Shannon Pollard - Bio

Grew up: Nashville, TN

Background in music: As a musician, I am a veteran of the early 1990s-early 00s local Nashville indie rock scene. I have played drums for almost 30 years but now mainly play acoustic guitar because it’s quieter. I also taught Don Cusic’s History of the Recording Industry class at Belmont University.

Title at Plowboy Records: President

Musical Influences: George M. Cohan, Jimmie Rodgers, George and Ira Gershwin, Buddy Holly & The Crickets, Art Blakey, D.J. Fontana via Elvis, Scotty and Bill, Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Merle Haggard, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Minor Threat, R.E.M, The Stone Roses, Nirvana & Paul M. Dougherty

Plowboy Records' mission statement: Plowboy Records was established to promote and further the legacy of the late singer Eddy Arnold as well as to provide a platform for recorded projects that focus on the creation of authentic music regardless of genre.

Favorite record label(s): Chess, Atlantic/Stax era and Dischord. All were/are innovative and historically filled a niche overlooked by major labels.

Favorite Eddy Arnold song or performance: My go-to song is the 1961 version of Cattle Call but also his cover of the Wayward Wind is killer.

What is your favorite memory of your grandfather?
Hanging out with him in his office listening to records. He was always really proud of the quality of his sound system and he would put a record on the turntable, sit back in his chair, close his eyes and when the song was finished he would open his eyes, look at me and smile. That famous smile said it all and I sure do miss it. We would listen to a wide range of music such as Bing Crosby, Arthur Fiedler, Roger Miller, Roy Orbison, Glenn Miller, Cowboy Jack Clement, James Taylor, Anne Murray and of course, Eddy Arnold.