In between filming episodes of the show as well as during down time on the set, Chrissy spent time writing songs and might have enough material for two albums, but there are no definite plans to release one. She wants to see how these songs do in front of audiences. As she said, there are no rules any more for how and when to release music into the world.

I asked if she suggested to the writers of This Is Us that a music job be written in for Kate, but she said the writers surprised her with a script that included her singing. Of course she wanted to do it! The actor who played the teenaged Kate (Hannah Zeile) is also a singer!

The thought crossed my mind that Chrissy and her co-star Mandy Moore might have sat offstage between takes and noodled around singing songs, but Chrissy said that never happened. It would be so wonderful if Newport Folk Festival brought Chrissy and Mandy (Mandy was scheduled to appear this year but her pregnancy caused her to cancel) to the Fort next year for separate sets as well as some collaborations. Chrissy would definitely be up for it!

Music was Chrissy’s first love; she began singing in middle school when all the band instruments were taken and she went to choir instead. She does not really know how acting happened, except that she went to an open call with her sister who wanted to model and Chrissy was asked to audition. The rest, as they say, is history. She had thought she would end up doing comedy in the style of Robin Williams, but she was the ‘entertaining diplomat’ in her family and she’s good with that.

She said many people call her musical style modern country when I asked if she thinks of herself as a country or an Americana musician. She loves the storytelling aspect of country music, but does not want to put her style into a specific box. Her music idols are varied – everyone from Mavis Staples to Chris Stapleton to Ann Wilson of Heart to Whitney Houston to Trisha Yearwood to Motown – and she takes inspiration from them all.

She was originally scheduled to tour two years ago, but we all know that a pandemic got in the way of those plans. A show at the Ryman Auditorium was on that schedule, and I have no doubt Chrissy will be headlining there before long. She has played at the Grand Ole Opry several times though.

Chrissy intends to continue acting and making music. They are such different experiences – there is no clapping at the end of a take when acting – and both speak to her heart! There are other actors who do both, and I am confident Chrissy will succeed. She has the passion in her.

One fact that interests me generally about people is whether or not they have pets. It makes them more real to me, and I also think people who have pets are inherently good people. Chrissy has a bernadoodle (Bernese mountain dog and poodle mix) named Mabel!

We chatted a bit about being a woman in the music industry and that it is harder for a woman regardless of the type of music she plays. I feel that Chrissy is helping to break all kinds of barriers and I applaud her for it!

Get yourself a ticket for one of the remaining tour dates. All the remaining shows are at the City Winery venues in New York, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, and Nashville. You can thank me later!

Although we did not discuss this during the interview (only because I became aware of it after we spoke), Chrissy started a wine company called Joyful Heart Wine Company. Following is the mission statement. There are so many things I love about this project – it is women-owned, a portion of sales is donated to World Central Kitchen, and the wines sound terrific. The company ships to many states, in case you cannot find it locally. I am excited to try them all!

• THE MISSION:
• Rooted in the spirit of joy, faith, love and community, Joyful Heart Wine Co. celebrates the union of sharing wine and the spirit of generosity. In tune with this purposeful mindset, a portion of every bottle sold is donated to World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that uses the power of food to nourish communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond.
• THE WINE: Chrissy launched with 3 wines – her red and white “every day wine” and her “special occasion” Limited Reserve wine.  

• Everyday Red: Red Blend features a smooth velvety finish, carefully blended to produce a delightfully robust and vibrant mix of rich, dark berry flavors. Sourced from exceptional vineyards in both Lodi and Paso Robles California, it is a decadent combination of Cabernet, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Petite Sirah.

• Everyday White: Bright and textured, with a fragrant mix of white peach, tropical fruit, and fresh flowers.  Vineyards from Northern California in Mendocino County.  A harmonious blend, this crisp and refreshing white blend is rooted in Sauvignon Blanc, with a splash of Chardonnay.  

• Joyful Heart Limited Reserve: a 2019 vintage, 100% estate grown fruit from Santa Barbara County.  20 months in 1/3 Neutral, 1/3 two year old, and 1/3 new French oak barrels.  The wine was racked 3 times over the course of the 20 months and was bottled in June 2021.  The blend is approximately: 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot.  It will be a full-bodied red with a big yet broad structure with primarily blue, black and red fruit notes.  Likely a touch of savoriness with hints of earth.  The acid will be there, but not overpowering.  The finish will be long, lush and lingering giving the wine a great balanced profile.  The perfect wine for a Sunday night dinner or special occasion. 

• THE WINEMAKER:
• Nicole Walsh: An award-winning winemaker and a leader in the Women Owned Winery Movement, Nicole has over 25 years of winemaking and grape growing experience. Known for her collaborations with local chefs, artists and women led organizations, Nicole is passionate about sharing wine as a way of forging community.