Rick Marshall takes country music fans on a nostalgic journey with his latest single, “Classic Country (Rocks My World).” While contemporary country has its merits, Marshall makes it clear that nothing beats the original sound. In this energetic and heartfelt tribute track, Marshall salutes 33 iconic country music legends like Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, George Jones, and Tammy Wynette—all in just 3 minutes and 12 seconds.
Set against a backdrop of rhythmic snare drums and a soulful slide guitar, Marshall’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of driving down the road with windows down, paying homage to the “greats” who shaped country music’s legacy:
When I’m on the road driving through your town,
I got my windows open and the music loud.
I’m paying my respects to all the greats,
All their music and the hell they raised!
A Song Born Behind the Wheel
Marshall reveals that the song’s inspiration came to him while working as a construction truck driver in Ontario, Canada. With long hours behind the wheel and few distractions, he found himself humming lines until they evolved into the finished tribute.
“I had a lot of time to myself,” he recalls, “so I’d sing the lines over and over, waiting for the next one to arrive. By the end of a week’s driving, I had pretty much finished the song.”
Rooted in Country Tradition
Marshall’s love for classic country runs deep. Growing up in Kelligrews, Newfoundland, he was surrounded by family kitchen parties, where guitars, fiddles, and traditional songs filled the air. His transition from country music fan to performer was solidified in 1994, after attending a Johnny Cash concert at The Bismarck Hotel in Chicago. Meeting Cash that night was a pivotal moment for Marshall.
“Johnny Cash was a hero of mine. Meeting him felt like a sign that this is what I was meant to do.”
Marshall then spent years fronting the band Covered in Cash, dedicated to performing the music of the Man in Black. Alongside his tribute performances, Marshall was busy writing original material that caught the attention of producer Dean Miller (son of country legend Roger Miller). Invited to Nashville’s famed Sound Emporium Studios, Marshall worked with Miller to record a series of songs—resulting in a collaboration with some of the industry’s most talented musicians.
A Dream Team of Country Musicians
Marshall was joined by a stellar lineup of musicians, including drummer Shawn Fichter and keyboardist Billy Nobel (both regulars with Tim McGraw and Faith Hill), bassist Sam Hunter (Willie Nelson, George Strait, Glen Campbell), and electric guitarist Troy Lancaster (nominated for ACM’s Guitarist of the Year). The sessions were further enhanced by the talents of steel guitarist Steve Hinson, acoustic guitarist Pat McGrath, and backing vocalist Tania Hancheroff, all seasoned veterans in the country music scene.
“Working with these amazing musicians and seeing Dean in action was like a master class in production,” says Marshall. “My songs tell my life story, and Dean brought that vision to life. It’s been an incredible experience, and I’m excited to share these tracks with my fans.”
Showcasing New Music in 2024
Throughout 2024, Marshall has been gradually releasing new tracks from his Nashville sessions, with “Classic Country (Rocks My World)” leading the charge. Other highlights include “Viva México”, an ode to his personal journey from Newfoundland to Nuevo Vallarta; “Legend of the West,” inspired by stories from his grandfather; and “Grass Is Always Greener,” a reflective ballad about lost love.
Each release continues to establish Marshall as a rising star in the country music world. With a deep reverence for the genre’s roots and an undeniable knack for storytelling, Rick Marshall is proving himself a force to be reckoned with in both traditional and contemporary country circles.
Rick Marshall’s “Classic Country (Rocks My World)” is more than a song; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the legends who paved the way for today’s artists. As Marshall continues to release new music, fans of classic and modern country alike should keep their eyes on this talented singer-songwriter.
