Country Star Jamey Johnson Breaks Silence with First So…read more
After a 14-year hiatus, country music’s Jamey Johnson is set to release Midnight Gasoline, his first solo studio album since 2010’s The Guitar Song. Known for his distinctive deep voice and outlaw country style, Johnson’s return to the studio has excited fans and marked a renewed chapter in his musical journey. The album, set to drop on November 8, 2024, includes 12 tracks featuring collaborations with industry talents like Randy Houser and Chris Stapleton, as well as recent singles “21 Guns” and “Sober,” which Johnson has already previewed with listeners.
Midnight Gasoline is the first installment in Johnson’s Cash Cabin Series, a nod to the iconic Cash Cabin Studio in Tennessee. This studio, once home to Johnny and June Carter Cash, holds historical and personal significance for Johnson, who stated he had long dreamed of recording there. Produced with the support of Warner Music Nashville and Johnson’s own Big Gassed Records, this album is just the beginning of what he envisions as a series of Cash Cabin sessions.
Johnson’s return comes after years of personal and professional challenges. In a recent interview, he opened up about his struggle with alcoholism, which he has battled in order to rebuild his life and career. Songs like “Sober” reflect his journey, delivering raw insights into addiction and self-recovery. “I barely survived. Everything just went up in flames, and I had to wait for it to all come to ashes before I could start to rebuild,” he explained, noting that his sobriety has been essential in reigniting his creative spark.
The passing of Toby Keith, a close friend and fellow musician, was another motivator in Johnson’s decision to return to the studio. Keith’s death reminded Johnson of the brevity of life and the importance of preserving his musical legacy. “After he passed away, it hit me that his discography was complete, and it made me want to finish my own,” he shared, reflecting on the motivation Keith’s memory inspired.
For longtime fans, Midnight Gasoline is a comeback worth the wait. Johnson’s return to the studio not only marks his revival as a musician but also shows a deeply personal transformation, making this album release one of the most anticipated events in country music this year.