HIS COLLABORATION WITH CARLENE CARTER
 Veterans Day is November 11 and comes in the wake of the recent release of “An American Hero,” Dion’s latest single that features Carlene Carter. That confluence has prompted Dion to comment on the song and its meaning at this time. He remarked, “The song ‘An American Hero’ is about the people who make sacrifices, every day in every place. They do this by doing their jobs — doing little things with a spirit of service. They make sacrifices for the sake of their families, their friends, their co-workers, their customers, for people who are sick and in need. They spend their lives, bit by bit, a little at a time.”He continued, “But veterans are the ones who laid it all on the line. They risked their lives. They placed themselves in harm’s way. And they did it all for the sake of others. They did it to protect and rescue and defend other people. Veterans are the true American heroes, and yet they don’t look for personal glory, so they often get ignored and neglected. It’s good we have at least a day every year when we make ourselves take notice and give honor. I hope it’s obvious to listeners that ‘An American Hero’ especially applies to these men and women. I hope every time the record spins it gives honor where it’s due.” Carlene Carter, who is featured on “An American Hero,” noted, “Both my dad, Carl Smith, and my stepfather, Johnny Cash, served their country. Dad was in the US Navy while World War II was still raging, and ‘Big John’ enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War. I think of them both on Veterans Day — and every day — as heroes. I’m most thankful that I have this chance to honor them with the song Dion asked me to record with him.”Link to view “An American Hero” video  “An American Hero” was written by Dion and Mike Aquilina, and released through Keeping The Blues Alive Records; the track is out in advance of an entirely new album from Dion that is slated for March. It’s just the latest effort from the artist who has maintained a significant presence in American music over the course of an unprecedented eight decades. He has been especially prolific of late with 2020’s Blues With Friends and 2021’s Stomping Ground. Those albums included collaborations with a wide range of guest artists including Joe Bonamassa, Brian Setzer, the late Jeff Beck, John Hammond, Van Morrison, Joe Louis Walker, Jimmy Vivino, Billy Gibbons, Sonny Landreth, Paul Simon, Samantha Fish, Rory Block, Patti Scialfa, Bruce Springsteen, Boz Scaggs, Eric Clapton, G.E. Smith, Keb’ Mo’, Marcia Ball, Mark Knopfler, Peter Frampton and Rickie Lee Jones, with liner notes by Bob Dylan (Blues With Friends) and Pete Townshend (Stomping Ground).Stream “An American Hero” Over the course of his lengthy career Dion has used his music to underscore issues facing his fellow citizens including “Abraham, Martin and John,” released in the aftermath of the assassinations of Martin Luther King, John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy as well as “Your Own Backyard,” in which he confronted his own drug addiction. He noted, “‘An American Hero’ came about in the same way as ‘Abraham, Martin, and John.’ Both songs capture the mood of a strange and uncertain moment in our life as a nation. Both look for a hopeful way forward.” The track’s release is accompanied by a new music video featuring Dion and Carlene, as well as scenes of ordinary Americans in pursuit their lives and dreams. Dion expressed great enduring admiration for his duet partner and the legacy she represents. “She’s a member of the Carter Family who were there when country music began. I’ve always loved this girl’s voice. She’s so beautiful and sings with such heart; she’s so authentic. I just love the presence she brings to the song.” Carlene Carter commented, “I was flattered and delighted when Dion got in touch and asked me to join him on this song. It’s about self-reliance and unity and doing what you can for those you cherish most. I can’t help but characterize it as a heroic effort and I’m proud to have been part of it.” Dion is also a consultant with producers of The Wanderer, the Broadway-bound musical that is his life story. Directed by Kenneth Ferrone and Charles Messina’s book, the initial run of the show at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ was the subject of critical acclaim with Broadway World calling it “a moving, no-holds-barred new musical about the glow of the spotlight, the shadow of addiction, and the triumph of the human spirit against all odds, set to the iconic sound of an incomparable era in American music.” The New York Times review noted the show “succeeds on sheer sonic strength,” with reviewer Juan A. Ramírez adding,“I was continuously charmed by this throwback-y musical and its angel-voiced ensemble.” About Keeping the Blues Alive RecordsJoe Bonamassa and his long-time manager, Roy Weisman, have put their decades of expertise to use with their new venture,Keeping the Blues Alive (KTBA) Records. The independent record label is an offshoot of Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation, Joe Bonamassa’s non-profit that aims to conserve the art of music in schools and preserve the rich culture and history of the blues.Since its inception in 2020, KTBA Records has proven to be a driving force in the music industry, taking on talented artists and propelling them into the spotlight. The label has released albums for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Dion, Chicago blues queen Joanna Connor, legendary Detroit-based blues guitarist Larry McCray, British blues rock sensation Joanne Shaw Taylor, iconic Wet Willie vocalist and harmonica player extraordinaire Jimmy Hall and dynamic vocalist and king of Bayou Soul, Marc Broussard. Each album has received worldwide critical acclaim as well as topping the Billboard Blues Album Chart. This is only the beginning for KTBA Records. With its roster of talented musicians and success in the industry, the label has many new projects on the horizon, working synergistically with the non-profit’s mission of supporting musicians.10% of all profits from KTBA Records are donated to the foundation.KTBA Records represents Bonamassa’s continuing efforts over the last 25 years in support the artistic community and reflects the philosophy of paying it forward just as so many did for him in the hope of paving the way for musicians for years to come. To support KTBA Records mission and its talented artists, visit KTBARECORDS.COM now. www.diondimucci.com www.carlenecarter.net |
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