Receives Special Proclamation
Thoroughbred Recording artist, Chosen Road, recently blessed the Tennessee State Senate with live acoustic performances of the hymn “It Is Well With My Soul” and a newly-recorded song, “2XBORN”, which was co-written by Tennessee State Senator Rusty Crowe. The group was on hand to receive a special resolution from the Tennessee State Senate. The resolution, co-sponsored by Senator Crowe and State Representative Jay Reedy, recognized Chosen Road “whose artistic endeavors bring joy to and enhance the well-being of the citizens of the state (of Tennessee).”
The full proclamation reads as follows
“Whereas, it is our privilege to recognize those musical groups whose artistic endeavors bring joy to and enhance the well-being of the citizens of this State; and, Whereas, one such entity is Chosen Road, a bluegrass gospel band with a unique and captivating sound that blends world-class Appalachian instrumentation and gospel music; and, Whereas, since the band’s formation in 2009, founding members Jonathan Buckner, Zachary Alvis, Tyler Robertson, and Josh Hicks have been perfecting their craft, releasing six albums and performing at festivals, fairs, churches, and theaters across the United States and overseas; and, Whereas, over the last fifteen years, Chosen Road has garnered widespread acclaim, reaching No. 4 on Billboard’s Bluegrass Albums chart with the 2020 release, Appalachian Worship, which remained in the Top 10 for an impressive thirty weeks; the group’s 2021 album, Appalachian Hymns, spent eight weeks in the Top 10 of the same chart; and, Whereas, in 2022, Chosen Road landed atop Billboard’s Bluegrass Albums chart with its first holiday album, Appalachian Christmas, which debuted at No. 1; a No. 2 debut on the chart came the following year with 2023’s It Never Gets Old, which received much critical acclaim and saw the lead single “ I Want To Be Just Like You,” reach No. 1 on Bluegrass Today’s radio airplay chart; and, Whereas, all told, Chosen Road has produced eight top-ten bluegrass radio singles, including the No. 1 hit “When I Get Home”; in addition to the group’s outstanding chart success, Chosen Road has gained notoriety performing alongside bluegrass greats Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Dailey & Vincent, and The Isaacs, as well as contemporary Christian music artists Phil Wickham, Zach Williams, and Crowder; and, Whereas, with deep roots in the Baptist tradition, Chosen Road has an on-going partnership with the North American Mission Board’s Church Replant and Revitalization Team, through which they help raise awareness about the number of churches that close each year; the group also recently wrote and recorded the theme song for The Rural Pastor’s Podcast; and, Whereas, Chosen Road’s music is not only inspiring and uplifting but also a testament to the group’s unparalleled talent and dedication; the band members’ exceptional ability to combine traditional Appalachian sounds with their passion for spreading the Gospel has earned them a well-deserved place among the top bluegrass artists in the industry; and, Whereas it is most fitting that we recognize the continuing legacy of this phenomenal group on this special occasion; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING, that we recognize and commend the members of Chosen Road on their many important contributions to bluegrass gospel music, extending our best wishes for the group’s continued success. Adopted: February 5, 2024.”
Chosen Road members Jonathan Buckner, Zach Alvis, Tyler Robertson, Josh Hicks, and Chris Stockwell, along with Thoroughbred Records A&R Director, Jerry Salley, and label president, Ed Leonard, were on hand for the special festivities.
“It was a profound honor to receive an invitation to showcase two of our songs on the floor of the Tennessee State Senate chambers,” stated group founder, Jonathan Buckner. “The recognition of our 15 years in the music industry left us humbled and grateful. We extend our sincerest gratitude to Senator Rusty Crowe and the members of the Tennessee State Senate for their encouragement and support of our music. We are also grateful to the people of Tennessee for always providing us with a platform to share our music with the world. Our music has always been about positively impacting the world, and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue doing so.”
Senator Crowe gave a hearty welcome to the group and used the opportunity to thank the Senate for unanimously passing the ELVIS Act which will help protect the name, image, likeness, and voice of artists and all person in the age of artificial intelligence. The state of Tennessee led the nation in protecting the rights of creatives in the passing of this law.
For more on Chosen Road, visit chosenroadmusic.com.