Hadlie Jo - "Everyone Has a Story, I'm Just Singing Mine"
“Once in every lifetime the desert comes to life. You have to see it for yourself to learn the value in the price, The monsoon comes growing dreams and then leaves them there to die, with nothing but a feeling that can make a cactus cry. I started out a humble seed underneath the burning ground but now I’m just a tumbleweed out here drifting all around, searching for a love like yours to wash away the pain, is like waiting on a hundred-year rain” … Lyrics from “Hundred Year Rain” co-written and performed by Hadlie Jo.
At 15, Hadlie Jo Pritchard is not your typical high school teen wandering the halls or fretting over math quizzes. Often, you will find her in her happy place, on a stage somewhere in Texas, behind a microphone with guitar in hand. Hadlie Jo found her love for the spotlight as a competitive dancer when she was younger. After a stint in rodeoing back in her native Louisiana and a move to Midland, TX, an injury sidelined her from dancing. She wanted a new challenge and casually asked her dad, Charlie, what he thought it would be like to be a musician. Initially hesitant, her dad's own love for music won him over. And with her mom's support, they decided to wholeheartedly pursue their daughter's dream, full force. Her Dad pushed her to sign up for an open mic night 3 years ago in Midland, TX at The Destination Midland. With the first round of applause, she knew the stage was where she belonged, it was woven into every fiber of her being.
Although Hadlie Jo had been taking vocal lessons since she was 7 and pretty quickly felt confident in her voice, her journey to fall in love with the guitar was more gradual. It takes time for the callouses of wisdom to develop on your fingertips and for life experiences to shape you into the great songwriter this girl has already become in her short 15 years. Her co-written and performed songs like "Simple Enough" and "Hundred Year Rain" echo the sentiments of strong women and wounded hearts, akin to classic country artists like Patsy Cline or Loretta Lynn, not the young soul of a legend in the making.
The Legendary Coyote Store became a platform for her, granting her the opportunity to open for renowned artists and honoring her with the well-deserved "Rising Star Award," welcoming her "home" multiple times a year. Hadlie Jo and the dedicated fan club of her family, travel the country to numerous other original venues, particularly Nashville, TN. Being “all in”, meant giving Hadlie Jo every opportunity to record, perform, and collaborate with some of the world's most talented and experienced songwriters, hoping to become a singer-songwriter herself in the music industry without losing her authentic self. Hadlie Jo can always be seen with her protector, Lucy. Having an immune-deficiency, Lucy is her “medical assistant” that is also her best friend. Currently attending classes at South Plains College, Hadlie Jo plans to transfer to Belmont University in Nashville to complete her degree. Her major in Music Business allows her to earn college credits while touring and performing. Her guiding light in the realm of top female country artists and mentors is none other than Mrs. Dolly Parton, an inspiration for young musicians by being in control of all aspects of her own career, top to bottom. Dolly's life lessons she can’t forget… always be the smartest person in the room when discussing your art, especially the business side of the industry, remain true to yourself always, remember your roots, and show genuine care for your fans.
Changes in radio and streaming in Hadlie Jo’s generation are happening overnight it seems. Promoting music on radio and streaming platforms requires substantial financial support. While streaming provides artists with more control over their music's playtime and location, she would love to see newer artist mixed in with the classics on traditional radio to give those at the bottom a leg up.
A perfect example of following Dolly’s last piece of advice is the story of a unique family guitar that was passed down to Hadlie Jo. It was her father’s guitar, a Les Paul that her mother had bought her dad. Inspired by his own grandfather, the only other musician in the family at the time, he learned to play and loved that guitar. Also, the very same guitar that Hadlie Jo devoted so much of her own time to, learning one chord at a time and eventually partially inspired the incredibly touching song, “This Ole’ Guitar” co-written by Hadlie Jo. The Pritchard’s strongly believe in giving back to the Texas communities that supported them during this wild ride. While this was obviously more than just a guitar to this family, they so graciously donated this significant guitar to be auctioned at The Legendary Coyote Store in 2023 to aid a family in need of urgent medical assistance. The Pritchard family's generosity continued as they donated more funds the following week to another family close to us here at TLM. The Pritchard’s are incredibly giving and pay it forward in every possible way.
Every parent that has a child with such an enormous talent, like The Pritchard’s obviously have in Hadlie Jo, knows the sacrificing and countless hotel nights are worth it, to get a front row seat to watch their daughter chase her dreams. Her father’s love of music pushes her to be her best and he even gets to play on stage with his daughter every now and again. She describes her mom as a fireball of fun and so supportive of their whole family. The immense dedication from both her parents to make this dream of hers come true is not lost on Hadlie Jo. She appreciates her whole family’s efforts more than they know, especially her dad and mom. Hadlie Jo enjoys so many things a 15-year-old girl would, but she is built entirely differently. She knows what she wants, how she is going to get it, and feels God is behind her all the way. Her down time is spent crafting songs, delving into melodies and harmonies, and relishing every moment of it with another special guitar of hers that also inspired “This Ole’ Guitar”, Ruby Pearl. My daddy blind folded me on August 19th, 2021, so I could pick a guitar from the sound and feel. This SJ-200 Wine Red is the one that I chose. This guitar and I have been on so many amazing adventures. Hadlie Jo gives the credit to God and her parents for the amazing success she has already found in her music career, plus all the people and places she has yet to experience!
The determination in this girl and the gift of being a lyrical poet, pouring out so many different emotions are a beautiful gift from God. Her objective at every show is to connect with her audience in an emotional, positive, or inspiring manner. She grasps every opportunity presented to her, and the TLM family cannot wait to see the heights this gifted young artist will reach. Four singles have already been released by Hadlie Jo, with more coming in 2024. Over the past year, she shuttled back and forth to Nashville, recording exceptional singles. She aspires to extend her brand across the southern region, relocate to Tennessee, complete her degree at Belmont University, and embrace whatever life offers next. "Life is clear as concrete now ain’t it…"
Hadlie Jo's extraordinary music is available on her various social media platforms @HadlieJomusic, or you can catch Hadlie Jo’s Nashville studio recording and other adventures. Plus, she is out on Spotify and other streaming services or reach out for booking inquiries to management@hadliejomusic.com.
