Month: July 2020

Connor DwyerSam Hunt‘s latest hit, “Hard to Forget,” begins with a sample of Webb Pearce‘s number one from 1953, “There Stands the Glass.” 

Of course, Sam’s made a name for himself by putting a progressive spin on country music with smashes like “Body Like a Back Road” and “House Party.” If you’re wondering why he took such a traditional turn, the Georgia native confesses Ken Burns‘ Country Music documentary on PBS may be to thank.

“I think that may have been one of the reasons I was so drawn to it,” Sam tells ABC Audio. “When I listen to country music, I’ll go back to about the seventies and maybe some early George Jones I listen to sometimes, which goes even further back.”

“Occasionally, some Hank [Williams] Senior,” he adds, “but rarely do I, like, really listen to that era of country music.”

“But it is familiar to me,” he continues, “because it’s always been around. My granddad listened to a lot of that music growing up and he’d be singing it around the house or he’d have it on or it’d be on at the feed store.”

For Sam, the PBS series reminded him of good times he spent with his grandfather.

“Watching that documentary, really, it kind of filled in some blanks with the story of my grandparents and their parents and their grandparents,” he reflects. “And so it it was very familiar to me.”

“And I think after watching that documentary — and I can’t remember if I watched that before hearing that sample — but I was just in that state of mind when I was writing that song,” Sam explains. “It just really felt like a piece of home to me.”  

“Hard to Forget” is on track to be Sam’s next number one.

By Stephen Hubbard
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Burke/Triolo Productions/ThinkstockSinger-songwriter Brett James is taking part in the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Songwriter Sessions tonight. Brett is the writer behind such hits as “Something in the Water” by Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney‘s “When the Sun Goes Down,” and “I Hold On” by Dierks Bentley. The show will stream on the CMHOF’s Instagram at 9 p.m. ET.

Bill Anderson will release his 73rd album, The Hits Re-Imagined, on July 24. The project features songs written by Bill that were recorded by other artists including George Strait‘s “Give it Away,” and “Whiskey Lullaby” by Brad Paisley. 

By Cillea Houghton
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

ABC/Paula LoboLittle Big Town join forces with Trombone Shorty for a lively rendition of Hank Williams‘ classic “Jambalaya (On the Bayou).” 

The two acts originally debuted the song during the United We Sing event hosted by Harry Connick, Jr. on CBS in June to honor front-line workers of the COVID-19 pandemic.  They’re now releasing an official version of the track that adds even more spice to Williams’ original. 

In the new version, Trombone Shorty’s mastery of the horn adds vibrancy to the foursome’s bright harmonies as they sing of jambalaya, crawfish pie and filé gumbo while having “big fun on the bayou.”

The exuberant song was released by Williams in 1952 and topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.  It’s since been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.   

Proceeds from the song will go toward the Trombone Shorty Foundation and The Roots of Music, two organizations that provide music education for youth in New Orleans. 

By Cillea Houghton
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Greg NoireBrett Eldredge delivered a message of positivity to viewers during his appearance on ABC’s Good Morning America today. 

Joining the New York City-based show for a virtual visit, Brett offered a stripped-down performance of the new track that is centered around the idea of changing one’s perspective for the better. 

“There’s a lot of negativity, a lot of tough things in life that you can focus on, and I noticed my mind getting into that pattern,” Brett explains of the inspiration behind the song, adding that he learned to alter his mind to think, “what if I choose to take my best foot forward and choose to have a good day?”

That’s precisely what he did, channeling this reformed mindset into a mellow acoustic performance, flanked by an acoustic guitarist and pianist as his sultry and smooth vocals drive home the lyrics: “If the world gonna keep on spinnin’/Let it keep spinnin’ on my way/I got a feelin’/It’s gonna be a good day.”

“Good Day” is featured on Brett’s album, Sunday Drive, which was released Friday.

By Cillea Houghton
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.