Matt Rollings, Kristin Wilkinson release all-star benefit single

Amy Grant, Keb’ Mo, Trisha Yearwood and The War and Treaty join

GRAMMY award-winning producer and piano virtuoso Matt Rollings has released a stunning rendition of “America The Beautiful” to benefit Nashville symphonic musicians, who were furloughed without pay for over six months due to the pandemic. The song was produced and arranged by Rollings and Kristin Wilkinson, and features performances by Rollings, Amy Grant, Keb’ Mo’, Trisha Yearwood and The War And Treaty. All proceeds from the song will go directly to a fund set up to support Nashville symphonic musicians in which fans can also donate.

“The global pandemic has had a serious impact on musicians in every facet of the music business. Symphonic musicians, whose livelihoods often depend on the health of a single orchestra, have been hit especially hard,” explains Rollings. “When I learned about the plight of symphonic musicians in Nashville, my home, I was moved to help. I had recently ‘discovered’ the song ‘America The Beautiful’ and realized what a beautiful and moving piece of music it was. My friend and collaborator Kristin Wilkinson and I decided to make a recording of the song for the purpose of helping these amazing musicians.”

“It was an honor to sing one of the most beautiful songs written about our nation, beautifully arranged and played by my friends Matt Rollings and Kristin Wilkinson,” adds Trisha Yearwood. “To hear my voice alongside such talented artists as Michael and Tanya of The War And Treaty, Keb’ Mo’, and Amy Grant, amplified by some of Nashville’s finest symphonic musicians, reminded me why I love music so much, and why I love America so. We are a nation that’s hurting right now, but ‘America the Beautiful’ reminds me that there is always hope that we can be who God intended us to be. Love one another.”

“This song is a balm and a prayer, a much needed reminder in these troubled times,” states Amy Grant.

Last year, Matt Rollings released his first album in over 30 years Matt Rollings Mosaic via Found Records/Dualtone Records. Glide Magazine called it, “…a mind-blowing list of guests that reads like a lineup for the Americana Music Awards… representative of his many contributions to roots music,” while The Associated Press called the album, “an entertaining celebration of a most accomplished accompanist.”

The album was met with acclaim from American Songwriter, Billboard, The Tennessean, and Rolling Stone, who premiered his version of “That Lucky Old Sun” featuring Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott.

Buddy Iahn
Buddy Iahn

Buddy Iahn founded The Music Universe when he decided to juxtapose his love of web design and music. As a lifelong drummer, he decided to take a hiatus from playing music to report it. The website began as a fun project in 2013 to one of the top independent news sites. Email: info@themusicuniverse.com