Willie Nelson just teamed up with all ten of the ACM New Artist of the Year nominees for a special, socially-distanced video of his 1980 hit, “On the Road Again,” a song that seems all the more timely since everyone is off the road right now, because of COVID-19. Proceeds from the song will go to the ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund.
“The Academy is honored to work with Willie Nelson and all 10 ACM Awards New Artist Nominees to create a new contemporary version of the classic ‘On the Road Again (ACM Lifting Lives Edition)’ that is so poignant for our current times,” Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music, said in a statement. “This is a powerful way to showcase so many of our newer and fast-rising artists alongside one of our genre’s most legendary artists and iconic songs of all time.
“It feels very appropriate that this event will raise much needed funds for our country music industry members in financial crisis through our ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund,” he continued. “A huge thank you to the artists, Ross Copperman and Jimmy Robbins as well as our friends at Warner Music Nashville for donating their time to this important project.”
For Russell Dickerson, the timing of releasing “On the Road Again,” couldn’t be better.
“That’s our cry right now,” Russell told People. “That’s our anthem. I can’t wait to be on the road again with all my friends.”
It’s been a big week for a few of the ACM New Artist of the Year nominees. Lindsay Ell released her vulnerable sophomore Heart Theory album on Friday, August 14, while Caylee Hammack dropped her freshman If It Wasn’t For You record. Morgan Wallen also released a new track, “7 Summers,” from his If I Know Me project.
Other artists appearing in the special edition of “On the Road Again” include Ingrid Andress, Gabby Barrett, Jordan Davis, Riley Green, Cody Johnson and Tenille Townes.
The 2020 ACM Awards were moved from their original date of April 5 to September 16, also switching locations from Las Vegas to Nashville, due to the coronavirus pandemic. The ACM Awards will now take place at the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium and the Bluebird Cafe. Keith Urban, who was set to host in April, is still planning to host, although the Academy of Country Music has not revealed any more details, including whether or not a live audience will be permitted.
The awards will air live on CBS, beginning at 8:00 PM ET. Download or stream “On the Road Again” here.
