A Concept Album From The Kody Norris Show – Spirit Of America
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Rebel Records has announced the release by the award-winning bluegrass entertainers The Kody Norris Show. They are marking the occasion with the release of Spirit Of America, the band’s first-ever concept album. The project brings the group’s trademark rhinestones, high-powered traditional musicianship, and unmistakable showmanship to a patriotic collection honoring the people, places, faith, service, and shared stories that helped shape America. Adding to the day, The Kody Norris Show will make its 10th appearance on the Grand Ole Opry tonight, celebrating the new album from one of country music’s most iconic stages.
Spirit Of America is our way of tipping our hat to country music, bluegrass music, and everyday people who made us who we are,” shares bandleader Kody Norris. “When you think about America at 250 years, you think about big history, but you also think about the farmers, truckers, soldiers, coal miners, families, churches, small towns, and front porches that still carry that history forward. We wanted this album to feel proud, joyful, respectful, and full of life: the way we feel when we get to carry this music across the country every night – Kody Norris.
Spirit Of America
The album features two original songs written specifically for the project: Good Ol’ USA, penned by Kody Norris and Grand Ole Opry performer Larry Chunn, and United We Stand, written by Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris and Conrad Fisher. The collection also breathes fresh bluegrass life into beloved American standards including Davy Crockett and The Battle of New Orleans, connecting generations through songs that have been woven into the nation’s musical heritage.
Among the album’s standout moments is a stirring reimagining of Gene Autry’s 1949 classic The Bible on the Table and the Flag Upon the Wall, offering a thoughtful reflection on the values that have united generations of Americans. Back in the Country paints an affectionate portrait of small-town life, while the Curly Seckler-penned A Purple Heart honours sacrifice with heartfelt emotion. Do Unto Others delivers a timeless message of compassion, and Declaration of Independence marks an important milestone for the band as Mary Rachel’s first original instrumental composition, proving that powerful stories can be told without a single lyric.
The album’s title track, Spirit of America, has already become a fan favorite during the band’s live performances, celebrating hardworking Americans whose daily contributions often go unnoticed. As communities across the country prepare for America250 celebrations, the song stands as an uplifting anthem for backyard barbecues, county fairs, hometown parades, and patriotic gatherings.
Fans can download or preview Spirit of America here.
With Spirit Of America, The Kody Norris Show delivers more than a collection of songs. It offers a joyful reminder of the traditions, resilience, and shared experiences that continue to unite Americans. At a historic moment for the nation, Spirit Of America celebrates not only where America has been, but the enduring spirit that continues to carry it forward.
About The Kody Norris Show:
Kody Norris Show
The Kody Norris Show continues bringing bluegrass music to both core fans of the genre and new audiences. They are a youthful voice in bluegrass music, and insiders have awarded them multiple IBMA & SPBGMA Nominations and wins, including Entertainer of the Year, Instrumental Group of the Year, Guitar Performer of the Year for Kody Norris, and Fiddler of the Year for Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris. The Kody Norris Show’s album All Suited Up (2021) charted at #7, and Rhinestone Revival (2023) at #8 on the Billboard charts.
Their trademarked high-energy style delivers an unrivalled live show experience. The band has played the Ryman Auditorium, Grand Ole Opry, SiriusXM, and other stages worldwide. Rife with rhinestones, loaded with laughs, and a heaping helping of high-powered traditional music, The Kody Norris Show is truly one of a kind.
About Rebel Records:
Rebel Records is the leading independent record label dedicated to promoting and preserving Traditional Bluegrass Music. Rebel’s current roster includes Larry Sparks, Peter Rowan, Big Country Bluegrass, High Fidelity, The Kody Norris Show, Starlett & Big John, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run and Rrinaco. Known for innovation and excellence since 1960, Rebel has introduced many of the most important artists of the genre, from the Country Gentlemen and Seldom Scene to Blue Highway, Lonesome River Band and IIIrd Tyme Out. In addition to its cutting edge presence in contemporary Bluegrass, the label has also been a home for legendary traditional artists like Ralph Stanley, Del McCoury, Rhonda Vincent and Dave Evans.
