The son of a country music legend has recently unveiled a treasure trove of unreleased songs, sparking excitement and nostalgia among fans of the genre. This revelation comes as a significant moment in the world of country music, offering a glimpse into the legacy of one of its most iconic figures.
The announcement was made during a special event held at the Nashville Visitors Information Center at Bridgestone Arena. The event, hosted by the Fountains of Musica Foundation, featured live performances from notable country artists, including Rodney Atkins, who performed his hit song “Caught Up In The Country.” The atmosphere was electric as Drake Milligan and Cooper Alan also took the stage, delivering a rousing rendition of “Rocky Top.”
The Fountains of Musica Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to completing the privately funded commission of sculptor Alan LeQuire’s work, “Musica,” organized the event. The sculpture, installed in 2003 on Buddy Killen Circle, is a prominent feature of Music Row and is considered the largest bronze figure group in the United States. The foundation has been working tirelessly to install fountains around the sculpture, and the event provided an update on this long-awaited project.
In a poignant moment, Grammy-winning producer and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Desmond Child announced the new name for the fountains: “The Boudleaux and Felice Bryant Fountains of Musica.” This name honors Felice Bryant and Diadorius Boudleaux Bryant, Nashville’s first professional songwriters, who penned timeless classics such as “Rocky Top.”
Del Bryant, the son of the legendary duo, spoke passionately about the significance of the project. Standing alongside his wife, Carolyn, and son, Thaddeus, he expressed his deep connection to the location and its symbolic importance to the city of Nashville. “We’re taking a LeQuire work of art to the top of Music Row, right next to ASCAP and BMI, the houses that songs built,” Bryant said.
The foundation also launched a community-wide fundraising campaign to support the three-fountain project, which is estimated to cost $12 million. The design, created in partnership with Water Entertainment Technologies, includes a central fountain surrounding the sculpture on Buddy Killen Circle, a second fountain in Owen Bradley Park, and a third cascading fountain in the median of Division Street.
Andrée LeQuire, president of the Fountains of Musica Foundation and wife of the sculptor, emphasized the unifying power of the fountains. “These fountains will help unite us and draw us together in public places to celebrate, reflect, connect, and inspire,” she said. The goal is to raise $2 million by December to keep the project on track for a November 2020 opening.
The unveiling of the unreleased songs by the son of the country music legend adds a layer of historical significance to the event. These songs, long hidden from the public, offer a rare glimpse into the creative process and legacy of one of country music’s most influential figures. Fans and historians alike are eager to explore these new additions to the genre’s rich tapestry.
The event also highlighted the ongoing efforts to preserve Music Row, which was placed on the “America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places” list by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2019. Increased commercial development in the area has threatened the historic significance of this iconic location, making the foundation’s work even more crucial.
As the son of the country music legend shared these unreleased songs, the crowd was reminded of the enduring power of music to connect generations and preserve cultural heritage. The songs, filled with the raw emotion and storytelling that define country music, resonated deeply with those in attendance.
The event was a celebration of both the past and the future of country music. It honored the legacy of the genre’s pioneers while looking forward to new artistic expressions and community projects. The unveiling of the unreleased songs serves as a reminder of the timeless nature of country music and its ability to capture the human experience in all its complexity.
In a world where music often serves as a bridge between the past and the present, the release of these songs is a significant moment. It offers fans a chance to connect with the roots of country music and appreciate the artistry that has shaped the genre. As the community comes together to support the Fountains of Musica project, the spirit of collaboration and celebration that defines country music continues to thrive.
The son of the country music legend has not only shared a piece of his family’s history but has also contributed to the ongoing narrative of country music. These unreleased songs are a testament to the enduring legacy of the genre and its ability to inspire and unite people across generations.
