Check Out Jeanie Grindstaff’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanie Grindstaff. 

Hi Jeanie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
For years, I’ve been the girl behind the scenes. If you’ve watched CMA Country Christmas or the CMA Awards pre-Covid, you’ve probably seen me on stage singing background vocals with artists like Reba or Trisha -swaying to the beat in the outer edges of Martina’s stage lighting, or “ooo”-ing alongside Dan+Shay. If you’ve watched the ABC drama series, “NASHVILLE”, you’ve likely seen me pretending to be Juliette Barnes in a hoodie – or not seen me because I was hiding off-camera, reading lines with an actor until a director yelled, “Aaand cut!”. You may have heard my piano playing or vocals on an artist’s project, or maybe you’ve seen my name as a co-writer on someone’s EP. I’ve loved being behind the scenes. I’ve been a sponge- taking it all in and open to whatever God has in store for me. 

I grew up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama where I started playing the piano by ear at the age of 6. By age 11, I was writing songs and by junior year of high school, I knew that I wanted to attend Belmont University in Nashville. After graduating from Belmont, I was working off and on as a session musician and spending my weekends leading worship at a local church. By 2012, I was called to work on different episodes of ABC’s “NASHVILLE”. They eventually hired me for Seasons 3 and 4 as a full-time stand-in for Hayden Panettiere and Clare Bowen- an unexpected blessing! The job on Nashville led to opportunities with the Country Music Association, Music City Scoring, and other independent film projects -all experiences that have helped make me a better performer. 

Recently, I’ve felt a pull to step up and own more of what I bring to the table as a creator and collaborator. These days, my focus is on songwriting, being a wife and new mom to our 5-month-old son, auditioning for roles, and prepping my inspirational blog, “Heels and Mountains”, which will be launching soon! I feel a calling to speak truth to the hearts of women and girls, to initiate honest conversation, and to show Christ’s love no matter what project I’m working on. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No and yes! There have been times when I wasn’t sure what was next, my heart was broken, my community was changing, or my confidence was wavering. It’s easy to question yourself- especially in a predominantly male-driven industry. I’m excited to see a movement of working mothers cheering on other working mothers. I’m seeing women in general lift each other up in the business and that gives me so much joy. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Having worked in the music and film/tv industry for many years, there’s a lot that l’m proud of but these days, I would say that I’m most proud of being a mom and a wife. I know, I know, this is one of those answers that we’ve all heard before but it’s Just. True! Having our little boy, “Banks”, has made me more aware of how precious and fragile life is. The fact that we even survive our first year is simply mind-blowing! When Banks was born, he was rushed to the NICU. What we thought would be a few days turned into 2 weeks. His lungs weren’t working. The doctors couldn’t explain it. Prayers were being lifted by so many loved ones and then, a miracle. His lungs were clear. Everything looked good. Just as we were about to be discharged, a doctor told us that Banks’ bloodwork looked suspicious. He explained that Banks likely had a life-threatening adrenal insufficiency (which would be his eventual diagnosis). That same doctor later told us that if Banks had gone home, he likely would have passed away in his sleep. Twice, God answered our prayers and the NICU staff saved Banks’ life. Let me just say, NICU nurses, doctors, and staff don’t get enough credit. They are incredible, professional miracle workers! 

In the last year, my eyes have been opened. Not only have I realized what a woman’s body is capable of, but I’ve realized that it’s never too late to experience something that will positively and drastically change you as a human being. I’m a new mom at 36 and, truthfully, I feel like anything is possible. 

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
So many lessons but one that stands out is “Don’t get in your own way.” There have been times in my career when I didn’t speak up because I doubted myself or feared that it would result in some kind of judgment or career sabotage. It’s not that I didn’t think I had something to contribute- the opposite actually. I simply didn’t want to make a mistake. My desire to appear like I had it all together was so strong that at times, I wouldn’t take the necessary risk. For instance, I was an intern at a publishing company and I thought this one song would be perfect for a specific artist. My boss unexpectedly entertained my idea and suggested that I go ahead, contact his people, and pitch the song. I had no idea how to contact his people and I didn’t have the confidence to ask for help. Well, time went on, I moved on from that internship, and guess what came blasting on the radio through my car speakers one sunny afternoon…That artist! Singing that song! 

Trust yourself. Speak up for yourself. Creative, wonderful things can happen if you’re willing to put yourself out there. Risk stumbling. And when you do happen to stumble (we all do), surround yourself with quality, honest people who will reach right down to the floor and pull you up. Above all else, give glory to God. Hand your fears over to Him and trust Him to carry you. He’s got you. 

Contact Info:

• Email: Jeaniedv@yahoo.com
• Website: www.HeelsandMountains.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanie.grindstaff/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeaniegrindstaff22

Image Credits
Abigail Ledford
Hannah Decossas
Amber Wiseman