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Kylie Frey grew up in a Louisiana rodeo family and sang her first national anthem at just 5 years old. Today, the Nashville-based singer-songwriter is carving her place in country music with heartfelt songs that connect deeply with audiences. Her tribute track “My John Wayne” not only hit No. 1 on Texas radio but also caught the attention of the Wayne family. In response to three questions, Frey shared what inspires her craft, how Duke’s legacy fuels her creativity, and why integrity still matters.
Meet Kylie Frey
Q: Tell us who you are in your own words. What kind of work do you do, and why does it matter to you?
A: I am a 30-year-old singer-songwriter from Opelousas, La., and I’ve lived in Nashville for 9 years pursuing my dreams in country music. I come from a rodeo family, and I competed in rodeo from the time I could walk until I graduated high school. Writing songs helped me find my voice, and my hope with my music is to help others give words to a feeling they might not understand.
Creative Spark: Finding “My John Wayne”
Q: What part of John Wayne’s legacy, or your experience with the brand, resonated with you most?
A: I have a song called “My John Wayne” that caught the attention of the Wayne family, and I was thrilled to find out that they loved it. The song was written by Chris Stapleton, Jessi Alexander and Ashley Monroe. When I first heard it, it reminded me of my late manager, the legendary Erv Woolsey, who we always compared to John Wayne, so I recorded it as a tribute to him.
“My John Wayne” hit No. 1 on Texas radio and has become a mainstay of my live shows. After releasing the song, I visited the John Wayne Museum in Fort Worth, and I was deeply moved by his vision for his life and his love for people. Compassion and empathy have always driven me creatively, and getting a glimpse of who John Wayne really was behind the camera has added so much fuel to my fire.
Past Meets Present
Q: Your work speaks to a modern audience. What connections do you see between John Wayne and the themes or values that still matter today?
A: When I think of John Wayne, integrity is a major theme that comes to mind. He stayed true to himself throughout his life and that authenticity shows in his work and his legacy.
“When I think of John Wayne, integrity is a major theme that comes to mind.”
A special acoustic version of “My John Wayne” is available here.
For more on Kylie Frey, visit KylieFrey.com.
