NASHVILLE, TN. (Sony) - Multi-platinum country singer, songwriter, performer and musician
Travis Tritt isn't afraid to express his political views, nor is he opposed to hearing yours. His new single release "What Say You," a duet with rocker John Mellencamp, expresses those same sentiments at a time when the country is embroiled in heated political debate.
I BELIEVE THAT THERE'S A RIGHT AND I BELIEVE THERE'S A WRONG THAT NORTH AND SOUTH AND BLACK AND WHITE CAN SOMEHOW GET ALONG WHAT SAY YOU?
Tritt says the song celebrates the common ground we all share as American citizens despite efforts being made to divide and polarize. "Why can't we put all this partisan politics aside and just do something positive together?" Tritt says in explanation, before describing Mellencamp's participation as a perfect fit. "I love his music and have admired his integrity for years.
"The pairing of the two of us describes what the song is talking about. Two people from different sides of the political spectrum, and yet able to have a dialogue. It worked on so many levels. He loved the song and felt exactly the same way. Perfect song at the perfect time."
I BELIEVE THAT THERE'S A BASIC GOOD IN THE HEART OF EVERY MAN AND I'M NOT GOING TO CRITICIZE WHAT I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT SAY YOU?
The song has been a focus of early critical acclaim for Tritt's just-released ninth album My Honky Tonk History. USA Today raves, "Tired of the shrill tone of this election year's political music? Then try 'What Say You'...." The national daily goes on to say "...this album might be one of his best." The Associated Press chimed in saying, "...the supercharged CD is an honest and genuine affair. It has a rough country-rock edge and the pace is as frenetic as a barroom brawl. "History" just may go down as Tritt's best work to date."
I KNOW I'M NOT ALWAYS RIGHT, I DON'T THINK I'M BETTER THAN YOU I DON'T HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS, BUT I'LL SHARE MY POINT OF VIEW WHAT SAY YOU?
Tritt will discuss the song during a Monday, Aug. 23 appearance on The O'Reilly Factor with Bill O'Reilly, and will also be featured in an upcoming segment on Access Hollywood.
In other news, Tritt is joining comedian Bill Cosby's efforts to raise funds for an Atlanta-based performing arts center to be named for late soul legend Ray Charles. Tritt will perform along with James Ingram, Michael McDonald, Stevie Wonder, Gerald Levert and Angie Stone at a Cosby-hosted event scheduled for Sept. 29 at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.
And the first single from My Honky Tonk History, "The Girl's Gone Wild" has been tapped for promotional spots for the FOX show The Simple Life 2, and will be used through the end of the television season.
