All-Star ‘Forever Country’ Celebrates the History of Country Music
Thirty of country music's biggest artists have joined together with record labels, country radio and the Country Music Association for an ambitious new song and video titled "Forever Country," in honor of the 50th annual CMA Awards.
Contemporary stars and country legends alike contributed to the track, which is produced by songwriter-producer Shane McAnally. McAnally is both a CMA Award winner and a member of the CMA board, and he brought together country's best and brightest for a medley of John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads," Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" and the Willie Nelson classic "On the Road Again" that celebrates artists and music from across the history of country music.
The track is set for simultaneous release to country radio in the U.S. and international markets on Friday (Sept. 16) at 8:30AM ET, and our own Taste of Country Nights syndicated radio show will not only help roll out the once-in-a-lifetime single, they'll be playing it once an hour!
Grammy winner Joseph Kahn directed the video for "Forever Country," which is slated to debut worldwide on Tuesday (Sept. 20). So far the project has been shrouded in secrecy, with the exception of a few stars who've teased their participation via social media.
We do know that Faith Hill and Tim McGraw sing part of "Take Me Home, Country Roads" together:
CMA co-host Carrie Underwood delivers the chorus of "I Will Always Love You":
The legendary Reba McEntire also sings part of Parton's classic:
And that Little Big Town lend their celebrated vocal blend to Denver's track:
Check out more brief teases at the official website of "Forever Country." The 50th annual CMA Awards are set to air on Nov. 2 live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on ABC.
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