New England is not exactly known as a hot bed for producing country music singers and songwriters. So when one of "our own" strikes gold, we feel like proud parents, or the manager of underdog team who wins the championship. Lori McKenna from Stoughton, Ma has been writing music since she was a teenager. But it wasn't until 2004 that she signed?a publishing deal in Nashville. Since then she has written songs for Faith Hill (and even appeared on the Oprah Show with Faith), Little Big Town, Sara Evans, RaeLynn, Hunter Hayes, Mandy Moore, Keith Urban,Reba McEntire, ?Carrie Underwood, ?Tim McGraw?and many more. Her biggest hit to date?is?the Grammy nominated "Girl Crush," which Lori co-wrote with Hillary Lindsey and Liz Rose. Her latest composition to connect with country fans is getting a huge response, it's Tim McGraw's "Humble and Kind, a song she wrote as literally a list of life lessons to her 5 children.

I talked with Lori yesterday about all this and the snow storm! She's a down to earth mom, wife and superstar songwriter, with a great sense of humor and humility.

Listen to our conversation here:

We will all be crossing our fingers on Grammy night, February 15, for Lori, Hillary and Liz to take home hardware for their brilliantly crafted, "Girl Crush." It's been nominated for Song of the Year (an all music genre category) and?Best Country Song.

Carolyn Kruse

Country 102-5 Midday Chica?