stood side by side onstage with Evans to accept a torrent of plaques and certificates.

Scott is a SESAC writer, Lindsey is with ASCAP and Laird with BMI.

Tan and standing tall in six-inch heels, Evans gloried in the song that brought her back to the top of the charts after her career hit a long dry spell during which she divorced, remarried and started a new family.

"The first time I heard it," she remembered, "I called [manager] Clarence [Spalding] and said, 'I just know it's a hit.'"

She was especially thankful to Lindsey, noting that she hasn't recorded an album since 2000's Born to Fly that didn't include one of Lindsey's songs on it.

"The next time you get together," she told the writers, "you better call me. To write."

Because she had been away from the recording arena so long, Evans explained, "I knew that every single song in this album had to be top notch."

She thanked Spalding for helping her "get back on my feet" and reserved special praise for her husband, Jay Barker, whom she married in 2008.

She told the celebrants Barker vowed he would support her in any endeavor she chose, whether it was trying to be an actress or quitting the music business altogether.

"As an artist, she's as strong as she's ever been," BMI's Jody Williams told the packed room. He noted that this was Evans' fifth No. 1 single.

It was Laird's sixth No. 1, Williams said, four of which have been Carrie Underwood cuts.

Williams also brought Evans' producer, Tony Brown, to the stage. "His influence on our genre is simply huge," Williams declared, pointing out that Brown has produced more than 100 chart-toppers for a wide variety of artists.

Mike Sistad, who spoke for ASCAP, said Lindsey was a powerful songwriter from the outset, scoring eight cuts during her first year with a music publisher. She now has eight No. 1 singles to her credit, he said, and added, "She also happens to be one of the best singers in Nashville."

Lindsey's parents were at the party and simultaneously celebrating their 37th year of marriage. "Thank you for doing that thing I don't like to think about you doing," their grateful -- if red-faced -- daughter told them from the stage.

To her co-writers, she said, "You make writing fun."

Laird's parents, his wife and mother-in-law also attended.

"I see Hillary Scott's family is here, too," joked SESAC's Tim Fink, as he acknowledged the presence of Scott's Lady Antebellum bandmates Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood.

"Invite us to the writing session the next time," Kelley shouted in response.

Fink pointed out that "A Little Bit Stronger" is the first No. 1 Scott has co-written for an act other than her own group.

Josh Van Valkenburg, the director of A&R for EMI Music, Scott's publisher, applauded her for all the work she's done on site and through fundraising to help victims of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.

In recognition of her contributions, EMI announced it is making a donation in her name to Brent Gambrell Ministries, an organization involved in rebuilding that country.

Scott said Evans had been a big influence on her career. "I sat in my room and sang 'Suds in the Bucket' and 'Born to Fly,'" she recalled, alluding to two of Evans' biggest hits.

"This song is the most autobiographical song I've ever written," she concluded, "and I want to thank Hillary and Luke for being my therapists."

View photos from the No. 1 party.[/b][/font][/color]

[Mallrat]

Sara Evans’ “A Little Bit Stronger” Certified Platinum

07/1/11, 1:00 pm EDT

Sara Evans' "A Little Bit Stronger" has been certified platinum for 1 million digital downloads. The No. 1 single comes from her latest album, Stronger. "This song has exceeded all of my expectations," she said. "I knew 'A Little Bit Stronger' was a hit the first time I heard it, and what makes it even more special are the stories I hear from people about how this song has touched them. I am so blessed to have been able to record such an amazing song written by Hillary Scott, Luke Laird and Hillary Lindsey, who are all dear friends of mine." Evans' current single is "My Heart Can't Tell You No."[/b][/color][/font]

[grg_straitfan]

Sara nominated for ACM Female Vocalist of the year!
Thursday, January 26, 2012 - 12:21


Nominations were announced today for the 2012 Academy Of Country Music Awards and Sara is up for Female Vocalist of the Year!

The star-studded event will be broadcasted LIVE from Las Vegas on Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 8 PM ET/delayed PT on CBS. Be sure to tune in to see if Sara takes home this prestigious award!

Nominees were announced via social media with the help of stars like Reba McEntire and Lionel Richie. Fans can begin voting at the ACM website for entertainer and new artist nominees on March 19. The other award winners are picked by the academy's membership. Good luck Rascal Flatts!

[grg_straitfan]

Sara Evans & Her Favorite Things
April 19, 2016 by Alex Hendrickson

Somewhere in between being the loudest cheerleader for her kids (ages 16, 13 and 11), making a darn good quiche and cleaning up after her new puppy, Sara Evans is finding time to perform (we will catch her next week at the Nashville Symphony Fashion Show) and getting back in the studio to record a new album. “When my kids were toddlers, I took them on the road, but as they have become little adults, they have their own lives and schedules. So now, it is a balancing act.” We must admit, she makes it look pretty easy! And although this time she won’t be able to cart her kiddos from Birmingham to Nashville to record, we can expect the same great sound. “I am still the exact same me,” Sara says of the direction for the album.
After going back and listening to each and every song she has ever recorded, Sara made the decision to stay country in terms of her melody while adding a bit of bluegrass flair. Yes, we know the definition of country is being highly debated, but Sara assures us that she will maintain her true roots and continue to draw influence from country greats such as Patty Loveless and Dolly Parton. “I am ready to get back into the studio and embark on a new album and just see where that takes me.”
Find out Sara Evan's favorite things!
We first featured Sara Evans as a FACE of the South back in 2014. Read that interview here. Image: Paul Freundlich Associates
After dishing on her current and upcoming ventures, Sara helped us compose a list (below) that touches on some of her favorite things. Read on to discover what she likes on her pizza, the best trait she employs, great life advice and how much she loved performing for Lionel Richie.

Favorite emerging singer you have recently discovered:
Jess Glynne, who has had a couple of hits. She is a pop singer from the UK. I love her vocal style and album, which is very piano heavy.

Favorite bottle of wine:
No question, hands down, Leese-Fitch Cabernet

Favorite beauty products for summer:
I love Kai. I talk about Kai all of the time because there is just something about their scent. I wear their fragrances all of the time but love all of their products — diffusers, candles — because they always smell really, really fresh (not heavy or flowery).

Favorite author:
C.S. Lewis

Favorite Instagram account:
Phillip Kremer. It is hilarious, random and weird. Also, anything that has to do with the earth pictures.

Favorite cut flowers:
Hydrangeas

Favorite recipe:
My quiche with ham and cheese and bacon. It is pretty involved, so I have to be in the mood. It is just so absolutely delicious; it is just incredible.

Favorite vacation destination:
Alys Beach. That is because the beaches on the Gulf in Florida are just so beautiful — truly some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is very easy to get to, as it is only a four-hour drive from Birmingham. Because I have to travel for a living, it is nice to be able to get in the car and drive to somewhere that beautiful.

Favorite fashion icon:
Olivia Munn

Favorite word to describe Carolina Herrera’s designs (featured designer of the Nashville Symphony Fashion Show):
Her gowns are angelic, dainty, feminine and magical — it is almost what you dream of when you played dress-up [as a child].

Favorite historical figure:
Ronald Reagan

Favorite trait you possess:
Sense of humor

Favorite Southern city:
I am going to have to say Birmingham. In fact, Mountain Brook was just in Elle Decor as #2 on the list of America’s Best Suburbs for Raising a Family.

Favorite piece of advice:
Don’t major in the minors; don’t worry just for worry’s sake, because it doesn’t change anything. As I get older, I just realize that nothing is really as bad as it seems. Just stay calm. Typically things work out.


Favorite possession:
My iPhone or my lululemon studio pants (I own four different colors). (Editor’s note: If Sara’s new puppy hadn’t gotten into the kitchen trash as we were asking this question, it is safe to assume her answer might have been different.)

Favorite place to escape:
My bedroom

Favorite thing to do with your kids:
Watch our favorite shows on Apple TV: “Modern Family,” “The Office” and our new favorite, “Schitt’s Creek” (which I always watch first so I can fast forward through any inappropriate parts) and play sports

Favorite pizza topping:
Sausage

Favorite sports team:
Alabama!

Favorite place to perform or favorite memory on stage:
Australia. It was so different and beautiful — a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
My most favorite performance is when I sang “Endless Love” with Marc Anthony at the Lionel Richie Tribute in 2012 after the ACMs. To sing that song in front of Lionel Richie … I always say that is my best performance I have ever done.

Favorite album you have recorded:
My favorite album of all time is Restless. I love every song on that album, and I was in such a great place at the time, coming off “Born to Fly,” having great success, and my record label gave me an unlimited budget. I lived in the studio. I took my kids and their nanny and their toys, and lived in the studio. We made the album the way an album should be made.

Favorite restaurant in Birmingham:
I have a lot of favorite restaurants, but I will go with this new place in Birmingham, Bamboo on 2nd — great food and great atmosphere.


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[youneverknow]

That's a really great article on Sara. Now that I know she's chosen to stay with her roots, I'm really, really looking forward to her new album.