It has been a while since Woodville native Kree Harrison has released any new music, but the singer/songwriter is back on record with a duet titled “Military Wife.”
The song, which was written by Wes McClelland, who also sings with song with Harrison, was recently released to help celebrate the country’s 250th Independence Day celebration. It was released to radio and to all digital streaming platforms.
Both artists on the song have deep Southeast Texas roots, as McClelland is a native of Orange, and the two artists describe the song as “a heartfelt tribute to the strength, sacrifice and unwavering faith of the families who stand beside America’s service members.”
McClelland based the song’s lyrics on a handwritten poem that his niece, Elise Burgamy, wrote, and the lyrics tell the story of the quiet courage of the title character loving someone from afar who is serving the country, overseas.
The song, which was recorded in Franklin, Tenn. By Dave Hagen, features Grammy Award-winning musician Andy Leftwich on fiddle.
Many Tyler County residents will recall Harrison, who began singing at events as a small child and later captivated the nation’s attention as a runner-up on American Idol in 2013
At the age of 36, the singer-songwriter is a music industry veteran, having done her time in Nashville, and having toured for several years.
Harrison told the Booster in 2013 during her “Idol” run that music has been her lifelong passion. “I think I sang before I talked,” she said. “From the beginning I knew I wanted to be an artist and sing my songs.”
Harrison followed her “Idol” fame with a pair of albums, This Old Thing in 2016 and Chosen Family Tree, which was released six years ago. That album featured the single “That’s How Hearts Get Broken,” which was co-written by hitmakers Chris and Morgane Stapleton and Liz Rose.
With “Military Wife,” the song is gaining traction, but for those who buy a digital copy of the song, 20% of the purchase goes to Soldiers’ Angels, a nonprofit organization that helps provide aid, comfort and resources to the military and veteran community.
