Kimmie’s multi-platinum songs have been recorded by such stellar acts as Willie Nelson, Wynonna Judd, Trisha Yearwood, Amy Grant, CeCe Winans, Joe Ely, Waylon Jennings, Peter Frampton, Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris. A creative and prolific artist she has recorded and released a total of fifteen solo Cds, written and produced three musical plays and a catalogue of hundreds of songs and published
a book. She was married to Joe Gracey, a seminal figure in the development of Austin’s eclectic music scene for 28 years until he died of cancer in 2011. Gracey, as he was affectionately known by all, was also a music producer, food writer and bass guitar player in Kimmie’s band. When Bob Cole declared that KOKE was returning to the air and would like to name the studio “The Joe Gracey Memorial Studio” Rhodes was inspired to produce a series of shows to air on KOKE called Radio Dreams, which will not only honor Joe Gracey and his many contributions to Austin Music but also offer friends and fans an insiders view to the history of Austin and American roots music by way of stories and legends from people who helped shape the direction of popular music of all genres today such as Delbert McClinton, Bruce Chanel, Joe Ely, Ray Benson, Emmylou Harris and many more. Tune in every Sunday evening 7-9pm beginning March 24 to KOKE FM 98.5 or 99.3 or listen worldwide at kokefm.com and in the immortal words of Joe Gracey, always remember to “stay off your feet, drink lots of water and come when you can!”
Kimmie’s marching orders from Bob Cole, who embraced the idea whole heartedly, were “the rules for you are there are no rules, do whatever you want, play whatever you want and let your imagination run wild.” Kimmie decided those were rules that would work for her and went to work dreaming up shows with friends and having fun which is what she does best. Listeners can expect regular appearances from Aunt Pearl along with many of her hysterical theatrical compadres from Tuna Texas. Rhodes’ productions feature a segment called “Behind The Stars” which celebrates and focuses on the diverse careers of the many people who have spent fascinating lives in the background “stroking the star making machinery”, publishers and songwriters of well known hits, famous recording engineers, musicians and producers and other dreamers, poets and clowns. Kimmie builds playlists for Radio Dreams which are chosen by guests or inspired by stories of heroes and contemporaries of their lives in music. She will also treat Joe Gracey fans, from time to time, with writings from his memoirs and a wealth of great set lists he left behind. Having been a part of the Austin music scene for over 30 years Rhodes also answers her own question “Why Texas?” in a segment illustrating her point by playing favorite tracks written and recorded by fellow Texan artists.
