After years of legendary songwriting and performing before his death in 1997, Stoney Edwards’ music is finally available on digital streaming platforms at long last.
The groundbreaking and lesser known country songsmith’s music hit the likes of Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more on June 27th. With a voice evoking memories of Lefty Frizell and Merle Haggard, Edwards’ music was a primary source of joy for him and will continue to be a source of joy for those who listen to him more easily on streaming services.
Edwards’ life began in late December of 1929, as he grew up in Seminole County, Oklahoma, where he developed a passion for making music. He also dreamed of a life in Nashville, and naturally aspired to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. In a rough turn of events, he spent approximately two years in a comatose and mentally ill state due to a traumatic accident at his place of work- but Edwards’ passion for his music only increased as he got better.
With an upbeat country twang, Edward’s career took off shortly after a performance at an event for Bob Wills. Attorney Ray Sweeney assisted Edwards’ in signing with Capitol Records in the 1970s, and Edwards’ wrote Top 20 hits like “She’s My Rock” and “Mississippi You’re On My Mind” during his contract with the record label.
He was among the earliest Black country music artists to find success, and the first Black country singer-songwriter signed to Capitol Nashville. With 2022 marking the 25th year since his passing, UMG Nashville/UMe honored Stoney Edwards with the streaming debut of all six of his acclaimed 1971-1976 Capitol Records’ albums. Down Home In The Country, A Country Singer, Stoney Edwards, She’s My Rock, Mississippi You’re On My Mind and Blackbird have all been remastered from original analog tapes.
As Edwards’ music hits DSP’s, not only are we reminded of his one-of-a-kind talent and dedication to songwriting, we are also reminded of his pioneering the way for other Black country singers within the industry. Edwards not only made influential and honest music, he also made history, and now that history can be heard by the casual music streaming consumer.
