In November, five country music Hall of Famers teamed up on a new single, “The Country I Grew Up With,” and now they’ve shared a lyric video for the track. Grand Ole Opry star Bill Anderson enlisted Bobby Bare, Jimmy Fortune, Vince Gill and Willie Nelson to join him on the song, produced by Anderson along with Thomas Jutz.
When the track was first released, Anderson and his fellow performers shared their thoughts on the collaboration. “So far as I can determine,” shared Anderson, “this is the first country record in history featuring five members of the Country Music Hall of Fame performing on one song. I am so proud that Willie and Vince and Jimmy and Bobby wanted to join me in taking this nostalgic look over our collective shoulders. I just hope it stirs up fond memories for everyone who hears it.”
Nelson added, “Being a part of ‘The Country I Grew Up With’ is like taking a trip down memory lane. I’m proud to be a part of this musical tribute to the country we all grew up with.”
“I’m so proud to be a part of the song ‘The Country I Grew Up With.’ I got to team up with Bill Anderson, Vince Gill, Bobby Bare and Willie Nelson to sing this song. Just to be a part of this and have someone mention my name in the same sentence as those guys is quite an honor, much less to sing this song with them. I was so happy when Bill Anderson called me up and asked me to be a part of it – I really couldn’t believe it. It’s one of the highlights of my life,” Fortune noted.
Gill reflected, “When I moved to Nashville, I had the good fortune to meet Bill, and we wrote a hit song together. What I’m most grateful for is his friendship. I’m honored that he asked me to be on this song with him and our fellow Country Music Hall of Famers.”
“Singing on ‘The Country I Grew Up With’ brought back so many memories. Bill has always had a way with words. I’m thankful for our longtime friendship and to have been included on this song,” mentioned Bare.
