Sammy Sadler Honors Classic Country Roots with New “I Can’t Get Close Enough” Video Premiere

A New Chapter for a Classic Voice

Earlier this week, country artist Sammy Sadler debuted his brand-new music video for “I Can’t Get Close Enough” on The Heartland Network’s Country Music. The video will also stream simultaneously on Heartland’s live feed and the free It’s Real Good TV app, giving fans around the country the chance to experience Sadler’s return to his roots.

The single, originally written by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire and first recorded by the country band Exile, has found new life in Sadler’s hands. Filmed by Studio Dunlap in Dunlap, Tennessee, the video captures the warmth and emotion of a love song that has endured for decades. With its cinematic storytelling and authentic country imagery, it reminds listeners why Sadler’s music continues to resonate with fans who crave sincerity in a changing genre.

A Tribute to Country’s Golden Era

Sadler’s version of “I Can’t Get Close Enough” is both a tribute and a re-introduction. It features special appearances from Sonny LeMaire, J.P. Pennington, and Les Taylor of Exile, who joined him on the recording courtesy of Clear Water Records. Their collaboration connects the past and present — a moment where old-school craftsmanship meets a new generation of country listeners.

Industry voices have praised the single as one of Sadler’s strongest performances yet. Buzz Russell of KNES 99.1 FM in Texas called his vocals “outstanding” and said, “I’m not sure his voice has ever sounded better.” Nashville.com’s Jerry Holthouse added, “Sammy’s voice is pure country gold. When people listen to country music today, they hear a lot of ‘That ain’t country!’ You’d never hear that after a Sammy Sadler song.”

Sadler’s smooth sound has also earned respect from his peers. Greg Geary of KWCK 99.9 in Arkansas described him as “a great guy with an inspirational story,” while Exile’s Sonny LeMaire said, “Sammy has had more than his share of adversity and has found a way to persevere and keep believing in his dream of making music. We’re honored that he recorded our song and asked us to sing harmony vocals as well.”

From Setback to Second Act

Sadler’s career has been shaped by resilience. In 1989, he broke onto the national scene with his charting cover of Aaron Neville’s “Tell It Like It Is” and the follow-up single “You Made It Easy.” But tragedy struck when he was shot and seriously injured in the same attack that claimed the life of Cash Box chart director Kevin Hughes — a crime that became known as the “Murder on Music Row.”

Years later, Sadler returned to the stage stronger than ever with Hard On a Heart in 2004 and Heart Shaped Like Texas in 2009. His more recent album 1989, released in 2021, featured collaborations with T. Graham Brown, Marty Raybon of Shenandoah, and Larry Stewart of Restless Heart and The Frontmen.

Now, Sadler is taking his story on the road again through select shows with hit songwriter Dave Gibson (known for songs recorded by Tanya Tucker, Alabama, and Joe Diffie) as part of their Hits & History Tour. Their first show in Nashville at Chiefs on Broadway later this summer will mark another milestone in Sadler’s ongoing journey.

The Heart Behind the Song

For Sadler, this new video is more than just a release — it’s a celebration of survival, faith, and love for the music that built him. “Country music has been my greatest passion since I was a little boy,” he shared. “Filming the video for ‘I Can’t Get Close Enough’ brought this song to life in such a powerful way—it’s a reminder of how deeply love and faith can connect us. Here’s to the next chapter.”

A Story Still Being Written

With four Top 15 hits on the Texas Music Chart and a long list of accolades, Sadler continues to represent the kind of country artist who blends humility with heart. His story — chronicled in his 2019 memoir A Hit With a Bullet — remains one of perseverance and purpose.

From his early Grand Ole Opry memories to his latest project, Sadler has never stopped honoring the sound of real country music. And as “I Can’t Get Close Enough” premieres Friday, it’s clear that his story — and his voice — are far from finished.