Introduction:
“Forever Country” is a unique medley that brings together 30 renowned country music artists to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards in 2016. This collaborative piece intertwines three classic country songs: John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again,” and Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.”
The project was conceived as a tribute to the rich history of country music and its evolution over five decades. Rather than selecting a single song, the idea of a mashup emerged, allowing multiple generations of artists to participate. The song was recorded over three days in June 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee, with Shane McAnally as the producer. Simultaneously, a music video directed by Joseph Kahn was filmed, featuring artists performing against dynamic backgrounds that transition through various iconic landscapes.
Upon its release on September 16, 2016, “Forever Country” made a significant impact on the charts. It debuted at number one on the US Hot Country Songs chart, becoming only the third song in history to achieve this feat since the chart’s inception in 1958. The single sold 93,000 downloads and garnered 5.7 million streams in its first week. It also debuted at number 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100, marking a notable crossover into mainstream music.
The music video, which premiered on September 20, 2016, during “Dancing with the Stars,” showcases the artists against a backdrop of evolving landscapes, symbolizing the journey and growth of country music. The video received critical acclaim for its innovative approach and was awarded the Video of the Year at the 2017 Academy of Country Music Awards.
“Forever Country” stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and collaborative spirit of the country music community, bridging the past and present while honoring the genre’s rich heritage.