Pony Bradshaw has released a compelling animated video for his historically-influenced new song “The Long Man,” off of his forthcoming album "Thus Spoke the Fool" (out August 16th via Soundly Music). The acclaimed singer-songwriter honors the Cherokee people and the land they once inhabited in North Georgia, where Bradshaw resides with his family.
“‘The Long Man’ is a historical song about our region. To the Cherokee, the Long Man is a personification of the river, whose head lays in the mountains and feet stretch to the sea,” says Bradshaw. “Some folks believe in the legend, passed down through generations, which tells the story of a spectral figure who wanders and watches over the rivers and mountains of Cherokee land.” Watch “The Long Man” HERE.
He adds, “I grew up in East Texas in a region dubbed the Ark-La-Tex (where Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana join together. It also includes the southeastern tip of Oklahoma). Growing up, us kids were always told we were part Cherokee. When I moved to North Georgia 20 years ago, I knew nothing about where the Trail of Tears began, nor the geography and culture of the people. Turns out, I ended up right at the beginning of it all. I dove into the history of the Cherokee soon after and still read about and visit rivers and mountains they once lived by and in. The Cherokee’s existence, the knowing what happened here, and how they honored the land and respected these rivers and mountains is palpable. I never want to romanticize it, but I also don’t want it to be forgotten.”
"Thus Spoke the Fool" is a captivating 10-song collection and the final chapter in a trilogy that started with Bradshaw’s critically acclaimed "Calico Jim" in 2021 and continued with "North Georgia Rounder" in 2023. Bradshaw’s songs serve as odes to the land and language of Appalachia. His songwriting overflows with sincerity and features vivid imagery that transports the listener as though they were deeply immersed in a novel.
Bradshaw’s 2023 celebrated release "North Georgia Rounder" earned raves from Rolling Stone, Brooklyn Vegan, No Depression, Holler, and more. Bradshaw continues his rich character-driven songwriting on "Thus Spoke the Fool," as he depicts the landscapes and people of his beloved North Georgia community.
Catch Pony Bradshaw on tour (dates below). Visit www.ponybradshaw.net Listen to “The Long Man” at your preferred DSPs HERE.
Pre-save "Thus Spoke the Fool" HERE.
Pony Bradshaw 2024 Tour Dates
- July 19 – Teton Village, WY – Mangy Moose
- July 20 – Gallatin Gateway, MT – The Westerner
- July 22 – Billings, MT – Pub Station
- July 25 – Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theatre
- July 27 – Davenport, IA – Raccoon Motel
- August 10 – Camino, CA – Delfino Farms
- August 11 – San Francisco, CA – The Chapel
- August 13 – Los Angeles, CA – Moroccan Lounge
- August 15 – San Diego, CA – Casbah
- August 16 – Pioneertown, CA – Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
- August 17 – Flagstaff, AZ – The Museum Club
- August 18 – Phoenix, AZ – Valley Bar
- August 21 – Denton, TX – Dan’s Silverleaf
- August 29 – Winston-Salem, NC – The Ramkat & Gas Hill
- August 30 – Mill Spring, NC – Earl Scruggs Music Festival
- September 5 – Athens, GA – 40 Watt Club
- September 6 – Nashville, TN – The Ryman
- September 7 – Indianapolis, IN – HI-FI Indy
- September 12 – Shreveport, LA – Louisiana Grandstand
- September 14 – Pryor, OK – Born & Raised 2024
- September 15 – Oklahoma City, OK – Beer City Music Hall
- October 3 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall
- October 4 – Saint Paul, MN – Turf Club
- October 19 – Waverly, AL – Standard Deluxe
- October 30 – Houston, TX – The Heights Theater
- October 31 – Ft. Worth, TX – Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall
- November 1 – Austin, TX – Sagebrush
- November 2 – San Antonio, TX – Sam’s Burger Joint
- November 8 – Pineville, KY – Bell Theater
- November 9 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl Nashville
- November 14 – Raleigh, NC – The Rialto Theatre
- November 16 – Atlanta, GA – Terminal West
