The epic video created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the CMAs was named Video of the Year at the ACM Awards on Sunday, April 2. The win is a testament to the mutual respect and admiration within the country music community.
“Forever Country” produced by Shane McAnally and directed by Joseph Kahn was the first production of it’s kind. It features 29 artists from different eras. The song is a mashup of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson and “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by the late John Denver.
After accepting the award, producer Shane McAnally reflected on the recording experience. He recalled the morning Dolly visited the studio to record her “I Will Always Love You” parts. He said,
“I can tell you that the vocal that’s on it is the first thing that came out of her mouth. It is completely untuned and it is exactly the way she sang it the first time. There are no words for that moment.”
Dierks Bentley and Luke Bryan hosted the 52nd Annual ACM Awards in Las Vegas, NV.
Forever Country was nominated along with the following:
Grammy-winning director, Joseph Kahn has created a masterpiece in the new "Forever Country" music video. It's Country music's history, legacy, tradition, evolution and future on a spectacular moving canvas.
While her self-described simple lyrics from "I Will Always Love You" are woven throughout "Forever Country," Dolly Parton's presence in the video is nothing short of enchanting.
Dolly, Willie Nelson and 28 artists appear in what can only be described as the most incredible celebration of the genre since its inception. From breathtaking scenes within the Blue Ridge Mountains to a street view of the historic Ryman Auditorium the images tug on the heartstrings of generations of country fans. Watch closely for a glimpse of legends like Randy Travis, Charley Pride and Alabama. Current stars are also in the mix including Vince Gill, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood.
CMA 50th "Forever Country" is a mashup of "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by the late John Denver, "On the Road Again" by Willie Nelson and Dolly's "I Will Always Love You."
Viewers of ABC's "Dancing With The Stars" received a sneak peek of the "Forever Country" video during the Tuesday night episode on Sept. 20. The world premiere was held online at ForeverCountry50.com.
"Forever Country" was introduced to radio listeners on Friday, Sept. 16. Proceeds from the sale of this once-in-a-lifetime collaboration benefit the CMA Foundation, which donates millions to support music education in schools.
The 50th Annual CMA Awards will air live from Nashville, TN on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016.
"Forever Country" is a mashup of three Country mega hits by Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and the late John Denver.
Thirty legendary and current Country superstars including Dolly and Willie appear in this first-of-its-kind, genre-specific music video directed by Grammy Awards Winner, Joseph Kahn. It’s hailed as the biggest music video in the history of the format.
Together "Take Me Home, Country Roads," "On the Road Again" and "I Will Always Love You" make up "Forever Country." These songs are not only synonymous with the icons who made them famous, but each one is a timeless classic. All three have taken their rightful place both in music and in American Pop Culture.
"Forever Country" hits radio airwaves on Friday, Sept. 16 at 8:30 a.m. EST and the highly anticipated video will debut on Tuesday, September 20.
Proceeds from the sale of "Forever Country" benefit the CMA Foundation, which donates millions to support music education in schools.
The 50th Annual CMA Awards will air live from Nashville, TN on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016.
