CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO NPR MORNING EDITION’S EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE
OF “PRAY FOR AMERICA”
Nashville, TN – Grammy Award-winning American roots band and Grand Ole Opry members Old Crow Medicine Show have released a new song entitled “Pray For America”. Out now, “Pray For America” was recently the subject of an in depth interview and exclusive premiere via NPR’s Morning Edition. Click HERE to listen to a conversation between host David Greene and band members Ketch Secor and Jerry Pentecost as well as a live performance of the song. An accompanying music video produced and filmed by the band was premiered over the weekend on the band’s Hartland Hootenanny. Click HERE to view. For the studio version of “Pray For America” listen HERE.
“Pray For America” was written by Ketch Secor upon NPR’s request as a song to provide inspiration and reflection as the country emerged from a global pandemic. Hopeful, optimistic and realistic, the song calls for divine intervention and unity during times of uncertainty. “When you write music you’re trying to make universal statements,” says Secor. “Songs are for all to enjoy, and if you’re doing your job, they should to be able to translate from a global pandemic to a cry for justice.”
Songs that speak to the human condition and social issues are not new to Old Crow Medicine Show, as evidenced by favorites like “I Hear Them All”, “Dearly Departed Friend”, and “We’re All In This Together”. The band recently released a video created with filmmaker Julia Golonka for “Motel In Memphis” which appeared on their 2008 album Tennessee Pusher. Click HERE to view.
Old Crow Medicine Show has been channeling their creativity into the Hartland Hootenanny, a live show broadcast on You Tube and Facebook, airing Saturday nights at 7:00 PM CST. The hour-long variety show includes music, storytelling, socially distanced square dancing, news and special guests. What started as a one man show starring Ketch Secor, has evolved to include other band members. Special guests who have appeared via Skype include Birds of Chicago, Chuck Mead, Molly Tuttle, Sierra Ferrell and The War & Treaty. Click HERE to watch Ketch Secor’s tribute to American country music and blues star Deford Bailey, and HERE to peruse past Hartland Hootenanny Episodes. The special guest star for June 27th will be legendary fiddler Doug Kershaw.
Old Crow Medicine Show has been making their high energy style of old-time music for the past 21 years. The band has received praise from a variety of press including The New York Times, Rolling Stone, The New Yorker and many more. Their intelligent, thoughtful and sometimes humorous takes on humanity continues to connect with old and new fans alike.
Old Crow Medicine Show is …
KETCH SECOR | Fiddle, Harmonica, Guitar, Banjo, Vocals
MORGAN JAHNIG | Upright Bass
CORY YOUNTS | Mandolin, Keyboards, Drums, Vocals
JOE ANDREWS | Pedal Steel, Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Dobro
ROBERT PRICE | Guitar, Mandolin, Fiddle, Banjo
JERRY PENTECOST | Drums