Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Billy Ray Cyrus’ New Music is not Being Played for Being ‘too Country’

by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Fresh from his massive collaboration with country rapper Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus dropped his new music. Wanting to get traction from the summer hit “Old Town Road,” the singer was expecting a little bit of attention for his music. When Billy learned that he was not being played by country radios, he called them out and their response shocked the singer.

billy ray cyrus
via Pinterest

Billy Ray Cyrus’ New Song is ‘Too Country’

Billy Ray Cyrus made a huge comeback with his collaboration with Lil Nas X. Their remix of “Old Town Road” made a historic run at the Billboard charts and the singer wants to capitalize this moment to make new music for himself. His song “Chevys and Fords” was penned by McGuire, Jordan Walker, and consistent hitmakers Rodney Clawson and Ben Hayslip.

His new single was released during the height of his song with Lil Nas X, so he expected it to also gain some attention from new fans. This was not the case since he found out what happened with the promotion of his new song. A meeting was held at Music Row due to the failure of the song. The singer then found out that there were no ads for the song and that one of the radio consultants deemed his track as “too country.”

billy ray cyrus, chevys and fords
via YouTube

The singer responded with shock:

“I had to hit myself in the head and go, ‘What the fuck did I just hear?’ This truly was my WTF moment. I said, ‘Do they realize what they’re saying and who they’re saying it about? … Yes, I am Billy Ray Cyrus from Flatwoods, Kentucky, and I love country music and a great country song. ‘Chevys and Fords’ had both elements that I love.”

This incident only motivated him to do another track that is inspired by his disappointment. Billy Ray Cyrus might even call it “Too Country.”

Listen to his new song here:

Latest Stories

Luke Combs stands over his Music City Walk of Fame star in disbelief, honored and humbled by the city that made his country dreams real.

Luke Combs Receives His Star on the Music City Walk of Fame and Still Can’t Believe It

“Wow, that’s unbelievable. That is really unbelievable.” That’s what Luke Combs whispered to himself as he stood over his brand-new star on the Music City Walk of Fame, hands on ...

Blake Shelton, Trace Adkins, and Clint Black lit up Opry 100 with a high-energy tribute to ’90s country that brought the house to its feet.

Clint Black, Trace Adkins, and Blake Shelton Lit Up the Opry Like It Was 1995

Blake Shelton stepped out of the spotlight and into the Circle, and just like that, the Opry turned into a ’90s jukebox with the volume cranked all the way up. ...

Kenny Chesney, June Carter Cash, and Tony Brown are inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, honoring their lasting impact on the heart of the genre.

Kenny Chesney, June Carter Cash, and Tony Brown Join the Country Music Hall of Fame

This year’s Country Music Hall of Fame class isn’t just packed with talent. It’s a blend of history, reinvention, and the kind of passion that defines entire eras. With the ...

Vince Gill’s voice trembled as he performed Go Rest High on That Mountain at Opry 100, dedicating the song to his mother’s 100th birthday year.

Vince Gill’s Voice Trembled at the Opry as He Sang “Go Rest High” for His Mama

Before Vince Gill sang a single note at the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary celebration, he stepped to the mic and offered something more intimate than a song. “This song ...

Trisha Yearwood opens up about a touching act of kindness from Reba McEntire early in her career—a moment she never forgot and finally shared.

Trisha Yearwood Reveals the Kindness From Reba She Never Spoke About—Until Now

When Trisha Yearwood stepped up to accept her Hollywood Walk of Fame star, she didn’t just thank the music industry or the fans who’ve followed her since “She’s in Love ...

Trisha Yearwood receives her Hollywood Walk of Fame star, standing proudly on her own after decades of grace, grit, and musical legacy.

Trisha Yearwood Finally Cemented Her Spot on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

It’s a certain kind of full circle when a woman whose voice once stopped people in their tracks in 1991 stands on a Hollywood sidewalk, surrounded by friends, fans, and ...

Dolly Parton was moved to tears as the Grand Ole Opry sang I Will Always Love You in tribute to her late husband, Carl Dean.

Dolly Parton Hasn’t Stopped Crying Since the Opry Sang Her Goodbye to Carl Dean

It’s not every day you see Dolly Parton lost for words. But when the Grand Ole Opry gathered to sing her song back to her—“I Will Always Love You”—as a ...

These 12 country artists got sober and came back stronger, turning their struggles into powerful songs that hit harder than any barroom anthem.

12 Country Artists Who Got Sober and Sang Like Never Before

The bartender knew his name. That was the problem. Before Jason Isbell wrote “Cover Me Up,” before Walker Hayes found grace in a church parking lot and Morgan Wade tattooed ...

Dolly Parton had one rule before joining Sabrina Carpenter on a song—no swearing or disrespecting faith, keeping it pure country and true to her values.

Dolly Parton Had One Rule Before Singing With Sabrina Carpenter

Dolly doesn’t cuss, and she sure doesn’t compromise. Before Dolly Parton ever sang a note on Sabrina Carpenter’s deluxe cut of “Please Please Please,” she laid down the kind of ...

Alan Jackson brings Chattahoochee to Opry 100 with timeless charm, transporting the crowd back to 1993 in a moment that felt like home.

Alan Jackson Brought Chattahoochee to the Opry Stage Like It Was 1993 Again

Alan Jackson walked out like it was just another Wednesday night. No drama. No spotlight-chasing. Just boots, a cowboy hat, and the steady presence of a man who’s been singing ...

Leave a Comment

For security, use of Google's reCAPTCHA service is required which is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.