SINGLE RELEASE

The song’s mood is established immediately by guest fiddler Deanie Richardson (Sister Sadie), who kicks it off with a smooth, soulful line that hearkens back to a once-familiar country music sound before Frank digs into the lyric’s deceptively simple narrative. Written by Phillip White and Tony Haselden — “two of my favorite songwriters in Nashville,” the artist notes — “Make Your Mama Proud” begins with a classic disclaimer before winding up in the first of three eminently singable choruses:

I don’t have a Ph.D.,
I’m a simple man but if you ask me
About my philosophy
All I’d have to tell you is…. 

Make your mama proud
Let your mama know
You’d be nowhere without her prayers, faith and hope
Make your mama smile
And know without a doubt
Everything works out
When you make your mama proud

Accompanied by a stellar cast — Richardson, banjo phenom Scott Vestal, percussionist Josh Hunt and Mountain Heart bandmates Seth Taylor (guitar) and Travis Anderson (bass), along with harmony vocalist Tina Adair — Frank navigates the song’s slinky melody and chord changes not only as a convincing vocalist, but with a deftly tuneful mandolin solo, too.

“When I went in to record this with some of my best friends, with whom I’ve spent so many days on the road and on stage, I wanted to make sure it had a modern acoustic groove but also maintained a down home sort of feel,” says Frank. “I’m really proud of what we were able to come up with. This song carries a warm, but powerful message that I know will resonate with so many people.”