Zachariah was obsessed with the lonesome moan of Hank Williams. Picking up rhythm guitar at an adolescent age, he strived to be a hillbilly singer like many of his mentors. On many Fridays and Saturdays, you could find him singing in local bars before he was even of age to taste any whiskey.
“Writing and recording a song regarding the Grand Ole Opry, then having Jimmy Capps as a producer is the rawest occurrence of country music serendipity,” shared Zachariah Malachi. “I was the from the local bar and Jimmy was the Opry Star. Having his guidance on this was a rite of passage.”
“Musically, it sounds to me like Zachariah is standing at the crossroads of Roots Country and Americana, however he is forging his own path and the road ahead looks like a path well-chosen,” expressed Opry legend, Jeannie Seely. “His sound is fresh yet reminiscent of yesterday. His stories are not new, but you have never heard them told this way before. Give him a listen. I think you will like what you hear!”
“Local Bar Opry Star” was written from the perspective of what it’s like to be the small town’s country singer. It was the best possible introduction he could write about himself before really entering the music business. Whenever Zacariah stood at that microphone at whatever local establishment around Detroit that would have him, he would transform into an Opry star that the audience could remember growing up or from back in the old days. The music would either make the venue a smoke filled barroom or the Ryman Auditorium, it was always up to the imagination of the listener.
“Well, I wonder if you’ve been here long or if you just sat down.
And I wonder if they’ve filled you in – I’m the talk of all this town.
You may not know the truth ‘bout me if you’ve come from afar.
But I’m this local bar’s Grand Ole Opry Star.
I sing a song of sadness for the love that got away.
And I sing a song of romance on a couple’s special day.
Most are too intoxicated to say that I ain’t up to par.
‘Cause I’m this local bar’s Grand Ole Opry Star.
And the bottles start a-swayin’ in three quarter time, you know?
And a drink and a good song will help when you are feeling low.
I’m the server of the grandest country music caviar.
‘Cause I’m this local bar’s Grand Ole Opry star.
Yes, I’m here in the low places with the rest of all your friends.
And I’ll croon another drinkin’ song like Pop A Top again.
This smoky room’s a fortress, a hillbilly alcazar.
‘Cause I’m this local bar’s Grand Ole Opry Star.
Yes, I’m this local bar’s Grand Ole Opry Star.”
Stay current with Zachariah Malachi on his website zachariahmalachi.com. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Stream and download “Local Bar Opry Star” on all digital music platforms here.