Caleigh Barnett is not just an artist; she’s a force of nature – a multi-talented individual seamlessly weaving together music, modeling, and heartfelt advocacy. Hailing from a line of musicians, including her grandfather, Georgia Country Music Hall of Famer Papa Jack, Caleigh’s passion for storytelling through song led her to co-find the bluegrass band Flatt Out Blue. Their debut album, The Maggard Sessions, is a deeply personal and regional tribute to the rich musical history of Appalachia.
Beyond the stage, Caleigh is dedicated to social change, founding The Rhythm and Relief Project to combat food insecurity and support veterans. In this deep dive, Caleigh discusses her musical journey, performing alongside legends, the inspiration behind her album, and the powerful role of music in connecting us all.
The Diverse Paths of a Musician and Advocate
Caleigh’s journey began with music; a lifelong passion inherited from her family. “I come from a long line of talented musicians like my Papa Jack who is in the Georgia Country Music Hall of Fame!” she shares. Her involvement in modeling and pageantry unexpectedly became a vital vehicle for her other passions. She founded The Rhythm and Relief Project as an initiative to combine her talents with her heart for advocacy. “Pageantry allowed me the opportunity to combine all of my talents with my heart for advocacy,” Caleigh explains. This project raises funding for various charities—particularly those supporting veterans and fighting food insecurity—by hosting benefit concerts, where she performs either solo or with Flatt Out Blue.
From Atlanta to Appalachia
A gifted multi-instrumentalist who plays the guitar, piano, and fiddle, Caleigh finds the most natural connection to her lyrical process on the piano. “This is because it feels as though the lyrics come more naturally to me as I play, and I feel very connected to the piece,” she notes. Her introduction to bluegrass was a regional revelation. Moving from Atlanta to Southwest Virginia, she quickly discovered how deep the roots of bluegrass run in Appalachia, the birthplace of country music. She fell in love with the genre and soon became a member of Flatt Out Blue.
Advice from Legends
Caleigh’s early career included sharing the stage with legends. When she was only ten, she had the opportunity to meet and play music with Charlie Daniels in his Nashville studio, who became like a grandfather figure. After his passing, she was invited to sing on “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” at The Charlie Daniels Tribute Volunteer Jam at Bridgestone Arena, performing right beside Chris Young. The key takeaway from these experiences? “That no dream is too big, if you approach it without fear.”
The Maggard Sessions: A Deep Dive
The Maggard Sessions, Flatt Out Blue’s debut album, is an authentic reflection of their region. Released mid-2025, the project is deeply inspired by the bluegrass history of Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. Caleigh describes the album as very personal: “It represents our history and our community.” She explains that during times of trouble, people in Appalachia have always turned to Bluegrass and gospel to feel represented and proud of who they are, shaping the core sound and feel of the album.
“Grassing Up” the Classics
The album features both original and classic cover songs. Caleigh sings lead on three covers: “Seven Bridges Road,” “Never Leave Harlan Alive,” and “I Saw the Light.” The process of “grassing up” these classic tunes involves giving them a fresh, bluegrass twist by adding instruments like the banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and dobro.
The selection was a group effort, with “Never Leave Harlan Alive” being chosen because it is “essentially the National Anthem of Appalachia.” The other covers were selected for the beautiful harmonies and gospel roots they wanted to convey.
Stories of the Region
Original songs on the album, such as “Coal Town” and “Old Man Jack,” complement the covers by telling the real, personal stories of growing up in Appalachia.
- “Coal Town” tells the true story of life where coal mining is a prominent occupation, sharing the frustration of someone who wants to leave the mines but doesn’t know how else to survive.
- “Old Man Jack” tells the real story of a beloved homeless veteran in Kingsport, Tennessee.
As the Executive Producer, Caleigh ensured that the band remained in complete agreement over the album’s direction and overall message. She directed the creative process and organized production goals alongside Alan Maggard, the owner of the legendary Maggard Recording Studio.
Advocacy and The Road Ahead
Caleigh’s advocacy work through The Rhythm and Relief Project focuses on two vital causes: food insecurity and supporting veterans facing PTSD/TBI. These causes are deeply important to her, given the financial hardship many communities face and her strong appreciation for veterans—her grandfather, Papa Jack, was a World War Two Navy veteran. To aid these communities, Caleigh and her family co-founded a food bank called Giving Hope Southwest Virginia, and she dedicates time to veterans through organizations like Shepherd’s Men. The benefit concerts Caleigh hosts, solo and with Flatt Out Blue, are a primary way she raises funds for these organizations.
Looking ahead, Caleigh’s core goal is to ensure her music remains authentic and personal. “I intend to translate my thoughts into lyrics that make people feel something,” she says. “I want them to feel connected and seen through my songs.”
Fans can look forward to a busy year for Flatt Out Blue and Caleigh’s solo career. The band has several shows booked, including appearances at Ralph Stanley’s festivals in Virginia this Spring, the Blue Highway Fest, and The Winter Garden Music Festival in Orlando. Caleigh is also looking forward to a solo set at The Mint in LA this January. “I can’t wait to share my love for music everywhere I go while making a difference and continuing to grow as an artist!” she concludes.
Check out Caleigh’s Socials: Instagram: @Caleighbarnett // Tiktok: @Caleighkenzie2; and Flat Out Blue’s album: The Maggard Sessions
