Lee Ann Womack a Poor Collegian

Lee Ann Womack photo by Danny Clinch, courtesy of UMG Nashville.

July 7, 2009 — Lee Ann Womack is one of several country stars who’ve come out of Nashville’s Belmont University, along with Brad Paisley, Josh Turner and Trisha Yearwood.

The school is just a few blocks from Music Row and has a complete music business program, bolstered by a recording studio on campus. It’s obviously a good place for an aspiring artist who wants a degree to go, although Lee Ann admits she didn’t use the opportunity to its full potential.

"I didn't pay as much attention as I should have," she told CMA Closeup. "That was my own fault. I don't want to say I didn't learn anything at Belmont, but I learned a whole lot more — and I hate to say it — sitting on the barstool, getting married a couple of times, having kids and living life. Basically, I wouldn't want somebody with my educational background to take care of my money!"

One good thing about it, though: Lee Ann’s been able to channel those bar-driven life lessons into her music. "Last Call" and "Solitary Thinkin’," the first two singles from her Call Me Crazy album, both pack visual, alcohol-related images into their storylines. The visual aspect is a major factor in her ability to sing them so believably.

"That's important, whether [it’s] a short story or a song," she said. "When I'm reading something, I'm much more likely to get into it if I can see the picture in my head. If I'm listening to music, I want to be taken somewhere on a journey. If I'm singing or making a record for somebody, I want to take them with me."

Music from the albums that preceded Call Me Crazy is featured in Lee Ann’s edition of
Soundstage, a concert series that begins running July 12 on GAC. Sugarland, Kenny Chesney and Alison Krauss + Union Station are among the artists slated. Lee Ann and Billy Currington are featured Aug. 2.