Heartland Premieres Kory Caudill Video

Hot on the heels of the release of Kory Caudill's Song For Appalachia EP, the title cut music video has premiered on Heartland TV's "Country Music Today" and "Third Shift." The moving instrumental video includes beautiful and haunting scenes from his Eastern Kentucky roots. Prior to shooting the video, Kory asked folks to send photos that told their personal story for consideration to be used in the video. "It's been incredible to give people the opportunity to play a part in sharing our story as Kentuckians."

"Kory's talent and his passion for Appalachia and the area where he grew up really shine through his music," said Jeff Moseley Executive Producer for CJM Productions. "The first time I heard this song and saw the video, I knew it was perfect for Heartland."

Kory's vision was to present the video in three segments - land, family and community. The breathtaking land includes areas reclaimed from past strip mining. For the final awe-inspiring scene, Kory carefully transported a grand piano up to the top of a mountain area.

The second segment is about coal miners, the backbone of Eastern Kentucky. "Generations of miners have sacrificed more than can be put into words, and they deserve our country's gratitude." Kory featured his grandfather, Julius Mullins, in the segment. "Papaw spent 45 years in the mines after serving in World War II, and during his time as chief treasurer of U.M.W.A, he fought successfully to give miners a safe work environment and fair pay."

The third segment is about Kory's parents, Keith and Kathi Caudill. "In an effort to highlight the people who have made our region great, I had to include Mom and Dad. I truly believe that Eastern Kentucky's musical heritage is among the richest in the world."

As executive director of the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg, the elder Caudill created an environment centered around giving local artists a place to be themselves, develop their craft and become torch bearer's for the area culture. "The two of them have touched countless lives, and given young artists an advantage that isn't available anywhere else."

"This has been the most rewarding project I have ever been part of," said Kory. "The content the community shared with me brought me and those involved to tears several times throughout this process. I could never fully capture what Appalachia means to me in a song, but this is my attempt at doing so."

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