Country music singer Suzy Bogguss seems nearly unstoppable. After countless Grammy and Country Music Awards, the chart topping musician has embarked on a new chapter in her career – that of a folk singer. With the release of her latest album, American Folk Songbook, Bogguss is on a mission to turn the tables yet again. Buzzbin Magazine caught up with her just days before her visit to The Kent Stage on August 25. What inspired you to become a musician? Don’t know really. We had an accordion, a piano and a guitar when I was small and I loved to tink around on them. There was only one string on the guitar, which made for a very simple introduction to that instrument:) It really didn’t dawn on me that people made a living as musicians until I was in college. I started playing in a local haunt for $7 a set and I was hooked! How has your impressive array of accolades shaped your music over the years? I am always thrilled when someone notices that I have put my heart into my music. However accolades are not in my mind when I’m recording. Maybe in the back of my mind I am confident because I have had plenty of back-pats through the years. I do like to delight the folks who support me and buy my music and I try to give them a good ride. How did the idea to create a companion songbook with your latest release, American Folk Songbook? I had gone to The Cracker Barrel Country Stores with the idea and we were talking about the marketing team’s kids and how they were taking guitar and piano but couldn’t play a whole song. It just smacked me in the face that I had loved looking at songbooks when I was a kid and by learning the notes, I was able to accompany my singing, which was my true joy! I thought, of course, that makes an even more sustainable memory when you have the visual too. What can fans expect from your latest record? It is very honest. 11 of the 17 tracks I sang live, first time through and didn’t touch them for fear that they make sound contrived or stale. I tried to just let my younger self sing with whatever inflection the lyrics and Pat Bergeson’s guitar called out of me. How does the album differ from previous recordings? I have never done a recording of all standards. There is usually some pain in writing or finding the material and this was a pure labor of love! What do you enjoy most about being a part of the music industry? I love collaborating. I am so grateful to have so many talented friends that will make music with me and share their influences and input. What can listeners expect when you grace the Kent Stage on August 25th? I am bringing some of the best pickers ever ! Pat Bergeson on guitar and harmonica, Fred Carpenter on fiddle and mandolin and Charlie Chadwick on bass. It is a fun group. We play a lot of styles and tell some good jokes now and then. Of course I will sing the songs from country radio that I was lucky with in the 90′s and a little bit of Swing/jazzy stuff and a nice group of folky numbers. Sounds like a nightly special at a restaurant!