Growing up in Tennessee, country music has always had a stronghold on my heart and is embedded in my roots. From the ages of five to thirteen, my bedroom door was covered with country music artists, and my cassette tapes cranked out country tunes day and night.
I can remember watching Hee Haw and other country music shows in my grandparents living room and listening to my grandfather sing along. Everyone was smiling and laughing and having the best time. Even as a very young child, my family made sure I was exposed to live music and took me to many country music events and concerts, including what was then Fan Fair. These are some of my favorite memories growing up. Even now, hearing a song from that decade, takes me back, brings a smile to my face, and feels like a warm hug.
Fast forward, thirty years later, now I am raising kids of my own, right near Music City, where we have so many opportunities to be surrounded by country music. I have kept up these traditions that were passed on to me. I expose my kids to county music, all the different artists, old and new, and make sure they have the same opportunities that I had as a kid. There is just something special about cranking up a country song, and letting the music take you to that special place of happiness and bliss and belting the songs at the top of your lungs with your kids. These are memories they will remember forty years from now, and when they hear that country song, it will take them back.
The multi-award-winning label Platoon has an exciting announcement about continuing the tradition of bringing families together. Growin’ Up Country Vol. 1, set to debut June 23. Highlighting some of Nashville’s most talented artists, writers and producers, the album features original songs created to inspire a new generation of country music lovers and listeners.
It also includes RaeLynn’s song: Shake Your Boots!
- ILY (Family) – Brett Young
- Be Anything – Jaden Michaels
- Shake Your Boots – RaeLynn
- I’m So Happy – Cale Dodds
- This Is My Home – Mickey Guyton
- LOVE – Laci Kaye Booth
- Good Friends – Jade Eagleson
- Sunny Kinda Day – Shaylen
- Brave On – Jaden Michaels
The album’s lead track “ILY (Family)” by Brett Young is available now. Listen to “ILY (Family)” and pre-save the album here.
Music, particularly country music, has a way of creating bonds between people, bringing families together, across generations, and even connecting strangers. From weddings to bonfires, to dancing in the kitchen, to long car rides, or football games, there is sure to be a country song played to mark the moment and build a memory that will last a lifetime.
