Ricky Skaggs returns with new music “Say a Prayer” after 10-year hiatus

Ricky Skaggs returns with new music in the form of “Say a Prayer,” his first release in over a decade. The track, written by Gordon Kennedy and Ben Cooper, combines elements of country, bluegrass, and rock with instruments like sitar, fiddle, mandolin, and banjo. Skaggs revealed that the song had been sitting in a vault for 15 years, originally recorded for a gospel album called Mosaic but deemed not suitable for the project at the time. Despite being able to release it earlier, Skaggs held onto the song until he felt the timing was right, especially given the current state of the world, as “Say a Prayer” addresses themes of war, greed, and more.

Having started his musical journey over 60 years ago in Cordell, Kentucky, Skaggs has had a significant impact on country music. From performing with Bill Monroe on the Grand Ole Opry stage as a child to playing alongside Keith Whitley in Ralph Stanley’s Clinch Mountain Boys and later revitalizing traditional country sounds in the ’80s with hits like “Highway 40 Blues” and “Country Boy,” Skaggs has been a central figure in the genre’s evolution. His list of accomplishments is extensive, with multiple No. 1 hits, Grammy awards, CMA Awards, Hall of Fame inductions, and even recognition from the U.S. government with the National Medal of Arts in 2020.

Despite his illustrious career and awards, Skaggs shows no signs of slowing down. He recently performed at CMA Fest and is set to join Dierks Bentley on the Off The Map Summer Tour, as well as close out the Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman series. Skaggs’s decision to release “Say a Prayer” after holding onto it for 15 years is a testament to his belief that music can serve a greater purpose beyond entertainment. By patiently waiting for the right moment to share his music, Skaggs exemplifies a dedication to using his craft as a form of ministry, emphasizing the importance of timing and intention in the creative process.