As the autumn leaves begin to turn and the air carries a hint of nostalgia, country music fans around the world pause to reflect on a moment that forever etched itself into the genre’s storied history. On this day nine years ago—September 18, 2016—the echoes of “Forever Country” still resonate, a groundbreaking mashup that united 30 of the industry’s brightest stars in a celebration of unity, legacy, and the enduring spirit of country music. Released just two days prior on September 16, 2016, the song quickly became a phenomenon, blending three iconic classics into a seamless tapestry that honored the 50th anniversary of the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards. Today, as we look back, “Forever Country” stands not just as a song, but as a cultural milestone that reminded us why country music feels like home.
In an era where division often dominates headlines, “Forever Country” was a beacon of collaboration. Imagine the thrill of hearing legends like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson harmonize with contemporary powerhouses such as Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan. The track ingeniously wove together John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” (1971), Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again” (1979), and Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” (1973)—three songs that encapsulate the wanderlust, resilience, and heartfelt emotion at the core of country music. Produced by acclaimed songwriter and producer Shane McAnally, the project was more than a recording; it was a love letter to the genre, benefiting music education through the CMA Foundation. As we delve into the story behind this epic collaboration, prepare to be swept away by the magic that made “Forever Country” an instant classic, igniting passion in fans and inspiring a new generation to embrace country’s rich heritage.
The Genesis of “Forever Country”: Celebrating 50 Years of CMA Glory
The Country Music Association Awards, often hailed as “Country Music’s Biggest Night,” have been the pinnacle of achievement in the genre since their inception in 1967. By 2016, the CMA was gearing up for its golden jubilee—a half-century of honoring artists who have shaped the soundtrack of American life. From the early days of legends like Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn to the modern era of stadium-filling superstars, the awards show has evolved into a global spectacle, broadcast to millions and featuring unforgettable performances that blend tradition with innovation.
The idea for “Forever Country” emerged from a desire to mark this milestone in a way that transcended a typical tribute. CMA executives, led by CEO Sarah Trahern, envisioned a project that would bridge generations, showcasing the “then, now, and forever” of country music. Initially, the concept was a simple cover of one iconic song, but it evolved into something far more ambitious: a mashup that would intertwine multiple classics. Director Joseph Kahn, a Grammy-winning visionary known for his work with Taylor Swift and Eminem, suggested the mashup format after being approached for the music video. “We wanted something that felt epic, like a family reunion,” Trahern recalled in interviews at the time. The selection process involved sifting through over 40 potential songs, ultimately landing on the three that had not only won CMA awards but also embodied universal themes of home, journey, and love.
John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” a 1971 hit that evokes the pull of one’s roots, set the foundation with its folksy charm. Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again,” a road-trip anthem from 1980, added a layer of adventure and freedom. And Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” originally written in 1973 as a farewell to her mentor Porter Wagoner, brought emotional depth with its soaring vocals. These tracks weren’t chosen randomly; each had a storied history at the CMAs—Denver’s song was a cultural touchstone, Nelson’s a staple of outlaw country, and Parton’s a testament to her songwriting prowess. The mashup’s structure allowed for a fluid transition between them, creating a narrative arc that mirrored the evolution of country music itself.
Assembling the Stars: A Who’s Who of Country Royalty
What truly set “Forever Country” apart was its unprecedented lineup of 30 artists, dubbed “Artists of Then, Now & Forever.” This supergroup wasn’t just a collection of names; it was a deliberate mix of veterans and rising stars, ensuring the project honored the past while looking to the future. Coordinating schedules for such a massive ensemble was a logistical feat, with artists flying into Nashville during tour breaks or even recording lines remotely when necessary.
The full roster, in order of appearance, reads like a Country Music Hall of Fame exhibit: Brad Paisley kicked things off with his signature guitar flair, followed by Keith Urban’s electrifying energy and Miranda Lambert’s powerhouse vocals. Dierks Bentley, Randy Travis (who made a poignant silent cameo due to health challenges post his 2013 stroke), Darius Rucker, and Kelsea Ballerini brought diverse flavors, from rock-infused country to pop-tinged ballads. Heavy hitters like Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Jason Aldean added contemporary punch, while groups such as Lady A (formerly Lady Antebellum), Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, Florida Georgia Line, and Alabama infused harmony-rich choruses.
Veterans like Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, and The Oak Ridge Boys lent gravitas, their voices carrying the weight of decades in the industry. Emerging talents like Brett Eldredge, Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell, and Eric Church represented the “now,” blending modern production with traditional storytelling. And of course, the song’s originators—Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton—closed the circle, with John Denver credited posthumously, his spirit evoked through archival elements.
Randy Travis’s inclusion was particularly moving; unable to sing due to aphasia from his stroke, he appeared in the video, symbolizing resilience and the enduring bond of the country community. “It was like herding cats, but the best kind,” producer Shane McAnally joked in a 2016 interview. “Everyone understood the significance—this wasn’t just a song; it was a statement about unity in a divided world.” The artists’ enthusiasm was palpable, with many sharing behind-the-scenes stories on social media, fueling fan excitement even before the release.
The Recording Process: Magic in Nashville’s Studios
Recording “Forever Country” unfolded over three intense days in June 2016 at Nashville’s famed Sound Emporium Studios, coinciding with the CMA Music Festival to maximize artist availability. Shane McAnally, a multiple Grammy winner known for hits like “Body Like a Back Road,” orchestrated the sessions with precision, ensuring each artist’s contribution felt authentic while blending seamlessly into the mashup.
The process began with laying down the instrumental tracks, fusing the folk acoustic of “Country Roads” with the bluesy shuffle of “On the Road Again” and the balladry of “I Will Always Love You.” Engineers used innovative layering techniques to transition between keys and tempos, creating a cohesive four-minute track that felt organic rather than forced. Artists recorded individually or in small groups, often reacting to each other’s takes in real-time. For instance, Carrie Underwood’s soaring high notes on “I Will Always Love You” were inspired by Dolly Parton’s original, while Luke Bryan’s energetic delivery on “On the Road Again” injected youthful vigor.
Challenges arose, like accommodating Randy Travis’s non-vocal role, but these moments added emotional depth. Dolly Parton, recording her parts remotely from her Dollywood empire, described it as “a hug from the country family.” Willie Nelson, ever the outlaw, infused his lines with that signature laid-back drawl, grounding the track in authenticity. By the end, the studio buzzed with a sense of accomplishment—profits from sales and streams were earmarked for the CMA Foundation’s music education programs, adding a philanthropic layer that resonated with fans.
Release and Reception: A Chart-Topping Sensation
“Forever Country” hit airwaves on September 16, 2016, at 8:30 a.m. EST, debuting simultaneously on radio stations nationwide. The timing was impeccable, building hype for the 50th CMA Awards on November 2. Social media erupted with reactions; hashtags like #ForeverCountry and #CMA50 trended globally, with fans sharing personal stories of how the mashed-up classics evoked memories of road trips, lost loves, and hometown pride.
Critically, the song was a triumph. Billboard praised its “seamless blend of nostalgia and innovation,” while Rolling Stone called it “a masterclass in collaboration.” Commercially, it exploded: debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart on October 8, 2016—the third song ever to do so, following Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” and Garth Brooks’ “More Than a Memory.” It sold 93,000 downloads in its first week, topped Country Digital Song Sales and Country Streaming Songs, and peaked at No. 21 on the Hot 100. By March 2020, it had moved 454,000 units in the U.S., earning gold certification from the RIAA in 2017.
Internationally, it charted in Australia (No. 26), Canada (No. 25), and even New Zealand and the UK, proving country’s global appeal. Fans on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) shared videos of themselves singing along, with one viral post declaring, “This is what unity sounds like—country music bringing us all home.” The song’s message of timeless love for the genre struck a chord, especially in a politically turbulent 2016.
The Music Video: A Visual Masterpiece
Premiering on September 20, 2016, during ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” the music video elevated “Forever Country” to iconic status. Directed by Joseph Kahn, it featured all 30 artists performing against a green screen, with stunning CGI transforming the backdrop from misty mountains (nodding to “Country Roads”) to open highways and starry nights. Filmed during the CMA Music Festival, it captured Nashville’s vibrant energy, with crowd shots adding a communal feel.
The video’s narrative followed the song’s arc, starting with Brad Paisley in a rural setting and culminating in a group finale with Dolly and Willie. Randy Travis’s cameo, where he simply nodded along, brought tears to many viewers. Clocking in at over four minutes, it amassed millions of views on YouTube within days. Its excellence was recognized at the 2017 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards—ironically, a rival to the CMA—where it won Video of the Year, a testament to its cross-organizational impact.
Performance at the CMA Awards: A Night to Remember
The 50th CMA Awards on November 2, 2016, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena were a fitting climax. Hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, the show opened with a live performance of “Forever Country,” bringing the supergroup together onstage for the first time. The energy was electric: artists traded lines under dazzling lights, with the audience—including industry icons—singing along. Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson’s closing duet was a highlight, evoking standing ovations.
The night celebrated country’s evolution, with tributes to past winners and emotional speeches. “Forever Country” set the tone, reminding viewers of the genre’s power to unite. Viewership spiked, with over 12 million tuning in, solidifying the song’s role in the anniversary’s success.
Legacy and Impact: Echoes That Linger in 2025
Nine years later, “Forever Country” remains a touchstone for country music’s resilience. In a genre that’s seen shifts toward pop influences and streaming dominance, the song reaffirmed the value of roots. It inspired similar collaborations, like the 2019 “Old Town Road” remix frenzy, and boosted interest in music education, with the CMA Foundation raising significant funds from its proceeds.
For fans, it’s a playlist staple at tailgates and family gatherings, evoking the same joy as in 2016. Artists involved often reflect on it fondly; Luke Bryan called it “the highlight of my career” in a recent interview. As country continues to evolve—with new stars like Morgan Wallen and Lainey Wilson—”Forever Country” serves as a reminder that the roads we travel, the loves we cherish, and the homes we long for are timeless.
In 2025, as we stream the track anew, let’s raise a glass to that magical moment. “Forever Country” didn’t just commemorate 50 years of the CMA Awards; it captured the soul of a genre that will always love us back. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer, dive into this harmony—it’s a journey worth taking, again and again.
