MSM Morning Mindset: Bay Simpson

By Monica Collier

8/6/26

So, leave it to our hometown shooting star, Bay Simpson, to casually stroll into The Nutthouse (post Carla Russell’s “Creep” performance) like a cool breeze on a hot summer day. Yes, that perfectly describes Bay’s entrance to Sunday’s Muscle Shoals Meets the 90s rehearsal with the Shoals Strings.

Scott Todd said, “Bay Simpson in the house.”

Then the room sort of said, “Bay!” in unison and it made me think of Norm’s entrance on “Cheers.” Yep. Not unlike the “Cheers” bar, The Nutthouse is very much your friendly neighborhood (Grammy-winning) recording studio.

Somebody said, “Who’s this guy?”

Carla asked with a laugh, “Where’d you drag him up?”

Y’all, seeing this multi-generational interaction between seasoned artists and a rising artist was truly inspirational. I could feel the love and encouragement in the room. Do you know how special that sort of support is coming from a community known for its professional musicians? It was so beautiful. No gatekeeping happening here, friends, just inclusion and mentorship. I love my hometown.

Bay, guitar in hand, went straight to the microphone stand and asked, “[Are] we doing R.E.M.?”

Yeah, this guy looks as if he’s had a little practice performing for a room. I think maybe he's been in the spotlight a time or two lately. Maybe?

Russell Mefford turned to face the Shoals Strings and said, “This is Bay Simpson.”

Bay smiled and did this cute little bashful wave to the Shoals Strings musicians, and it was off to the races.

Friends, I’m a huge R.E.M. fan. Seriously, R.E.M. has been my lifelong companion and is consistently one of my top five favorite bands of all time. When I say Bay walked right off the street into The Nutthouse and within minutes was doing Michael Stipe justice, I am not exaggerating.

It was literally “me in the corner” and Bay was absolutely “in the spotlight.” Sorry, had to be done.

It was so oddly cool to hear Bay singing the closing lyrics of “Losing My Religion.” You know? It goes like this: “That was just a dream, just a dream. Just a dream, dream.”

Bay singing about “this was just a dream” struck me as so funny, y’all. Bay! The dream is real and you’re the pride of the Shoals.

That was that. Then Bay said, “That’s my audition.”

We all laughed and Russell said, “It sounds fabulous.” Then asked, “Bay are you good?”

Bay smiled and nodded and Russell said, “OK. What’s next?”

Stay tuned. More to come.

Dig Worms.