News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

COLT FORD


BIO:
Colt Ford is back with his best album ever and all it took was a return to his roots. “I went backwards,” Colt says. “I went back to Ride Through The Country.” Which is not to say Colt simply re-hashed his breakthrough album. Quite the contrary, in fact. 'Declaration of Independence,' released on Colt’s own Average Joe's Entertainment, will no doubt go down as one of the most noteworthy releases this year, which is saying a lot for a man who has already sold nearly a million albums and 3 million downloads. From planting his patriotic flag on the album’s first track, "Answer to No One, "and closing the album with a prayer on the poetic, honest, and heartfelt "Angels and Demons," which features a conversation with God, the Athens, GA native has covered every human emotion on this record and then some. Longtime collaborator Shannon “Fat Shan” Houchins handles production duties on the album, all-star producer Dann Huff (Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts) also adds his skills to Colt’s groundbreaking effort. In all, Colt wrote or co-wrote 14 of the album’s 15 tracks. “This album is very real and honest and by far the best record I’ve ever made,” Colt says with pride. “The last two records—I stand up and cheer for them—but I tried to make a lot of people happy on the last two records and I took the edge off of it. On this record I put the edge back on there.” The former professional golfer and collaborator with Jermaine Dupri is used to adversity, taking country music by storm at a time when Nashville labels deemed him “not pretty enough” and country radio sees him as too distinct to add to their playlists. The fact is Colt Ford is hard to categorize is exactly why he’s been successful. His fans appreciate his diverse musical talents by the boatloads, as a visit to one of his shows will prove. Colt’s list of guests superstars on 'Declaration of Independence' is an impressive one. Jason Aldean, for whom Colt co-wrote the smash “Dirt Road Anthem,” lends his vocal talents to “Drivin’ Around,” while Jake Owen adds his unique spin on “Back,” the album’s first single. “Jason and I tried to do songs on the last two records and we just hadn’t found the right song,” Colt says of the duet with Jason. “As soon as I heard this one I knew it was the right song. It’s fun. It’s Jason being Jason and me being me.” And while it’s the lone song on the album Colt didn’t write—it was penned by hit tunesmiths Craig Wiseman, Rodney Clawson and Chris Tompkins—he calls “Drivin’ Around” a “gigantic” tune. Similarly, Colt says he and Jake were just looking for the right song, which they found in “Back”— a very personal song that Colt co-wrote. With a strong hook and powerful verses, the song will make everyone that hears it want to call their mom and dad to talk about growing up. His collaboration with Darius Rucker on “Way Too Early” is another of the album’s highlights. “I’ve known D for a while and he’s got such a distinctive voice. I thought this song suited him very well,” says Colt. “The song says it all: Sometimes late comes way too early. Everyone can relate to that. Sometimes things are over way to soon.” Meanwhile, Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn fame guests on “All In” and label mates Montgomery Gentry add their distinctive gusto to “Ain’t Out Of The Woods.” “That’s as country honky tonk as you can possibly get,” Colt says of the former tune. Those familiar with Colt’s lotta-fun-legacy shouldn’t be surprised that Declaration of Independence is chock-full of good time anthems and left turns. “I hear artists say, ‘I’ve got 10 songs and they’re all singles.’ Well, I don’t know if I want to even hear that record, because that shouldn’t be the case,” Colt contends. “If you did 10 songs and they’re all singles you did a whole album of vanilla. I would prefer to have a few different flavors. Just because something isn’t designed as a single, doesn’t mean it’s not a great song.” While some may see Colt’s duet with Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men on “Happy In Hell” as a strange combination, Colt disagrees. “Great songs are great songs,” he says. “I don’t care who sings them. I just like making the coolest songs I can make. At the end of the day I’m a country artist 100% through and through, but that don’t mean you can’t like other music.” For the legion of fans that have seen Colt’s live shows—over 750,000 did in 2011 alone—“the edge” is what they’ve come to expect. In the same way that a superstar athlete leaves everything he has on the field, Colt knows no other way to perform than to be all in. “I give it everything I’ve got when I go out on stage,” he says. “It’s about the fans. That’s my goal, to reach and touch as many people as I can. I don’t really have any goals beyond that. I’m so blessed and lucky to play music for a living.” That Colt has seen little love from mainstream media and radio only heightens his resolve to get his music in the hands of his fans. “I’m definitely an underdog,” Colt admits. “There ain’t no question about that. Everything about me says I shouldn’t be able to do what I do.” Perhaps it’s that sense of not belonging that allows Colt to connect to his blue-collar fans. “There’s nothing about me that ain’t country,” Colt says with a laugh. As millions of fans and Colt’s artist friends know, truer words have never been spoken.

Latest Articles


Singer Songwriter Lane Smith Releases New Country-rock Single 'bleed' Photo Singer Songwriter Lane Smith Releases New Country-rock Single 'bleed'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - September 20, 2024

Lane Smith has released his new single 'Bleed,' a country-rock track depicting a toxic relationship. The song features Smith's twangy vocals and was written by Smith, Frankie Courtney, and Wesley Pace....

Colt Ford Cancels Tour Dates Through August Amid Health Troubles Photo Colt Ford Cancels Tour Dates Through August Amid Health Troubles
by Josh Sharpe - April 15, 2024

Country-rap star Colt Ford remains in the Intensive Care Unit at a Scottsdale, Arizona hospital following a heart attack after his show in Gilbert, Arizona at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row on April 4th. In the past week, Ford has made significant progress in his recovery and his condition is slowly b...

Colt Ford & Krizz Kaliko Share 'Hoodbillies' EP & Release 'Big Yeah' Music Video Photo Colt Ford & Krizz Kaliko Share 'Hoodbillies' EP & Release 'Big Yeah' Music Video
by Michael Major - October 09, 2023

Colt Ford and Krizz Kaliko, also known as the Hoodbillies, have released their six-track self-titled EP, available for purchase and stream on all digital platforms via Average Joes Entertainment. Along with their new project, the fun-loving duo has also released their official music video for their ...

Jelly Roll Collaborates With Country Rap Artist Kendall Tucker Photo Jelly Roll Collaborates With Country Rap Artist Kendall Tucker
by Michael Major - July 24, 2023

The new single follows the success of his previous single “Stickup” featuring MYXED and Three Six Mafia co-founder Project Pat as they get ready for Tucker’s forthcoming project set for release later this year. For this new single Kendall has connected with the hottest Country/Rap artists Jelly Roll...

Jayne Denham Collaborates With Colt Ford on 'Moonshine' Photo Jayne Denham Collaborates With Colt Ford on 'Moonshine'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - February 23, 2023

Five-time Golden Guitar nominee Jayne Denham has released her new single 'Moonshine,' featuring American singer, rapper, and songwriter Colt Ford. ...

Austin Tolliver Announces Debut Album 'Ride 4 Me' Photo Austin Tolliver Announces Debut Album 'Ride 4 Me'
by Michael Major - March 23, 2022

This 12-track collection walks though the rollercoaster of emotions Austin has trekked through this past year and taps into his wide-ranging influences from Tupac and Nelly to George Strait and Tim McGraw. Singles from the forthcoming album that have been catching ears include the title track, “Ride...

George Birge Announces Solo Self-Titled Debut EP Photo George Birge Announces Solo Self-Titled Debut EP
by Michael Major - February 04, 2022

The new project will feature 5 tracks, 4 of which George co-wrote, including the singer/songwriter’s viral hit “Beer Beer, Truck Truck,” and current single “Mind On You.”  Among the new tracks is “Whiskey Side,” a song which labelmate and Platinum artist Matt Stell also had a hand in writing. Pre-sa...

New Medicine Releases New Single 'Life Like This' Photo New Medicine Releases New Single 'Life Like This'
by Michael Major - December 15, 2021

Hard rock band, NEW MEDICINE, released their new single 'Life Like This' via Imagen Records! Frontman Scherer (aka Jake Rose) currently resides in Nashville where he writes and produces songs for country and rock artists like, Florida Georgia Line, Jimmie Allen, Colt Ford, Cassadee Pope, Adelitas Wa...

Average Joes' 'Mud Digger 12' Compilation Will Drop July 2 Photo Average Joes' 'Mud Digger 12' Compilation Will Drop July 2
by Sarah Jae Leiber - June 15, 2021

Also featured on 'Mud Digger 12' are country-rap stars Nappy Roots, Sarah Ross, the 'Mud Digger King,' Lenny Cooper, and more of the genre's top-selling artists....

Christine Kindred Debuts Stunning Video for 'Heartbreak Heart Attack' Photo Christine Kindred Debuts Stunning Video for 'Heartbreak Heart Attack'
by Sarah Jae Leiber - May 27, 2021

Throughout the song, the couple are seen driving in their truck, sitting on opposite ends of their bed as they contemplate their future, and walking hand in hand as she struggles to decide what decision to make....

Colt Ford Releases New Single 'When Country Comes Back' Photo Colt Ford Releases New Single 'When Country Comes Back'
by Sarah Jae Leiber - May 07, 2021

'The sentiment in 'When Country Comes Back' so perfectly expresses how I feel - there couldn't be any sweeter words to my ears,' said Ford. 'I'm so thankful to be back out on the road with my band playing live music and seeing the fans again.'...

Dusty Black's 'Places To Run' Lyric Video Premieres Today Photo Dusty Black's 'Places To Run' Lyric Video Premieres Today
by Sarah Jae Leiber - February 25, 2021

'Places to Run,' Dusty Black's emotional new single written by Josh Mirenda, Taylor Phillips and Brock Berryhill, and produced by country star Colt Ford and Grammy award-winning producer, Noah Gordon, is set for release Friday, February 26, 2021....

Sam Grow Signs With APA Nashville Photo Sam Grow Signs With APA Nashville
by A.A. Cristi - February 02, 2021

Singer/songwriter Sam Grow is kicking off the New Year by signing with APA Nashville. The rising country music star will also release his new single, 'This Town,' on February 12, 2021. Written by Grow, Keesy Timmer and Wil Nance, the song is produced by country star Colt Ford and Grammy-Award winnin...

Travis Tritt, Lee Brice, Toby Keith, Cole Swindell Perform In A Three Night Country M Photo Travis Tritt, Lee Brice, Toby Keith, Cole Swindell Perform In A Three Night Country Music Series For Diamond Tournament Of Champions
by Stephi Wild - January 11, 2021

Diamond Resorts, a global leader in the hospitality, vacation ownership and entertainment industries, is thrilled to welcome an electrifying lineup of country music's biggest stars to the stage in a private live concert series during the 2021 Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions presented by Insu...

Dusty Black To Release Debut Single 'Right Church, Wrong Pew' Photo Dusty Black To Release Debut Single 'Right Church, Wrong Pew'
by Sarah Jae Leiber - October 16, 2020

Rising country artist, Dusty Black, will release his debut single, 'Right Church, Wrong Pew,' October 23, 2020 on Black Label Country Records. ...

Country Artist Sam Grow's New EP, “Me And Mine,” Set For Release Friday, October 30 Photo Country Artist Sam Grow's New EP, “Me And Mine,” Set For Release Friday, October 30
by A.A. Cristi - October 12, 2020

'Me And Mine,' country artist Sam Grow's new five-song EP produced by multi-platinum country star, Colt Ford, and Grammy-winning producer, Noah Gordon, is set for release via Average Joes Entertainment October 30, 2020. ...

Everlast Announces Live Acoustic Youtube Livestream On July 25th From Combustion Live Photo Everlast Announces Live Acoustic Youtube Livestream On July 25th From Combustion Live
by Kaitlin Milligan - July 23, 2020

Multi-platinum, GRAMMY Award-winning artist EVERLAST has partnered with Combustion Live for an interactive live and acoustic show on July 25th, 2020 broadcast directly to fans worldwide via the Combustion Live Youtube Channel....

Everlast Releases New Video For 'Dream State' Directed By Jason Goldwatch Photo Everlast Releases New Video For 'Dream State' Directed By Jason Goldwatch
by Kaitlin Milligan - December 12, 2019

Multi-platinum, GRAMMY Award-winning artist EVERLAST has dropped a new music video for his 'Dream State' directed by Jason Goldwatch, watch below!...

Jamey Johnson Surprises Colt Ford at the Grand Ole Opry with RIAA Award Photo Jamey Johnson Surprises Colt Ford at the Grand Ole Opry with RIAA Award
by Kaitlin Milligan - September 18, 2019

When COLT FORD took the stage last night (9/17/19) at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, little did he know the surprise that awaited him as he exited the stage after his performance and standing ovation. Country star Jamey Johnson presented FORD with an RIAA gold certified plaque marking sales of mor...

Colt Ford to Drop Seventh Album Later This Month Photo Colt Ford to Drop Seventh Album Later This Month
by Abigail Charpentier - September 03, 2019

Country star and million-selling artist COLT FORD has announced September 20 as the release date for his much-anticipated seventh album, WE THE PEOPLE VOLUME 1 (Average Joes Entertainment). The 14-song album includes the latest hit. 'Slow Ride,' the groove-driven song featuring guest vocals by numbe...

Colt Ford Releases SLOW RIDE As Latest Single and Lyric Video Photo Colt Ford Releases SLOW RIDE As Latest Single and Lyric Video
by Tori Hartshorn - August 08, 2019

Country rap pioneer and million-selling artist COLT FORD tomorrow (August 9) releases 'Slow Ride' as the latest single from his seventh album WE THE PEOPLE VOLUME 1 (Average Joes Entertainment) due out this fall. The song's lyric video, featuring footage of FORD on tour, premiered today at Billboard...

Brodie Stewart Premieres BORN AMERICAN Music Video Featuring Colt Ford on Heartland's Photo Brodie Stewart Premieres BORN AMERICAN Music Video Featuring Colt Ford on Heartland's 'Country Music Today'
by Tori Hartshorn - April 15, 2019

San Francisco-based southern rocker Brodie Stewart is thrilled to reveal that his new music video for 'Born American' - featuring Colt Ford - made its world premiere on Heartland's Country Music Today on Saturday, April 13 at 6:05 pm ET/PT, with re-airings on Sunday, April 14 at 12:05 am ET/PT, and ...

Jimmie Allen, The Cadillac Three, and Resurrection to Take the Stage at Cotton Eyed J Photo Jimmie Allen, The Cadillac Three, and Resurrection to Take the Stage at Cotton Eyed Joe
by Kaitlin Milligan - January 09, 2019

East Tennessee's most legendary nightclub, Cotton Eyed Joe, is excited to announce their January and February 2019 live concert lineup, which brings Jimmie Allen, The Cadillac Three, Resurrection and The ChillBillies to the stage....

Cotton Eyed Joe Welcomes Carly Pearce, Uncle Kracker, Michael Ray, Lindsay Ell & Cody Photo Cotton Eyed Joe Welcomes Carly Pearce, Uncle Kracker, Michael Ray, Lindsay Ell & Cody Johnson with Jacob Bryant in November
by Tori Hartshorn - October 29, 2018

East Tennessee's most legendary nightclub, Cotton Eyed Joe, is proud to announce their #ShowAtTheJoe November lineup which brings Carly Pearce, Uncle Kracker, Michael Ray, Lindsay Ell & Cody Johnson with Jacob Bryant to the stage....

EVERLAST Share New Single IT AIN'T EASY Photo EVERLAST Share New Single IT AIN'T EASY
by Tori Hartshorn - August 31, 2018

'It Ain't Easy,' the new single out today (August 31) from multi-platinum, GRAMMY Award-winning artist EVERLAST is a soulful track that further cements him as a heartland working class hero. ...











Videos

Recommended For You