About the song
“Forever Country” by Artists of Then, Now & Forever
In 2016, the country music world united in an extraordinary celebration of its history, heart, and enduring spirit. The result was “Forever Country”, a one-of-a-kind recording that brought together thirty-one of the genre’s most beloved artists—spanning generations from legendary pioneers to contemporary stars. This remarkable collaboration was more than just a song; it was a love letter to country music itself, woven together from three iconic hits: John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again,” and Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.”
The project was commissioned by the Country Music Association (CMA) to commemorate the 50th Annual CMA Awards. Rather than selecting a single track to mark the milestone, producers Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne dreamed up an audacious medley that would intertwine the melodies and lyrics of these three classics. The goal was to create something instantly familiar yet entirely new—an anthem that could honor country music’s past, present, and future in one sweeping performance.
The roster of talent was staggering. Legends like Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Reba McEntire, and Alabama stood alongside modern hitmakers like Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Kacey Musgraves. Newer voices, including Brett Eldredge and Kelsea Ballerini, shared verses with icons who had shaped the genre decades earlier. The seamless blending of generations made “Forever Country” feel like a symbolic passing of the torch—proof that while styles evolve, the soul of country music remains constant.
Musically, the medley was a masterclass in arrangement. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” formed the foundation, with its wistful chords and imagery anchoring the piece. From there, “On the Road Again” brought a burst of energy and movement, capturing the restless spirit of life on tour. Finally, “I Will Always Love You” added an emotional crescendo, transforming the song from a journey through landscapes into a heartfelt goodbye—or perhaps a promise to return. The transitions were so smooth that the three songs felt as though they had always belonged together.
Upon its release in September 2016, “Forever Country” made an immediate impact. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, a rare feat for a collaborative single, and earned widespread critical acclaim. Fans praised not only the star power but the song’s emotional resonance—it evoked nostalgia for older listeners while introducing timeless classics to younger audiences. The accompanying music video, featuring sweeping shots of American landscapes intercut with footage of the artists, reinforced the song’s central theme: country music is as much about place and connection as it is about sound.
More than a promotional piece for the CMA Awards, “Forever Country” became a testament to the genre’s unity. In an era when the music industry often divides itself into subgenres and niches, this project reminded everyone that country music, at its core, is about storytelling, emotion, and shared heritage.
Years later, “Forever Country” still stands as one of the most ambitious and heartfelt collaborations in modern country history—a moment when past, present, and future truly sang as one.
