Country Artist Calls on Radio Stations Nationwide
to Play New Version Simultaneously at 9:11 A.M. on 9/11
Nashville, Tenn. — Twenty-five years after the worst terrorist attack in American history, Darryl Worley is revisiting “Have You Forgotten?” with a new recording, set for release September 11 via Big Machine Label Group.
To mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Worley is asking radio stations across America to join him in a special nationwide moment: play the new recording of “Have You Forgotten?” at exactly 9:11 a.m. on September 11.
Originally released in March 2003, “Have You Forgotten?” became a landmark recording for Worley, spending seven weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and reaching No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was written by Worley and Wynn Varble in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, as a tribute to those who serve and a remembrance of those who lost their lives.
The song’s story began at the Grand Ole Opry in January 2003, when Worley performed it as part of a Friday night salute to veterans. The response was immediate, with radio stations beginning to play the live Opry performance and creating the momentum that led Worley and his team into the studio to record the official version.
Now, a quarter-century after 9/11, Worley believes the song’s message remains as important as ever.
“The song ‘Have You Forgotten?’ has become an authentic piece of American history that I believe will stand the test of time,” says Worley. “In my opinion, it may be more relevant now than it ever has been. It was never meant to be any kind of political statement. The song is a tribute written to honor those who serve. We hoped it would call attention to the intense sacrifices made by the amazing men and women of the U.S. military and our dedicated first responders across this great nation. We also created the song in remembrance of those lost in the carnage of 9/11. It is a simple reminder not to forget where we have been and what we’ve been through.”
“We are honored to join with Darryl Worley to shine light on 25 years since our country was attacked with his amazing song, ‘Have You Forgotten?’” adds Big Machine Label Group president Scott Borchetta. “We will never forget and this song is the perfect reminder of how our country came together, indivisible, as Americans.”
Worley is inviting country, news/talk and radio stations of all formats across the country to participate in the 9:11 a.m. nationwide broadcast moment, giving listeners an opportunity to pause and remember together.
The new edition of “Have You Forgotten?” will be available for streaming and download this Friday.
For radio airplay information, contact George Briner at brinerge@comcast.net.