Natalie Madigan Talks Mental Health, Making Pop Music In Nashville [Interview]

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Natalie Madigan

Nashville-based indie pop artist Natalie Madigan is paving her own lane in Music City.

The singer-songwriter grew up near Nashville enthralled by music. In the first grade her parents enrolled in piano lessons, which she would continue for the next 12 years. She eventually also ventured into musical theater, voice lessons and choir. She starting writing songs in early middle school and started recording her own demos on GarageBand in high school.

When it came time for college, Madigan decided to study audio production at Middle Tennessee State University. While in college she refined her songwriting, singing, and production skills, and went on to write and record an entire album which was released in January of 2020. She has since had her songs featured in The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, The Young and The Restless, and more.

Madigan is the only female non-country songwriter signed to Nashville’s Endurance Music Group (Jimmie Allen, Matt Stell), and she just aligned with ASCAP.

“I love being the only pop act at Endurance,” Madigan says. “I feel like a big fish in a small pond. We get to have more brainstorming sessions, and everybody is just utilizing their own connections and figuring out a different way to approach things as a pop artist in Nashville.”

Her recently released EP Put the Light Back finds her communicating about love, heartbreak and personal growth with glittery pop production that has both modern and retro elements.

The title track to the EP is an ethereal track about picking yourself up after being knocked down, or, as Madigan says it, putting the light back in your eyes.

“This was the first song I wrote in quarantine and I actually feel like I was doing the best mentally that I had been in a long time. All the pressure had disappeared because we were all in this same space, so I wasn’t feeling the constant pressure of ‘I have to be productive, I have to create.’ I was going outside, taking so many walks, and just being with myself.

“For me that song is me talking to my anxiety and depression and telling them ‘You don’t get to control my life. I get to make the decision to be happy everyday. I get to have the control.’ But I wanted to write it in a way that people could listen to it and relate to it as a relationship song.”

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Another track, “Happy When,” talks about savoring the moment instead of constantly focusing on the future. “I wanna get where I’m going so I can live in the moment, so I can look at my life and know that I earned it, that I deserve it,” Madigan sings.

“That’s probably the biggest thing I struggle with, and probably the source of most of my other mental health issues. This pressure that I put on myself that’s like ‘You don’t get to be content yet because you haven’t reached these milestones. You don’t get to be happy with yourself or your career or what you look like yet,'” Madigan says. “I think a little bit of that is healthy, but I never really let myself be content with my life and just soak up the beautiful moments in the present. Even though I still have goals and things I want to attain, it’s okay for me to be happy and content with the process and where I am.”

Madigan is playing Pilgrimage Festival in September, her first major festival performance. She will share the stage with Maren Morris, Cage The Elephant, Dave Matthews Band, The Black Keys, and more.

“I am so excited,” Madigan says. “Very ready, especially coming out of this past year.”

Madigan’s emotionally transparent EP Put the Light Back is available now.

Newsboys And Capitol CMG Partner On Upcoming Project

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Newsboys are partnering with Capitol CMG and reuniting for a new project slated for September 2021. The first single from the new album, “Magnetic,” is out digitally now.

Over the past three decades the group has released 20 projects on various CMG labels, and from the first releases with Star Song and Sparrow to Inpop, the partnership with CMG is steeped in milestones, award-winning music, sold out concerts on a global scale, and millions of records sold.

One of the biggest bands in Christian music history, Newsboys have sold more than 10 million units across 23 albums and garnered numerous accolades, including a RIAA Platinum certification, eight Gold certifications, 33 No. 1 radio hits, four Grammy nominations, two American Music Award nominations, and multiple Dove Awards. With signature songs like “We Believe,” “Born Again” and the unstoppable mega hit “God’s Not Dead,” which birthed a film franchise of the same name, Newsboys have toured extensively throughout the world presenting their high-energy shows.

“We are honored to partner with Newsboys and our entire team is excited to support their vision and music in this next season,” says Co-Presidents, Capitol CMG Hudson Plachy and Brad O’Donnell. “We have an incredible history of success with Newsboys and couldn’t be more excited to welcome them back to Capitol CMG.”

Newsboys manager Wesley Campbell adds, “Newsboys have a long and storied history with Capitol CMG, and the band couldn’t be more excited to enter this new season together.  The new music the lads have been working on is full of energy and determination, and we look forward to sharing it with the world through this synergistic partnership.”

Spencer Crandall Reimagines His Music With ‘Lost In The Wild’ EP

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Spencer Crandall

Rising singer-songwriter and entertainer Spencer Crandall has announced his forthcoming EP, Lost In The Wild, will be available everywhere on May 28. The new project includes two new tracks produced by Lalo Guzman, as well as three reimagined songs from his album, Wilderness.

To celebrate the announcement, Crandall surprised fans with one of the reimagined tracks, a new wedding version of the fan-favorite “My Person.” The original song has garnered over 30 million global streams and over 50K TikTok shares since its release in October of 2019.

“I’m so excited to finally release ‘My Person’ – Wedding Version,” shares Crandall. “I’ve had so many DMs, texts and emails asking for this version because this song has become the soundtrack for so many couples’ relationships. There have been thousands of videos to the original song with couples showing how much they love their person. I can’t wait to see all the videos of couples that will use this version at their wedding. It feels good to finally get this out to fans and I couldn’t be prouder of how it turned out.”

In addition to “My Person” – Wedding Version, the Lost In The Wild EP will feature a cut-back, organic version of “Things I Can’t Say” (feat. Julia Cole) and an energetic EDM remix of hit-song “Delete All.”

After deciding to pick up the guitar and learning to play, he headed to Grand Junction to play college football until facing a career-ending shoulder injury. During his recovery, Spencer began to sing and write music, growing a steady following on social media by posting videos of his dorm room performances. Since moving to Nashville in 2016, Crandall has amassed over 90 million streams across platforms as an independent artist, with two album releases debuting at No.1 on the iTunes country charts, and he has shared the stage with artists including Chris Lane, Dustin Lynch, Tyler Rich and Josh Turner.

 

Lost In The Wild EP Track Listing:
1. “My Person” – Wedding Version (Lalo Guzman, Spencer Crandall, Kelly Archer)
2. “Things I Can’t Say” (feat. Julia Cole) – Stripped (Lalo Guzman, Josh Ronen, Spencer Crandall, Julia Cole)
3. “Apartments in LA” – Demo Version (Lalo Guzman, Spencer Crandall, Scott Stepakoff)
4. “Nothing To Do With You” (Lalo Guzman, Spencer Crandall, Lauren McLamb, Joe Tounge)
5. “Delete All” (Nate Dodge Remix) (Nate Dodge, Joe Tounge, Spencer Crandall, Olivia Faye, AJ Gatio)*
*Produced by Nate Dodge

Country Music Industry Stalwart Patsy Bruce Passes

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Patsy Bruce. Photo: Bev Moser

Businesswoman, songwriter and artist manager Patsy Bruce died on Sunday, May 16. She was 81.

Patsy’s impressive resume spanned industries, skill sets and states as she found success in the entertainment industry, event planning, tourism, journalism, activism and politics.

Born Patsy Ann Smithson in Brownsville, Tennessee to a military family. She married the late Ed Bruce, who was working as a car salesman and trying to break into music at the time. They met in 1964, married shortly after in Memphis, and moved to Nashville in 1966. The two had three children together before separating in 1986.

During their marriage, Patsy worked as Ed’s manager, during which time he became known as a singer, songwriter and actor. She was also a casting director, and worked on the TV show Maverick and the movie Urban Cowboy.

She is credited as a songwriter, along with Ed, on Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings’ iconic duet, “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys.” She also collaborated with Ed on his songs “Texas (When I Die),” “Girls, Women and Ladies,” “(When You Fall in Love) Everything’s a Waltz,” “Ever, Never Lovin’ You,” and “After All.”

Patsy briefly served as president of the Nashville Songwriters Association International in the late 1970s and early ’80s, and she and Ed ran the Ed Bruce Talent Agency and their publishing companies during that period.

Patsy worked in event planning in the ’80s and ’90s, after her divorce. As owner of Events Unlimited, she converted the Super Dome into a one-third replica of the famed French Quarter for a $9 million Honda event with a team of 1,300 people. This success helped her win Events magazine’s Gala Award, the event industry’s top award. She also launched Patsy Bruce Productions Inc., a film and television production company.

She also became a political activist and community leader, working with Phil Bredesen’s campaign for Tennessee governor. After the election, Bredesen appointed Patsy to the Tennessee State Board of Probation and Parole, where she served for 10 years in the early 2000s. She also became involved in Bredesen’s wife Andrea Conte’s non-profit, You Have the Power, which provides support for victims of crimes.

In 2017 Patsy launched Songbird Tours, a songwriting-focused tour company in Nashville, with her son and songwriter Trey Bruce.

Patsy is survived by her devoted partner Jim Trout, son Trey Bruce (Laci); daughters Ginny Bruce and AnnMarie Bruce Pinhal (Joey); grandchildren Sara Bruce Manual (Greg), Maggie Bruce Emmick (Cory), Sela Bruce, Railee Bruce, Patrick Elder, Chelsea Jensen, Joseph Pinhal (Katie), Cathrine Pinhal and Juliana Pinhal; and great-grandchildren Eisley, Elynn, Lilah, Cason, Addison, Bentley, Bella and Cade; and her personal angel on the ground and caregiver, Meaghan Stack. She is preceded in death by her son, Beau Bruce, who died in 2019, and her parents, Henry and Hazel Smithson.

Memorial service details have not yet been announced.

Cameron Jaymes Signs With Sheltered Music Publishing & Dann Huff

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Pictured (L-R): Dann Huff, Cameron Jaymes, Darrell Franklin (SVP Sheltered Music Publishing), Jenny Hall (Sheltered Music Publishing)

Cameron Jaymes has signed an exclusive publishing and producer development deal with Sheltered Music Publishing and record producer, Dann Huff.

“Cameron is one of the bright new talents to descend on Nashville. I’ve had the chance to get to know him and his quality work and I’m thoroughly impressed. And on top of that, he’s just a really great guy,” says Huff.

Jaymes, who began his career as an EMI and Universal Music Publishing artist, has gradually shifted into writing and production, working under longtime friend and mentor busbee. Throughout his career he has written and produced songs across all genres for Rachel Platten, Daya, Nightly, Emily Reid, Sarah Reeves, For All Seasons, Callista Clark, Spencer Sutherland, Matt Wertz and Tritonal. Jaymes credits have amassed upwards of 100 million streams and have been featured on a plethora of shows and networks, including Gilmore Girls, Jane the Virgin, 13 Reasons Why, Good Morning America, Old Navy, and many more.

“I first met Cameron through busbee years ago in LA,” says SVP Darrell Franklin. “He had such a passion for him and now it is obvious to hear why when you listen to the uniqueness and quality in Cameron’s music. He has such versatility both as a producer and a songwriter. Our goal is to take the momentum of what was built before us and continue to add to that in order to take that next step for Cameron”.

Jaymes is the first signing to the creative joint venture between Sheltered Music Publishing and Huff. The focus of this partnership will be centered on developing producer talent, as well as artists and songwriters.

“I am so excited to be joining the Sheltered Music family. Darrell, Dann, and Lance are incredible creatives and legends who each individually inspire me. I can’t overstate how much I appreciate the opportunity to work with, learn from, and be believed in by them,” exclaims Jaymes.

Sheltered Music is the Nashville Division of All Clear Music. LLC. In its first year, the company has completed deals with Burt Bacharach, Rodney Crowell, and Emmylou Harris. The growing roster has also recently added songwriters Melissa Peirce and Sara Haze, as well as signed developmental artists Jenna LaMaster and Kelsey Waters.

Visionary Media Group Announces Cowboy Jack Clement Biopic, New Music

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Nearly eight years after his death, a film about the story of Country Music Hall of Fame member Jack Clement is in the works with help from the Visionary Media Group.

Known for saying, “If you’re not having fun, you’re not doing your job right,” Clement changed the landscape of pop culture in many ways. He is credited with helping launch the blues/country hybrid known now as rock & roll.

After spending four years in the Marine Corps, Clement toured with a bluegrass band before temporarily living in Memphis. It was there that Sun Records founder Sam Phillips hired Clement as a staff producer-engineer. He recorded the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and numerous others. He eventually opened Jack Clement Recording Studios, the first 16-track studio in Nashville and hosted recording sessions for Merle Haggard and Ray Stevens, among others.

Over the course of his career, Cowboy, as he was nicknamed, worked with the likes of Elvis, Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Louis Armstrong, Townes Van Zandt, George Jones, Charley Pride and U2, having numerous writing and recording credits to his name.

For Nick Sciorra and Ron Zamber, Founding Managing Partners of Visionary, the film crowns a decade of working to create this moment as they helm the project’s executive production.

“The Visionary mission is always about illuminating stories that inspire” says Zamber. “It’s a great privilege to be involved in sharing the Cowboy Jack story with the world. Through a variety of media technologies and our state-of-the-art platform, Visionary will enable his extraordinary life to continue to inspire multiple generations of music fans.”

In addition to the upcoming film, fans can also look forward to new music inspired and co-written by Clement. After his passing, Clement’s children discovered 54 lyrics penned on various items from hotels, restaurants, and classic stationary. Partnering with the Clement estate to bring to life these unfinished, never-before-released songs, Visionary hopes to extend Clement’s creative streak with the new songs based on Clement’s unfinished material.

Jason Aldean’s Back In The Saddle Tour Kicks Off In August

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Jason Aldean thrilled fans during his sold out set at the Bonnaroo Farm this weekend with news that he will be returning to the road on the Back in the Saddle Tour beginning this August.

Kicking off Aug. 5 in Virginia Beach, the tour will visit Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Portland, Denver, Tampa, and more through Oct. 30. The trek will feature special guests Hardy and Lainey Wilson and will host back-to-back nights in Orange Beach, Alabama.

“It’s been emotional being back on stage with my band for the first time in a year this weekend,” says Aldean of the Bonnaroo shows. “It’s made us all even more ready to get back to life as we all know it. Being on the road makes all of us – the band, the crew, and me – happy and I haven’t felt this excited about going on tour in 15 years.”

Citi is the official credit card of the tour and Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase pre-sale tickets beginning Tuesday, May 18 at 12 p.m. local time through Citi Entertainment. Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, May 21 at 10 a.m. local time at jasonaldean.com.

Back In The Saddle Tour Dates:
08/05/21    Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
08/06/21    Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
08/07/21    Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
08/12/21    Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center*
08/13/21    Pittsburgh, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
08/14/21    Philadelphia, PA – BB&T Pavilion
08/19/21    Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
08/20/21    Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
08/21/21    Atlanta, GA – Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood
08/27/21    Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater
08/28/21    Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater
09/09/21    Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
09/10/21    Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
09/11/21    Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
09/16/21    Spokane, WA – Spokane Arena
09/17/21    Seattle, WA – White River Amphitheater
09/18/21    Portland, OR – Sunlight Supply Amphitheater
09/23/21    Sacramento, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre
09/24/21    Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
09/25/21    Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre
09/30/21    Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion
10/01/21    Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
10/02/21    Denver, CO – Ball Arena*
10/07/21    Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center*
10/08/21    Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
10/09/21    St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
10/14/21    Charleston, WV – Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
10/15/21    Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center*
10/16/21    Birstow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
10/21/21    Charlottesville, VA – John Paul Jones Arena
10/22/21    Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena
10/23/21    Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena
10/28/21    Estero, FL – Hertz Arena
10/29/21    West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
10/30/21    Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

*With Lainey Wilson and TBA

On The Row: Walker Montgomery Counts ’40s Crooners & ’90s Country As Influences

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Walker Montgomery

Despite his country music pedigree, Play It Again Entertainment’s flagship artist Walker Montgomery had a pretty normal childhood.

He’s the son of John Michael Montgomery, and the nephew of Montgomery Gentry’s Eddie Montgomery, but he grew up away from the spotlight in Nicholasville, Kentucky. Between the two of them, brothers John Michael and Eddie have earned around 20 No. 1 songs, multiple Gold and Platinum records, and numerous awards, however Montgomery says the country music business isn’t a big topic of discussion at family reunions.

“Our relationship isn’t really music driven and to be honest, we hardly ever really talk about it. I guess that’s a positive in my life because, obviously they are musical mentors in a way, but they’re just Dad and Uncle Eddie. I think that is special and maybe something that people wouldn’t expect. When we’re together we just talk about hunting, fishing or Kentucky football.”

A big fan of the wildcats, the 21-year-old was discovered performing at a University of Kentucky game after he won a fan-voting contest on Twitter.

“I’m a football guy and my Granddad and I had season tickets starting in 2007 and until 2017—really until I started doing a bunch of shows. That whole time we missed three home games,” Montgomery says. “It was the perfect storm in a way, and the fact that it was a Kroger Field in Lexington makes it all the more special for me.”

Since then Montgomery has released “Wouldn’t Be A Country Boy,” the 2.7 million+ streamed “She Don’t Know,” “Bad Day To Be A Beer,” and his two PIA Entertainment debuts “Saving For A Rainy Night” and “Like My Daddy Done It.”

Produced by The Peach Pickers (Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson and Ben Hayslip), Montgomery channels ’90s country influences and Luke Bryan-esque southern songwriting. However, a surprising favorite genre of Montgomery’s is ’40s crooners and big band music, a taste he got from his mom.

“Mom would always take my sister and I to school and she always would put on The Forties Junction and Seriously Sinatra on SiriusXM. So, along with the Tracy Lawrence’s and John Michael Montgomery’s, I grew up listening to the Benny Goodman’s of the world, Artie Shaw, Frank Sinatra, and Bing Crosby is my mom’s favorite so I love him by association.

“Once I get a solid base, don’t be surprised if I try to convince [Play It Again Music Group CEO Ryan Dokke] to let me put out a standards record,” Montgomery jokes.

On Friday (May 14) Montgomery released “Out of Nowhere,” a song about being brought up in the country. The song, written by Corey Crowder, Joey Hyde, Jared Mullins, and Morgan Wallen, will be included an upcoming collection of new music expected this year.

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Ashley McBryde Announces 35+ Date Tour To Hit The Road In June

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Ashley McBryde. Photo: Daniel Meig

ACM and CMA award winner Ashley McBryde has announced her headlining This Town Talks Tour, kicking off June 12 in Roanoke, Virginia. The 37-city run will weave across the U.S., wrapping up on Jan. 15, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio with the support of Morgan Wade, Priscilla Block, Adam Hambrick and Ray Fulcher along the way.

“AAAAAND we’re back,” exclaims McBryde. “I’ve been waiting so long to be able to say that. We’ve missed you all so much, there aren’t even words to do it justice. These songs were written and recorded to be sang together. Now, let’s be together and make some damn music!”

Since releasing her critically acclaimed sophomore album Never Will in April of 2020, this tour will mark the first time the project has been performed live. Fans can expect McBryde’s set-list to include the RIAA Gold-certified “One Night Standards,” current single “Martha Divine,” and title track “Never Will” among the hard-hitting “American Scandal” and seminal track “Girl Goin’ Nowhere” from her debut album.

The Arkansas-native will also be making her first headlining appearance at the historic Ryman Auditorium on this run with back-to-back nights supported by Lainey Wilson on Thursday, Aug. 26 and Caylee Hammack on Friday, Aug. 27.

Pre-sale tickets for McBryde’s fan-club, The Trybe, begins Tuesday May 18, at 10 a.m. local time, while the Spotify pre-sale will begin Wednesday, May 19 at 12 p.m. local time. General on-sale begins Friday, May 21 at 10 a.m. local time. For tickets and additional information, visit AshleyMcBryde.com.

This Town Talks Tour Dates:
June 12, 2021 – Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges – Roanoke, Va.*
July 16, 2021 – Gold Nugget Grand Event Center – Lake Charles, La.
July 17, 2021 – Floore’s Country Store – Helotes, Texas#
July 18, 2021 – Nutty Brown Café & Amphitheatre – Austin, Texas#
July 28, 2021 – Bourbon Theatre – Lincoln, Neb.^
Aug. 5, 2021 – Cain’s Ballroom – Tulsa, Okla.*
Aug. 6, 2021 – Orpheum Theatre – Memphis, Tenn.*
Aug. 7, 2021 – Robinson Performance Hall – Little Rock, Ark.*
Aug. 17, 2021 – Irving Plaza – New York, N.Y.+
Aug. 19, 2021 – Theatre of Living Arts – Philadelphia, Pa.+
Aug. 20, 2021 – House of Blues – Boston, Mass.+
Aug. 21, 2021 – The Fillmore Silver Spring – Silver Spring, Md.+
Aug. 26, 2021 – Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, Tenn.
Aug. 27, 2021 – Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, Tenn.
Sept. 2, 2021 – The Pageant – St. Louis, Mo.+
Sept. 3, 2021 – Bogart’s – Cincinnati, Ohio+
Sept. 16, 2021 – The Sylvee – Madison, Wis.^
Sept. 22, 2021 – The Wilma – Missoula, Mont.~
Sept. 23, 2021 – Martin Woldson Theatre at the Fox – Spokane, Wash.~
Sept. 25, 2021 – Showbox – Seattle, Wash.~
Sept. 26, 2021 – Roseland Theater – Portland, Ore.~
Sept. 29, 2021 – Ace of Spades – Sacramento, Calif.~
Oct. 3, 2021 – House of Blues – San Diego, Calif.+
Oct. 5, 2021 – The Wiltern – Los Angeles, Calif.+
Oct. 13, 2021 – Ogden Theatre – Denver, Colo.~
Nov. 12, 2021 – The Eastern – Atlanta, Ga.+
Nov. 13, 2021 – Tivoli Theatre – Chattanooga, Tenn.+
Nov. 14, 2021 – The Fillmore Charlotte – Charlotte, N.C.+
Dec. 8, 2021 – Riviera Theater – Chicago, Ill.+
Dec. 11, 2021 – Mississippi Moon Bar – Dubuque, Iowa+
Dec. 12, 2021 – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre – Indianapolis, Ind.+
Jan. 6, 2022 – Brown Theatre – Louisville, Ky.+
Jan. 7, 2022 – Roxian Theatre – Pittsburgh, Pa.+
Jan. 8, 2022 – The National – Richmond, Va.+
Jan. 13, 2022 – 20 Monroe Live – Grand Rapids, Mich.*
Jan. 14, 2022 – The Fillmore – Detroit, Mich.*
Jan. 15, 2022 – Agora Theater – Cleveland, Ohio#

*Morgan Wade as support | ^Adam Hambrick as support | +Priscilla Block as support |
~Ray Fulcher as support | #Support to be announced

Cody Johnson Reveals Upcoming Double Album, Releases Duet With Willie Nelson

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Willie Nelson and Cody Johnson

CoJo Music/Warner Music Nashville recording artist Cody Johnson has released the first song from his forthcoming double album, which includes 18 tracks and is due out this fall. The track “Sad Songs and Waltzes,” out now, features musical icon Willie Nelson who originally penned and recorded the track in 1973.

Johnson recalls how close to home it hit him when he first heard the song about a decade ago after he’d played a show at Midnight Rodeo in San Angelo, Texas. “Willie said, ‘Well, I went up to Nashville and I had a pile of songs, and I sang ’em all for the record man, and the record man told me, sad songs and waltzes aren’t selling this year, son.'”

Johnson made the decision to bring that song back and record it with Nelson for his double album. The result is a moving ballad from two distinctive voices, all about the creative process artists go through when they are unwilling to compromise their art.

“Willie was very gracious to do it, and I got to have a very candid conversation with him, and it was one that meant a lot to me,” Johnson says.