Watch Caleb Johnson and his band The Ramblin’ Saints official music video “Solid Gold.” The new single is off the American Idol season 13 winner’s upcoming album, Born From Southern Ground set for release on June 14.
“Solid Gold,” was co-written by Rival Sons lead singer Jay Buchanan and Blair Daly, who co-wrote most of the songs on Born From Southern Ground with Caleb.
“I hold the highest admiration and respect for both Blair and Jay as musicians and people,” said Caleb in a press release. “I’ve been fortunate to have written some of the best songs of my career with Blair, and have been a massive fan of Jay’s voice and his band Rival Sons since 2010! I am honored that they would let me record ‘Solid Gold.’ The meaning of the song resonates deeply with me, because it is an anthem of pursuing your dreams and never giving up. I feel a lot of people can relate to that message on any given level of life. And singing ‘Solid Gold’ is a full circle moment for me, because I went from singing a Rival Sons song on ‘American Idol’ to having a song on my album written by the singer of that band!”
Caleb uses this album to showcase his southern roots and he channels a spirit that combines gospel, blues and rock n roll into a modern but classic and timeless sound.
Born From Southern Ground has been close to four years in the making. Recorded at Zac Brown’s Southern Ground Studio, Caleb enlisted the help of his three-time Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist cousin, Bryan Sutton, to co-produce the album. “Bryan brought my vision to life. Making this album was one of the purest, most enjoyable experiences I’ve ever had, said Caleb. “Bryan let me be me.”
A group of A-list musicians including Audley Freed, Kenny Greenberg, Fred Eltringham, Mike Webb, Tony Lucido, Angela Primm, Gale Mayes, and Devonne Michelle joined Caleb in the studio. His childhood friend and long-time guitar player Josh Sawyer also sat in on the sessions.
“This is the album I’ve always wanted to make and I’m super excited for people to hear it”, Caleb said. “It’s real, raw and honest. Music is a religious experience and can be life changing. Moving forward I hope this album will inspire others the way I was inspired when I first heard the gospel through rock ‘n roll.”
