A Musical Legacy
Melinda Sings the Songs of her Father, Johnny Mullins.
Melinda Mullins is the daughter of Johnny Mullins, “the Ozarks’ own Grammy-nominated songwriting elementary school janitor” who penned hits for Loretta Lynn, Porter Wagoner and Emmylou Harris, among many other country, bluegrass, gospel and folk artists, and even had a song recorded by both Sinead O’Connor and Elvis Costello. Johnny left behind a treasure trove of unreleased writings and songs, many of them discovered in dusty old shoeboxes by Melinda who embarked on a musical legacy mission in 2013 to keep her father’s body of work alive. A Johnny Mullins Collection show takes us to the roots of Americana music and into the creative mind of one of the Ozarks’ true gems.
On Stage
Welcome to my musical legacy mission! Whether through a solo performance, the Layton Hollow Gals duo or trio, or in another collaboration, the Johnny Mullins Collection takes us on a journey from a cabin in the hills of Layton Hollow, Missouri to The Ozark Jubilee in downtown Springfield, with stops along the way in Nashville and Hollywood before settling in the halls of Wilder Elementary School.
The Buzz!
“Melinda Mullins’ showcase of the Johnny Mullins Collection is one of the happiest hours of music you will ever experience. Johnny’s songs are small understated bits of true genius. And Melinda’s warm and endearing performance of these songs, laced together with the stories and anecdotes that only she can tell, are like going to Sunrise Service at the First Church of American Music”
Bob Walkenhorst, The Rainmakers, @ Folk Alliance International Music Fair
“We adore the Layton Hollow Gals and cling to their homespun harmonies and lyrics sharing sentiments of life’s simplicities and struggles. You’ll not hear a better set of examples of the legacy of love. Their music amplifies the songwriting mastery of Johnny Mullins. Give them an ear, both soon and often. We guarantee, like us, that you’ll be totally smitten.”
The Shoe Tree Listening Room, Springfield, MO
“Wonderful, heart-felt songs! Melinda Mullins is unique. She sings the legacy of her Grammy-nominated father, Johnny Mullins. Johnny worked as an elementary school janitor during the day, and exploded with poetry and songs at any time, day and night. His sweet music and human insight have made it into his daughter, and Johnny would be so touched to see the love as she performs his music. I encourage you to take a listen!”
Mike Paget – Green Guitar Folk House, Lenexa KS
