Icie Calloway, the mother of Matraca Berg, embarked on her own musical journey in the 1960s. Hailing from Harlan County, Kentucky, she made the courageous move to Nashville, Tennessee, with the aspiration of seeking her fortune as a singer and songwriter.
Icie’s journey took a significant turn when Matraca was born to her and Ron Berg. Although Icie later separated from nuclear physicist Ron Berg, she continued to chase her dreams in the realm of music. Her resilience and determination served as an early influence on Matraca, instilling a passion for music that would shape her destiny.
Following her separation from Ron Berg, Icie Calloway found love and companionship with songwriter Dave Kirby. This union added another layer to her family’s deep-rooted connection to the music industry. The marriage to Dave Kirby continued to expose Matraca to the world of songwriting and songcraft, paving the way for her future as a songwriter.
Icie Calloway’s family was teeming with musical talent. Her sister, Sudie Calloway, found success as a Music Row backing singer. In addition to Sudie, sisters Coleida Calloway and Clara Howard also made their mark as backing vocalists on Kentucky’s renowned Renfro Valley Barn Dance. The family’s musical roots ran deep, with Jim Baker, Icie’s brother, being a skilled steel guitar player who also had ties to Mel Tillis’s song publishing companies.
While Icie Calloway’s personal musical pursuits had their share of challenges, she remained a supportive and encouraging presence in Matraca’s life. Matraca, inspired by her mother’s passion, embarked on her own journey in songwriting. Icie’s guidance and unwavering belief in her daughter’s talents played a crucial role in Matraca’s development as a songwriter and artist.
Tragically, Icie Calloway’s life was cut short due to cancer in 1985. Her passing was a profound loss for Matraca and the family. Despite the challenges Icie faced in the music industry, her influence and love for music continued to shape Matraca’s career and her creative spirit.