Milano will never be confused with a tropical paradise, but in Brooke Graham’s mind, she’s got her toes buried in the sand and a cool sugary drink with a paper umbrella perspiring in her hand.
Rockdale singer/songwriter Graham is on the cusp of a breakout year after releasing her second album “Look at the Moon” and she has gained attention from an serendipitous source.
Graham’s newest batch of songs have been in heavy rotation in the newest internet radio trend called “Trop Rock” which streams on A1A Radio out of Islamorada, Fla.
Trop Rock—think “Beach Music” with a twist of lime—is described as a genre of popular music that incorporates elements and influences of rock and roll, reggae, country music, Caribbean, Calypso music and zydeco, with themes and musical compositions inspired by an island style.
It should come as no surprise that the Godfather of Trop Rock is none other than Jimmy Buffett who has a dedicated following of fans called “parrot heads.”
Spurred by Buffett’s 1977 sing-a-long hit “Margarita-ville,” the song stylist has created an entire sub culture and Graham is smack dab in the middle of it as the newest saltwater songwriter.
Her song “Me Time” has been No. 1 with a bullet for four weeks on the weekly Trop 40 chart, beating out such artists as Neal McCoy and country legend Charlie Pride.
“There’s not a lot of females in this genre of music, no female voices, so that may have something to do with it,” Graham says. “So I’m excited about that.
Two other Graham tunes are also receiving airplay.
“I don’t feel like it’s competitive, it’s like a big family.”
Because of her success, Graham is in discussions with Tuff Duck Music out of Tennessee concerning a record deal.
“Everything is happening so fast. It’s crazy.”
Graham’s “Me Time” fits easily into the Trop Rock mode. It’s a song she penned about a trip to Port Aransas for some “me time.”
It also features congas and steel pan drums—both staples of the Caribbean sound.
Another byproduct of the Trop Rock success is that Graham has been invited to perform at the 27th Jimmy Buffett Parrot Head “Meeting of the Minds” festival in Key West in November.
“I just started bawling when I got the invite,” Graham said. “I grew up a Parrot Head baby and my late mama would be so proud.”
Graham is also receiving airplay across the pond, especially on 103.2 FM in Dublin, Ireland, where DJ Noel Casey put her on the Euro Americans song list along with superstar Chris Stapleton.
Conversely, she is planning a European tour next fall and is currently busy supporting her new album with shows all across the Lone Star state.
Graham is a sixth generation Texan, born in Rock-dale.
When not on the road, she resides on the family ranch of her late grandparents Dot and Jake Barfield in Milano.
Besides the solitude of hunting, fishing, hanging with her dogs, she recently adopted a mini-donkey named Dilly Dilly.
She is also a proud member of the Milano Volunteer Fire Department.
“I have always felt pride in my chest to be from Milam County. My family—on both sides—have extensive Milam county roots, dating back to the old fruit stand days in Milano.”
Graham’s 2013 debut album “Pedigree” landed her a nomination for female vocalist of the year by the Academy of Texas Country Music.
“Pedigree” was boosted by the presence of Lloyd Maines, who has produced and performed with hundreds of Texas artists including his daughter Natalie Maines’ little ol’ band, the Dixie Chicks.
Trisha Yearwood, Toby Keith and Miranda Lambert have shown interest in Graham’s songs.
Graham has spent her entire lifetime writing and co-writing with her father Ben.
She is a self-taught guitarist and her Texas agriculture roots constantly surface in her lyrical style and musical roots.
“Putting a thought or vision to a guitar is where it begins for me. Living life and embracing the moments enough to make them a memory for someone else through song is such a rewarding passion.
“I feel very blessed to be able to do what I do.”
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.