Ashley McBryde, a nominee for the 2024 Country Music Association Female Artist of the Year and a Grammy winner, expressed deep emotion as she prepared to perform Kris Kristofferson’s classic “Help Me Make It Through The Night” at the upcoming CMA Awards.
With tears in her eyes, McBryde emphasized the significance of the performance, sharing her long-standing connection to the song, which she has sung since childhood. She illustrated her commitment to honoring both the song and its legendary creator, Kris Kristofferson. The song, originally released in 1970, has been covered by numerous acclaimed artists, including Sammi Smith, Willie Nelson, Joe Simon, and Gladys Knight and The Pips.
Reflecting on a memorable encounter with Kristofferson, McBryde recounted meeting him through Eric Church at BMI’s Songwriter’s Festival in Maui. The moment was particularly poignant for her as Kristofferson was a favorite of both her and her father, leaving her overwhelmed with emotion. “Once I gathered myself, and we finally met, it was wonderful,” she recalled.
In addition to her tribute, McBryde’s new single “Ain’t Enough Cowboy Songs” is set to release on December 6. Co-written with Chris Harris and Patrick Savage, the song conveys her desire to adhere to the enduring values and lessons learned from the cowboys of her youth. Expressing a sentiment that resonates with many, McBryde highlighted a sense of loss in today’s fast-changing industry, articulating the need for resilience, hard work, and kindness in a world that often seems to lack these qualities.
This heartfelt moment at the CMA Awards not only showcases McBryde’s talent and dedication to country music but also serves as a reminder of the values that shape the genre’s legacy.
In summary, McBryde’s tribute to Kristofferson reflects the deep emotional ties that artists have with their influences, while her upcoming single reveals a commitment to preserving the core principles of country music amidst industry changes. This narrative of honoring the past while forging ahead offers a hopeful view of the future of country music, emphasizing the resilience and authenticity that listeners continue to cherish.