NASHVILLE, TENN. (February 21, 2025) – Billy Blue Records is proud to announce the release of “Ruby Ann,” the newest single from Authentic Unlimited’s highly-praised album, So Much For Forever. This mid-tempo heartbreaker tells the story of someone left wondering why the love of his life has disappeared, carried by the band’s signature harmonies and skillful instrumentation. 
 
Co-written by all five members of Authentic Unlimited—Jesse Brock, Stephen Burwell, Jerry Cole, Eli Johnston, and John Meador—"Ruby Ann" captures the aching uncertainty of lost love. The song’s chorus asks, “Oh Ruby Ann, where have you gone? Why did you leave our little home?” blending sorrowful storytelling with the band’s unmistakable bluegrass drive.
 
“Authentic Unlimited has done it again,” says Jerry Salley, A&R/Creative Director of Billy Blue Records. “This song has everything you want in a great bluegrass tune: raw emotion, a melody that stays with you, and flawless vocals and musicianship.”
 
"To me, 'Ruby Ann' is the essence of a bluegrass song,” says co-writer and band member Stephen Burwell. “This song focuses on the powerful trio throughout the verses and choruses and leaves you feeling grassy.”

Building on the success of So Much For Forever—which topped Bluegrass Unlimited’s Top Bluegrass Albums Chart—and #1 singles “Fall in Tennessee” and “Big Wheels”, Authentic Unlimited continues to solidify their place as one of the most exciting acts in bluegrass today.

The band recently added to their growing list of achievements, earning four IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards in 2024, including both Song of the Year AND Video of the Year for “Fall in Tennessee,” Vocal Group of the Year, and Mandolin Player of the Year for band member Jesse Brock. They were also featured on the cover of Bluegrass Unlimited’s November issue.

With “Ruby Ann”, Authentic Unlimited once again proves that their signature blend of tradition and creativity resonates deeply with bluegrass fans. Audiences can catch them live at one of their 75+ tour stops this year.

Produced and Arranged by Authentic Unlimited

Vocals, Banjo, and Guitar: Eli Johnston

Vocals and Bass: Jerry Cole

Vocals and Guitar: John Meador

Mandolin: Jesse Brock

Fiddle and Percussion: Stephen Burwell

ABOUT AUTHENTIC UNLIMITED
Authentic Unlimited, a 2024 Grammy nominee and two-time IBMA Vocal Group of the Year, is a powerhouse bluegrass and Gospel band known for their incredible musical talent and dedication to the craft. The group features five seasoned musicians, each bringing unique backgrounds and impressive credentials. Stephen Burwell, a skilled fiddler from Texas and a former member of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, also works as a recording engineer. Jerry Cole, raised in Tennessee, grew up immersed in music and toured with bands like Pine Mountain Railroad and IIIrd Tyme Out before joining Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. Eli Johnston, originally from Missouri, discovered his passion for music early and has contributed original songs to the bluegrass world; he too has roots in Doyle Lawson’s band. Mandolin virtuoso Jesse Brock, from Kentucky, has won the IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year award three times, cementing his status in the industry. Rounding out the group is John Meador from East Tennessee, a talented guitarist and vocalist who began performing as a young teenager. Together, these five musicians form Authentic Unlimited, a group that’s quickly gaining recognition for their remarkable contributions to bluegrass and Gospel music.

8-Time 2024 IBMA Bluegrass Music Award Nominee to Be Featured on Cover of Bluegrass Unlimited’s November Issue

NASHVILLE, TENN. (September 20, 2024) – The rapidly-rising bluegrass ensemble, Authentic Unlimited, releases “Goodbye” from the So Much For Forever album today. “Goodbye” showcases the group’s exceptional harmonies and instrumental mastery and has earned the band praise for its fresh take on traditional bluegrass while staying true to the genre's roots. Listen HERE.

Jerry Cole, the writer of “Goodbye”, shares insight into the song’s emotional depth by stating, “'Goodbye' tells the story of a couple who, despite knowing their relationship is unrecoverable, refuse to leave the other. The reasoning could be fear, guilt, shame, or stubbornness. The listener can decide for themselves.”

“Heartache has never sounded so good! The hauntingly beautiful 'Goodbye', with its moving melody and its soberingly honest lyric, is yet another masterpiece written by bass player and vocalist Jerry Cole and sung with pure emotion by guitarist John Meador. ‘Goodbye’ is certain to join the growing list of Authentic Unlimited favorites,” says Jerry Salley, A&R/Creative Director of Billy Blue Records. 

The appeal of the group’s 2024 album, So Much For Forever, which is the #1 album on Bluegrass Unlimited’s Top Bluegrass Albums Chart for October, is growing rapidly following #1s for both prior singles, “Fall in Tennessee” and “Big Wheels”. Band members Eli Johnston, Jerry Cole, Stephen Burwell, Jesse Brock, and John Meador were humbled to learn recently that they will be featured on the cover of Bluegrass Unlimited’s November 2024 issue.

Continuing to captivate audiences with a satisfying blend of traditional and modern bluegrass, Authentic Unlimited solidifies its place as a leading act within the genre, evidenced by their 8 nominations in the upcoming IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards. 

Surprise! Look for a new Christmas album from Authentic Unlimited in November, 2024.

"Goodbye"

Written by Jerry Cole

Produced and Arranged by Authentic Unlimited

Vocals, Banjo, and Guitar: Eli Johnston

Vocals and Bass: Jerry Cole

Vocals and Guitar: John Meador

Mandolin: Jesse Brock

Fiddle and Percussion: Stephen Burwell

ABOUT BILLY BLUE RECORDS
Billy Blue Records is a boutique bluegrass label, home to an award-winning roster of artists including Adam McIntosh, Alan Bibey and Grasstowne, Appalachian Road Show, Authentic Unlimited, Barry Abernathy, Bob Minner, Carolina Blue, Caroline Owens, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Dave Adkins, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Donna Ulisse, Jason Barie, Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers, Kristy Cox, Marty Raybon, Tennessee Bluegrass Band, the multi-artist project Country Faith Bluegrass, and the Grammy-nominated recording Gonna Sing Gonna Shout. Founded in 2018 by Jerry Salley, Ed Leonard, and Dottie Leonard Miller, Billy Blue is distributed to retail by the Orchard (Sony) and New Day Distribution.