Karen Fairchild on the Dying Art of Country Music

Karen Fairchild on the Dying Art of Country Music

From Biscuits & Jam by Southern Living

September 8, 2026 · 42 min

About this episode

Karen Fairchild discusses her journey in country music, the influence of Southern culture, and the dynamics of her band Little Big Town.

Karen Fairchild was born to Southern parents in Gary, Indiana, but whether she was living in the Midwest or the South, that Southern influence was always there. She eventually made her way to Birmingham, Alabama, where she attended Samford University and met her future bandmate, Kimberly Schlapman, through the school’s choir program. In the late ’90s, she was reunited with Schlapman in Nashville and went on to form Little Big Town with Phillip Sweet and Jimi Westbrook, whom she later married. Their self-titled debut came out in 2002, but their real breakthrough came with The Road to Here in 2005. Now, Karen and Little Big Town have just released their 12th studio album, It’s a Dying Art, which features collaborations with Ashley Monroe, Jason Isbell, and Kelsea Ballerini. Sid talks to Karen about what’s kept the band going strong all these years, how she balances life on the road with raising school age kids, and how Little Big Town has been influenced by Fleetwood Mac. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Episode Art Courtesy of Southern Living / Becky Fluke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Sid

Guest: Karen Fairchild

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Little Big Town, Southern Living, Samford University, Fleetwood Mac

Books & works: It’s a Dying Art, The Road to Here

Places: Birmingham, Alabama, Gary, Indiana

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