Gary Brewer Celebrates Star-Studded ‘40th Anniversary Celebration’ Album Release With Features in American Songwriter, The Bluegrass Situation, Vents Magazine and More

Lead Bluegrass Single “Goin Up Shell Creek” Featuring The Travelin’ McCourys Unveiled by American Songwriter

“40th Anniversary Celebration’ Album Also Features Collaborations With Sam Bush, Russell Moore, Dale Ann Bradley, Doug Phelps (of The Kentucky Headhunters),
T. Graham Brown and More

Nashville, Tenn. – The wait is finally over as Bluegrass legend Gary Brewer releases his monumental 40th Anniversary Celebration album. Commemorating four decades in the music business, the collection features 14 recordings including collaborations with industry veterans Sam Bush, Russell Moore, Dale Ann Bradley, Doug Phelps (of The Kentucky Headhunters) T. Graham Brown, and more (see track listing below). The collection is available HERE.Throughout the album rollout, the chart-topping band has kept busy promoting the new record. American Songwriter gave fans the exclusive premiere of the project’s lead single, “Goin’ Up Shell Creek” which features the Grammy winning group, The Travelin’ McCourys. The publication raved about the song, saying that “The track is a well written and pristinely executed bluegrass tune that keeps its energy up without losing control. The song comes equipped with every element it needs to be a complete and cohesive piece of music.” “Goin’ Up Shell Creek” puts Brewer’s songwriting on full-display, with the hitmaker penning it by himself. The hard-hitting track serves as the opening cut for the 40th Anniversary Celebration album. The entire project also showcases Brewer’s band, The Kentucky Ramblers which includes both of Gary’s sons Gary “Wayne” Jr. and Mason who are both 6th generation musicians carrying on their father’s legacy and Brewer sound. There’s also one cut titled “Sally-O” that features Gary’s 82-year-old father Finley, showcasing three generations of the family.

“I am very excited about the release of the 40-year record. I have chosen a handful of very diverse artists to guest on this,” explains Gary Brewer. “For the single, ‘Goin’ Up Shell Creek’, I decided to feature The Travelin’ McCourys. We go way back and have so much in common. We all grew up in the music and have been blessed to be able to travel with our dads throughout our entire career thus far. Now, we both share the stage with our sons and fathers. This collaboration between myself and The Travelin’ McCourys speaks loud in tradition, and we are very proud of that.”

Prior to the release, the band teamed with the publication Vents Magazine, who treated fans to an exclusive first listen of “Big Train” which features fellow KY-native Doug Phelps of the Country / Rock supergroup The Kentucky Headhunters. On the other end, powerhouse publication The Bluegrass Situation gave fans an exclusive premiere of the song featuring 5-time IBMA “Female Vocalist of the Year” winner Dale Ann Bradley with “Daddy & the Old Oak Tree.”

The record serves as a full circle moment for Brewer. After gaining respect from some of the biggest names of all-time across multiple music genres, he has no plans in stopping any time soon. Having recorded and toured with music icons like Bill Monroe, J.D. Crowe, Uncle Josh Graves, Doyle Lawson, Larry Sparks and Dave Evans, that inspiration is on full display in the band’s unique style that has left its mark in the Bluegrass world. At one point, he even got the attention of late Country maverick Porter Wagoner, who said “Gary Brewer has a great group, works hard on his act and is an excellent Bluegrass singer.” ‘Father of Bluegrass’ Bill Monroe was also once quoted as saying, “This boy right here is 100% Bluegrass! He comes from good stock.” Brewer has even received songwriting praises from film icon and “California Dreamin’” hitmaker Michelle Phillips (The Mamas & the Papas) who is an avid fan of the Kentucky Ramblers.

As previously announced, Gary Brewer and The Kentucky Ramblers will take their show on the road throughout 2020. However, due to the outbreak of COVID-19, fans are encouraged to check the band’s official website for updated tour dates, latest news stories and more.

40th Anniversary Celebration Track Listing:
1. Goin’ Up Shell Creek (ft. The Travelin‘ McCourys)
2. Johnson City Blues
3. Daddy & the Oak Tree (ft. Dale Ann Bradley)
4. The Rain is Coming Down (ft. Russell Moore)
5. Blues Down in Kentucky (ft. Sam Bush)
6. I Don’t Know What’s Become of Me (ft. Ashton Shepherd)
7. Down Home Memories
8. Home Ain’t the Way it Used to Be (ft. Ralph Stanley II)
9. Girl From the Mountain
10. Money To Ride the Train (ft. T. Graham Brown)
11. Love in the Mountains (ft. Ashton Shepherd)
12. I Can’t Run off With You Darling
13. Big Train (ft. Doug Phelps of The Kentucky Headhunters)
14. Sally-O