Country music is about to get a whole lot more legendary with the upcoming release of ‘Trailblazer,’ a collaboration between three of its most powerful voices: Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson. This highly anticipated single is set to premiere at the ACM Awards and promises to be an emotional tribute to the women who paved the way for today’s country stars.
The song, co-written by Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, and Brandy Clark, is not just a celebration of country music’s past but also a heartfelt message of inspiration and support for future generations. With its poignant lyrics and the undeniable chemistry of these three artists, ‘Trailblazer’ is poised to become an anthem for anyone chasing a dream.
This article will delve into the story behind ‘Trailblazer,’ exploring the inspiration, the songwriting process, and the deep connection between Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson. Get ready to discover the heartfelt message behind this incredible collaboration and why it’s more than just a song—it’s a testament to the power of women supporting women in country music and beyond.
The Genesis of ‘Trailblazer’: A Song of Gratitude and Inspiration
The story of ‘Trailblazer’ began on Miranda Lambert’s back porch, where she, Lainey Wilson, and Brandy Clark came together with a specific goal in mind: to create a song that honored the legendary Reba McEntire and could be sung by all three of them. Lambert recalled, ‘We were like, ‘OK, we’re going to do a song with Reba—what kind of song do we write?”
The trio wanted to craft a message that resonated with their unique perspectives and celebrated the influences that shaped their careers. Wilson, who coined the title ‘Trailblazer,’ explained that the song is about ‘passing the torch and blazing trails for each other. Generation after generation, it’s going to continue, but we got to keep blazing those trails for the next one.’
The songwriting process was deeply emotional, with all three artists shedding tears as they poured their hearts into the lyrics. This raw honesty and genuine connection are palpable in the song, making it a powerful tribute to the women who came before them and a beacon of hope for those who will follow.
Paying Tribute to the Legends: Easter Eggs and Personal Touches
‘Trailblazer’ is filled with Easter eggs that pay homage to the iconic women who shaped country music. The lyrics namecheck ‘Dolly and Loretta, Patsy and Tammy, too,’ acknowledging their indelible mark on the genre. But the tributes don’t stop there. The songwriters also cleverly wove in personal details that connect the song to each of the three artists.
Lambert shared, ‘We wanted to lean in pretty hard to paying tribute to each person. We had to do it strategically though, because we didn’t want it to be so blatant—but more like a secret thing that you would have to listen to it twice.’ One such Easter egg is the inclusion of ‘Kerosene,’ the title of one of Lambert’s biggest hits. The song also references Wilson’s home state of Louisiana and McEntire’s Oklahoma roots, further personalizing the tribute.
By incorporating these subtle yet meaningful details, ‘Trailblazer’ becomes more than just a general homage to country legends. It’s a deeply personal and heartfelt tribute that celebrates the unique contributions of each artist while honoring the women who inspired them.
A Universal Message: Connecting Generations Through Music
While ‘Trailblazer’ is rooted in the history of country music, its message transcends genre and speaks to the universal experience of influence and legacy. Wilson explained that they wanted to create a song that ‘a grandmother and a daughter and a grandchild could listen to,’ one that resonated with people from all walks of life.
The song’s themes of gratitude, inspiration, and support are relevant to anyone who has been touched by the guidance of others or who aspires to make a difference in the world. As Lambert put it, ‘It’s about what the song means to little girls out there watching, or anyone out there watching that really has a dream or needs to be surrounded by people they love, and needs a little nudge to know they’re not alone.’
By focusing on these universal themes, ‘Trailblazer’ has the potential to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level, inspiring them to embrace their own journeys and to support those who come after them.
A Divinely Inspired Creation: The Magic of Songwriting
The creation of ‘Trailblazer’ was a truly special experience for all involved. Wilson described the songwriting process as ‘divinely inspired,’ recalling the feeling of the ‘Holy Spirit’ washing over her as the song came together. This sense of inspiration and connection is evident in the final product, which radiates with authenticity and emotional depth.
McEntire echoed this sentiment, saying that when she first heard the song, ‘I couldn’t find a flaw in it, not a word. It was that great. I was very emotional when I heard it.’ The three artists recorded ‘Trailblazer’ together in Nashville, with McEntire and her longtime producer Tony Brown co-producing the track. This collaborative effort further enhanced the song’s magic, resulting in a recording that captures the unique energy and chemistry of these three remarkable women.
The success of ‘Trailblazer’ is a testament to the power of collaboration, inspiration, and the magic that can happen when talented artists come together with a shared vision.
A Bond of Friendship: Supporting Each Other Through Thick and Thin
Beyond their shared musical talent, Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson share a deep bond of friendship that is evident both on and off stage. They talk about their group text messages and offer support and encouragement to one another. McEntire noted that the dynamic has changed significantly from when she was starting out when there were limited means of communication.
Wilson shared that she once texted McEntire feeling exhausted. McEntire told her, ‘Sometimes I have to get up [on stage] and sing for a different reason. Sing for my sister. Sing for whomever it is.’ The three women are each other’s cheerleaders, supporting each other through the ups and downs of their careers.
The friendship between Reba, Miranda, and Lainey exemplifies the power of women supporting women. By building each other up and offering a sense of community, they are not only creating incredible music but also paving the way for future generations of female artists.
Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy of Inspiration and Support
‘Trailblazer’ is more than just a song; it’s a testament to the power of collaboration, the importance of honoring those who came before, and the transformative potential of women supporting women. Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson have created a timeless anthem that will resonate with listeners for generations to come.
As Wilson aptly stated, ‘It’s not about us. It’s about what the song means to little girls out there watching, or anyone out there watching that really has a dream or needs to be surrounded by people they love, and needs a little nudge to know they’re not alone.’ With ‘Trailblazer,’ these three extraordinary artists have given the world that nudge, inspiring us all to embrace our own journeys and to support those who follow in our footsteps.
The ACM Awards stream live on Amazon Prime Video May 8 at 8:00 p.m. ET. Don’t miss the premiere of ‘Trailblazer’ and experience the magic of Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson firsthand.
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