Colt Ford Helps Jason Aldean Score Country-Rap Hit "Dirt Road Anthem"

Georgia-born Colt Ford transitioned from golf to country music, co-writing hits with artists like Brantley Gilbert and Jason Aldean.

After transitioning from a professional golf career to country music, Colt Ford, a native of Georgia, quickly found success in the music industry. He began co-writing songs with alt-rock band Lit, as well as artists like Brantley Gilbert, Jamey Johnson, and Jeremy Popoff.

Ford's debut album, Ride Through the Country, was released in 2008 on the label he helped establish, Average Joes Entertainment. The album featured collaborations with special guests such as Johnson, No Doubt drummer Adrian Young, John Michael Montgomery, and rapper Bone Crusher. Notably, Brantley Gilbert lent his vocals to the chorus of "Dirt Road Anthem," a song he co-wrote with Ford.

The inspiration for "Dirt Road Anthem" came from the duo's experiences growing up in Georgia, attending dirt road gatherings with cold beer and bonfires. The lyrics reflect nostalgic memories of simpler times and carefree moments spent cruising down country roads.

The song gained popularity when Jason Aldean covered it on his album My Kinda Party, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and peaking at No. 7 on the Hot 100. Aldean's rendition introduced a new audience to the country-rap genre, with influences from artists like Snoop Dogg.

Despite the success of "Dirt Road Anthem," Aldean maintained that he was a country singer, not a rapper. He performed the song with Ludacris at the 2011 CMT Music Awards, showcasing the crossover appeal of the track.

Overall, "Dirt Road Anthem" remains a standout collaboration between Colt Ford and Brantley Gilbert, capturing the essence of rural life and the nostalgia of simpler times. The song's enduring popularity and unique blend of country and rap elements have solidified its place in the country music landscape.

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