The Grass Ain't Always Greener

Words & Music by Donna Hughes

Flying Hound Publishing, BMI
Running Dog Records
Engineered by Clay Hess
Guitar-Clay Hess
Fiddle-Ron Stewart
Mandolin-Nick Keen
Banjo-Chris Wade
Dobro-Jacob Metz
Bass-Zak McLamb
Harmony Vocals-Amanda Smith

Inspired by actual events, the song tells a haunting story of temptation, consequences, and the lasting impact of choices. Hughes says the song was born from a deeply personal experience involving the suspicious death of a family member, a loss that has lingered in the hearts and minds of her family for years.

"This song is a story inspired by actual events," Hughes explains. "I had a family member who is no longer with us, and I always felt his death was very suspicious. It has eaten away at my family and me for years. This song is a testament to the fact that he will never be forgotten. Sometimes temptation presents itself as innocent and harmless but can lead to the end of someone's life or all they hold dear. Mistakes happen. The grass is truly never greener on the other side. It's a cautionary tale for all."

Written in Hughes' signature storytelling style, "The Grass Ain't Greener" delivers a powerful message wrapped in heartfelt Bluegrass instrumentation and emotional authenticity. The song serves as a reminder that the allure of something seemingly better can often come at a devastating cost.

About DAWSON ROAD

Dawson Road hit #1 with all three of their previous releases, "Daddy Never Worked on Sunday," "God Talks to Me" and "Washed Up.'  Now with another release off their "Mile 2" project, written by Brent Baxter (God Talks to Me) and co-writers, this beautiful country story song promises to be another hit.  Do not let the title fool you.  This is not another song with a Southern Gospel theme about God's grace, though there is nothing wrong with that.  This is a new twist on the word Grace, being the name of a person.  Kevin and Daniel once again have outdone themselves on vocals.  With Rick Schweinsberg's production, this feel good song will leave you wanting to hug your wife. 

After a bit of a sabbatical, with Kevin taking on a new pastorate and Daniel having shoulder surgery, not to mention a deer going through the front end of their RV, this is a refreshing addition to your programs and gets Dawson Road back on the air.  

With a voice seasoned by years of ministry and a heart molded by personal testimony, Linda Boles releases her single “Creator” to Christian radio. Rooted in the Inspirational and Southern Gospel format, the song is a stirring tribute to God’s power and presence in creation, offering listeners a worship experience that is both uplifting and reverent. Written by Boles and produced by Andy Baker, the track features vocals produced by Paul Secord and recorded at the renowned Daywind Studios in Nashville-a studio known for its connection to the Gaither Homecoming Radio program and for hosting top Christian artists including MercyMe, Michael W. Smith, and Casting Crowns. The result is a sonically rich, spiritually resonant recording that carries both warmth and reverence. With a chorus that exalts Jesus as the Maker and King of all that is right, the song is a natural fit for worship settings and gospel playlists alike.

“The song’s overall feel comes across really strong — heartfelt, faith-centered, emotional, and very much in the wheelhouse of classic Christian Country storytelling. It has that timeless family-harmony sound that feels both traditional and fresh, which fits the Fortner Brothers perfectly.”
— Charles Brady, Radio Music Group

The Fortner Brothers’ newest release, “Without You I Haven’t Got a Prayer,” is a powerful reminder of just how dependent we are on God’s grace and guidance each and every day. Featuring the family’s signature harmonies, heartfelt delivery, and strong musical roots, the song blends classic Christian Country emotion with a fresh young energy that continues to connect with audiences across generations.

Originally recorded by the legendary group Midsouth in the 1980s, the Fortner Brothers fell in love with the song the very first time they heard it and quickly made it a fan favorite during their live concerts. Whether introducing the song to a brand-new audience or bringing back cherished memories for longtime Midsouth fans, the response has been overwhelming everywhere they perform it.

With the blessing of original writer Robby McGee and the members of Midsouth, the Fortner Brothers have now brought new life to this timeless message of faith, surrender, and dependence on Christ. “Without You I Haven’t Got a Prayer” is more than a remake — it’s a heartfelt testimony delivered by one of Christian Country music’s fastest-rising young groups.

NASHVILLE, TN (May 12, 2026) - Inspirational Christian artist Linda Boles has released her moving new single “One At A Time” to Christian radio. Blending heartfelt storytelling with a gentle Inspirational and Christian Soft AC sound, the song delivers a powerful message about the value of every human life through the lens of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

Produced by Allen Bays and Shed Studios, “One At A Time” was inspired by the heartbreaking tragedies often seen in the news, where large numbers of lives lost can sometimes become reduced to statistics and headlines. For Linda Boles, those moments sparked a deeper reflection about how each person is uniquely known and loved by God. That realization became the foundation for the song’s emotional centerpiece: “One lonely man upon a cross, He died for them He died for us, He died one at a time.”

Born into a family rooted deeply in bluegrass traditions, Linda Boles has spent a lifetime surrounded by music, ministry, and faith. Her journey through personal loss and spiritual renewal has shaped her songwriting into a source of encouragement for listeners searching for hope and healing. Following the sudden loss of her first husband, Linda found herself writing songs that reflected God’s comfort and faithfulness through life’s darkest moments. More than four decades later, her mission remains centered on touching hearts rather than chasing accolades.

“One At A Time” continues that calling with lyrics that challenge listeners to see people the way Christ sees them. “We get so caught up in numbers, as though each one didn’t matter at all, but Jesus Christ knows every one of them,” Linda sings, capturing both the sorrow of human tragedy and the compassion of a Savior who gave His life for every individual soul.

Influenced by bluegrass, folk, gospel, and rock music throughout her career, Linda Boles brings sincerity and authenticity to every performance. With “One At A Time,” she offers a timely reminder that no life is insignificant and no person is forgotten in the eyes of God.

NASHVILLE, TN (April 24, 2026) – Acclaimed bluegrass and country vocalist Caroline Owens releases her powerful new single, "Evangeline," to radio today via Billy Blue Records. Following the celebrated success of "Telluride," which reached #1 on the Bluegrass Today charts, "Evangeline" marks a bold and emotional new chapter for the rising artist.

Written by Owens and Lacy Green, "Evangeline" tells the story of a woman who survived an abusive relationship, along with the urgent, heartfelt message she has for the woman who came after her. The song trades the high-energy celebration of "Telluride" for something deeper, showing a more vulnerable, fearless side of Owens as a songwriter and storyteller.

"'Evangeline' carries a weight many women know all too well, and there's no hiding from that when you step into the song. This is for the ones who learned to hide the bruises, and for those still finding the courage to leave," shares Caroline.

Produced by Darin Aldridge, the track features an all-star lineup: Suzanne Cox on harmony vocals, Cody Kilby on guitar, Andy Leftwich on fiddle, Mike Bub on bass, Matt Menefee on banjo, Jeff Parton on dobro, and Aldridge himself on mandolin.

"Caroline continues to impress me with her songwriting. She and Darin have become a great team, and this song shows a different side of who she is as an artist," says Jerry Salley, Creative Director for Billy Blue Records.

Owens continues to build her place as one of bluegrass and country's most compelling rising voices. A three-time IBMA Momentum Vocalist of the Year nominee and two-time SPBGMA Female Vocalist of the Year nominee, she has put together an impressive string of chart success, including a #1 debut with "Heartbreak Train" and ten consecutive weeks at #1 with "You've Still Got It." Look for her Billy Blue Records debut album, Low Flying Planes, coming summer 2026.

Fans can stay up to date with Caroline's latest news and tour dates by following her on social media or visiting carolineowensofficial.com.
 

"Evangeline"
Caroline Owens and Lacy Green.
(c) 2026 Billy Blue Music/BMI, a div. of Daywind Music (admin. by Music Services, Inc.)/Child of the Wild Music/SESAC. All rights reserved. Used by permission. 

Produced by: Ed Leonard and Darin Aldridge
A&R Direction: Jerry Salley

Cody Kilby / Guitar
Andy Leftwich /  Fiddle
Mike Bub / Bass
Matt Menefee / Banjo
Darin Aldridge / Mandolin
Jeff Parton / Dobro
Suzanne Cox / Harmony Vocal

ABOUT CAROLINE OWENS
Caroline Owens, a 3X IBMA Momentum & SPBGMA-nominated Bluegrass Female Vocalist of the Year, is a recording artist and songwriter for Billy Blue Records and Billy Blue Music Publishing in Nashville, TN. She has performed alongside many of the music industry's most accomplished artists such as Alison Krauss, Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent, Suzanne Cox, The Isaacs, Larry Gatlin, Larry Cordle, Carl Jackson, The Malpass Brothers, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, and many others. 
 
In addition to her undeniable vocal talent, Caroline made her mark in the songwriting industry, when her debut single, “Heartbreak Train,” claimed the #1 Bluegrass song of 2023, on the Bluegrass Borderline Charts. 
 
To add to this radio success, her song, “No More Blue Moons in Kentucky” (Featuring Darin & Brooke Aldridge), earned a coveted spot on Billboard Magazine’s list of “Eight Must-Hear New Country Songs”.
 
She is loved by fans all around the world, and is recognized easily in a crowd of singers, but not only for her talent. Her humility and down-home, southern charm ensures that Caroline Owens possesses all of the necessary qualities and skills to become a household name in the fast-moving bluegrass genre.
 
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, Bob Minner, Caroline Owens, Carson Peters & Iron Mountain, Chris Davis Band, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Dave Adkins, Grascals, Jason Barie, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, Kristy Cox, Marty Raybon, NewFound Road, the multi-artist projects Blue Collar Gospel, 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.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 1, 2026) — Billy Blue Records and Dalton Harper, member of The Harper Family, release their hard-hitting new single, "Hard, Hard Work," to radio and digitally today.

The track serves as the first taste of Hard Times & Heartaches: From the Pen of Rick Lang, an upcoming bluegrass compilation. Written by Rick Lang and Jack Shannon, "Hard, Hard Work" is a straight-from-the-gut tribute to the blue collar worker — the kind of man who's up before dawn, pouring himself out on the job, and still shows up the next morning to do it all over again. It's a song about busted knuckles, calloused hands, and the quiet dignity of earning your keep. And in Dalton Harper, the song found exactly the singer it deserved.

"Busted knuckles and calloused hands built this country. Thank you to all you blue collar boys that make the world go round! White collar boys? Hope you enjoy your air conditioning and mocha lattes. LOL," says singer Dalton.

"When writing 'Hard, Hard Work' with good friend Jack Shannon, we drew from each other's real life experience," explains Lang. "My dad instilled a strong work ethic into my brothers and me at a very early age. Times were hard when we were young, and we survived by rolling up our sleeves and working hard for every penny we made. We were blue collar through and through. I remember in my late teens working for a local construction company — digging ditches, mixing mortar, lugging bricks and cinder blocks up scaffolding all day long. Some days after work I was so tired I'd go home and fall asleep on the couch in my work clothes, get up, and go back to work early the next morning. Blue collar workers have always been the backbone of our country. This song is a tribute to them."

"The first time I heard Dalton Harper sing, I was immediately drawn to his rich baritone vocal," says Producer and Billy Blue Creative Director Jerry Salley. "And as the son of a paper mill worker, the first time I heard 'Hard, Hard Work' — co-written by my dear friends Rick Lang and Jack Shannon — I related to the lyric. America was built on the backs of the hard-working men and women all across this country. It only seemed natural to combine Dalton's gritty, identifiable voice with this new blue-collar anthem. We hope everyone enjoys Dalton's performance on this ode to the people who do all of the 'Hard, Hard Work' for all of us."

Previous Billy Blue releases featuring Lang's songwriting have been rooted in gospel. Hard Times & Heartaches takes a different turn — an all-bluegrass collection born out of a breakfast conversation between label president Ed Leonard. Lang and Salley, true to form, have assembled a who's who of the bluegrass world with some one-of-a-kind collaborations throughout.

"When I first discovered bluegrass in the mid-1980s, I was drawn to the original songs of first generation artists — Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, the Stanley Brothers, among others. They were real life, most based on personal experience. A lot of the themes centered around heartache, lost love, hard times, loneliness, life's struggles. They lived the songs they sang," says Lang.

"Early in my songwriting journey, I often found myself writing about similar themes, drawing from my own life's experience," Lang continues. "Over time I developed a decent catalog of songs centered around these topics, and later started collaborating with other writers to add new material to the collection. It occurred to me they could make for an interesting bluegrass concept album someday. Those songs became the foundation of Hard Times & Heartaches."

"Hard, Hard Work" is available now at radio and all streaming outlets. Look for Hard Times & Heartaches: From the Pen of Rick Lang this fall.

"Hard, Hard Work"
Dalton Harper, lead vocals
Jason Roller, Guitar and Fiddle
Justin Moses, Mandolin and Resonator Guitar
Mark Burchfield, Bass
Matt Menefee, Banjo
Dalton Harper and Jerry Salley, Harmony vocals
Jason Roller, recording engineer 
Chris Latham, mix, and master engineer 

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, Bob Minner, Caroline Owens, Carson Peters & Iron Mountain, Chris Davis Band, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Dave Adkins, Grascals, Jason Barie, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, Kristy Cox, Marty Raybon, NewFound Road, the multi-artist projects Blue Collar Gospel, 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.

“WON’T BE LONG” FOLLOWS #1 HIT FROM APPALACHIAN ROAD SHOW’S UPCOMING JANUARY 2026 RELEASE

High-energy single written by Cahalen Morrison arrives today; features Victor Furtado of the Sam Grisman Experience

"Did The Angels Cry" is a Country Gospel ballad that explores the crucifixion through the eyes of heaven's angels. The song asks a question that has stayed with me for a long time... as twelve legions stood silently by, watching the sacrifice unfold, did they weep? It's a song rooted in faith, written from the heart, and delivered with the warmth and storytelling tradition of Country music.

NASHVILLE, TN (January 16, 2026) – Acclaimed bluegrass hitmakers Carson Peters & Iron Mountain are set to release their latest single, a fresh, high-energy, “grassified” take on a beloved Jim Croce classic, “Walkin’ Back to Georgia,” January 16 to digital service providers and radio. The track marks the second single from the band’s upcoming album Hold On Heart, due March 27. 

Known for their fearless arrangements and virtuosic musicianship, the youthful Carson Peters & Iron Mountain bring new life to Croce’s timeless songwriting with blazing instrumentals, rich harmonies, and the kind of storytelling that bridges generations of music lovers.

“We are so excited to release this ‘grassified’ Jim Croce tune. Croce is one of the best singer/songwriters of all time, and all of us in the band love his stuff,” says Carson Peters. “We have talked about cutting this song for a long time and we’re looking forward to putting it in our upcoming performances this year. We hope our fans love it as much as we do!”

The single follows the success of the band’s first release, titled “Used to Be,” from the upcoming album and continues their reputation for blending bluegrass authenticity with mainstream-ready energy — making Carson Peters & Iron Mountain favorites on festival stages, radio playlists, and streaming platforms alike.

The song will be available on all DSPs and radio outlets beginning January 16. The full album, Hold On Heart, produced by Peters and Jerry Salley, will follow on March 27.

"Walkin' Back to Georgia"

Jim Croce. © Croce Publishing/Time In A Bottle Publishing/ASCAP. All rights Reserved. Used by permission. 

Producers: Carson Peters & Jerry Salley

Lead Vocal, Fiddle and Mandolin: Carson Peters

Guitar: Ethan Ratliff

Bass: Taylor Parks

Banjo: James McDowell

Harmony Vocal: Carson Peters and Jerry Salley

ABOUT CARSON PETERS & IRON MOUNTAIN:

Carson Peters & Iron Mountain are one of today’s most electrifying young bluegrass bands, known for jaw-dropping musicianship, dynamic live shows, and an adventurous approach to classic and contemporary material. Fronted by prodigy fiddler and vocalist Carson Peters, the group has built a devoted fanbase through national television appearances, major festival performances, and a growing catalog of acclaimed releases. Their music honors bluegrass tradition while pushing it boldly forward.

Website: https://www.carsonandironmt.com/

Socials: https://www.facebook.com/carsonandironmt

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, Bob Minner, Caroline Owens, Carson Peters & Iron Mountain, Chris Davis Band, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Dave Adkins, Grascals, Jason Barie, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, Kristy Cox, Marty Raybon, NewFound Road, the multi-artist projects Blue Collar Gospel, 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.