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Michael Ray is kicking off a series of nods to legendary country music, starting with his cover of “Time Marches On,” by Tracy Lawrence. Ray announced his plans for the Bootleggers Sessions on Thursday (August 25), releasing the first one on Friday (August 26) and continuing through the next several weeks.
“What I love most about Country music is its storytelling… those honest tales about our lives, loves, heartbreaks and the lessons we take with us,” Ray explained on Instagram when he announced the new series. “I grew up on songs like ‘The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,’ ‘The Chair,’ ‘Time Marches On’ and so many others that have made this genre what it is and continue to inspire the music I make today!!! To put it simply, you just won’t find a bigger country music fan than this guy right here. That’s why I’m excited to announce something new… the [Bootleggers Sessions]!!! For the next several weeks, I’m gonna be dropping my own versions of my personal favorite story songs of Country music, and we’re kicking it off TONIGHT with my cover of [Tracy Lawrence’s] [‘Time Marches On’]. Let’s honor these classics and all the legends who sing them.”
Lawrence released “Time Marches On” in 1996. The title track was one of 10 songs included on the album.
“As long as I’m blessed enough to do what I love and write and sing my music, I plan to do everything I can to honor this genre and all the legends who have come before me,” Ray added on Friday. “That’s what the [Bootleggers Sessions] are all about to me! Getting things started with my version of Tracy Lawrence’s [‘Time Marches On’]. …Can’t wait for you to hear it!!” Listen to Ray’s spin on “Time Marches On” here: