Chosen Road’s New Patriotic Album

In honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, the bluegrass-gospel band’s latest album ‘American Morning’ debuts July 3.

A detail from Chosen Road's latest album "American Morning" with band members (L-R) Zach Alvis, Chris Stockwell, Jonathan Buckner, Bradly Parsons, and Tyler Robertson. Courtesy of Chosen Road

When musician Jonathan Buckner and his bandmates recorded their latest album in Nashville, they knew they were embarking on a new chapter.

The bluegrass and gospel band’s past albums were leisurely recorded over weeks, with several trips to the studio. But their latest release, “American Morning,” was recorded in just one week; the album became the band’s sole focus over those seven days.

“We approached it totally different than any album that we’ve put out over the past 17 years. ... We just hunkered down and let it create itself,” Buckner shared with The Epoch Times.

They took a less regimented approach, letting the music and songs guide them through the record’s creation.  The result is a tribute to America and her people, and a celebration of values the country has stood for since its founding—values like freedom, family, and faith that remain vital to the country’s flourishing today.

“It was the most organic approach that we’ve ever taken to any album,” Buckner said.

‘A Band of Dads’

Cover art for Chosen Road's latest album "American Mornings," which premieres on July 3, 2026 in honor of the United States Semiquincentennial. Courtesy of Chosen Road

One of Buckner’s favorites on “American Morning” is a track called “Kitchens and Cathedrals.” The stirring ballad explores faith and how it can be fostered in everyday life. The gentle tune always makes the Chosen Road founder think of his grandmother, a matriarch who, he said, “lived to serve people.” He has fond memories of hearing her hum “Amazing Grace” while cooking. “We felt super blessed to be able to record it. ... It’s a beautiful song ... that so many people can relate to.”

When the group first started talking about making “American Morning,” they knew they wanted to release a patriotic record in honor of the United States’s 250th anniversary. But as they worked on the album, a multifaceted track list formed. “There are songs that talk about family … and everyday life in America,” Buckner shared. And there are plenty of songs celebrating freedom. But for Buckner and his bandmates, the songs around family especially strike a chord.

“We are a band of dads. Every member of the band is a dad, and we are in the era of rearing young children right now,” he said. “Family is so important.”

Drawing on bluegrass stylings, roots music, and gospel, “American Morning” features some of the band’s signature song releases as well as reimagined tracks. “I Love This Land,” a new tune focusing on the beauty found in everyday America, is also featured on the record. The early July release marks the first full-length album for Chosen Road in three years. It follows in the footsteps of two Billboard No. 1 bluegrass albums for the band, 2023’s “It Never Gets Old” and the festive 2022 release, “Appalachian Christmas.”

‘What Makes America Beautiful’

Rooted in bluegrass and built on faith and family, Chosen Road has performed at churches, festivals, and concert halls across the country for over 17 years. Courtesy of Chosen Road

As the members of Chosen Road expand their families, a new generation of musicians is forming. “All of our kids, they all love music. They all have instruments,” Buckner shared. Sometimes, the band even brings them on stage during shows for an impromptu jam session. “We bring them up on stage at the end [of the concert]. And we have to do it at the end because once we do that, then it’s over,” Buckner said with a smile. “Nobody wants to see us anymore,” he joked. “They just want to see the kids.”

Buckner said he loves playing shows throughout the United States because each region of the country is unique, but he is always taken by Alaska’s beauty when the group visits the state to perform. Aside from the beauty of America’s natural landscapes, Buckner appreciates the people he meets along the way. “What truly makes America is the people,” he reflected. “It’s not just a collection of states and landscapes. What makes America beautiful are the people who call it home.”

“American Morning” premieres on all major music platforms July 3 via Daywind Music Group and Thoroughbred Records.

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