“Spirit of America” Launches New Kody Norris Show Era

Award-winning country and bluegrass group The Kody Norris Show is helping kick off the America 250 celebration with the release of a new single, “Spirit of America,” the first taste of the band’s upcoming summer album. The song premiered via Whiskey Riff and offers a heartfelt tribute to the people who keep the country moving forward, from truckers on the open road and farmers working the fields to coal miners in West Virginia and service members stationed far from home.

The track centers on everyday Americans whose work, sacrifice, and resilience form the backbone of the nation. “Spirit of America” reflects a theme the band says felt natural to highlight during the milestone celebration, honoring the grit and determination found across communities large and small.

A Song That Honors the People Behind the Country

According to frontman Kody Norris, “Spirit of America” was one of the first songs the group knew they wanted to record as part of the America 250 moment. The song was pitched to the band by Rebel Records owner Mark Freeman and selected as the first single from their forthcoming album. Norris said the song is meant to recognize the “hard-working hands behind this country” and honor the people who have kept the nation moving forward for generations.

Premiered by Whiskey Riff, the release introduces listeners to the tone and spirit of the band’s upcoming project, which is expected to arrive later this summer. The track blends bluegrass tradition with a message centered on everyday life and shared national identity.

A Big Tour to Match a Big Moment

Alongside the release of “Spirit of America,” The Kody Norris Show is launching its official “Spirit of America” tour, announcing more than 60 shows across 20 states. The extensive tour schedule includes stops in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, and beyond, taking the band coast to coast throughout 2026.

One of the tour’s highlights includes the group’s first-ever appearance at RockyGrass in Colorado, where they will perform alongside artists including Punch Brothers, The Del McCoury Band, Tim O’Brien, and Steep Canyon Rangers. The wide-ranging schedule reflects the group’s growing national footprint and continued connection to bluegrass audiences across regions.

A Standout Night at the 2026 SPBGMA Awards

The momentum behind “Spirit of America” follows a standout evening for The Kody Norris Show at the 2026 SPBGMA Awards, where the group earned five honors, including Entertainer of the Year and Song of the Year for “The Auctioneer.” Kody Norris also received Guitar Performer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year, while the band took home Band Overall of the Year.

The night included an emotional moment during the group’s Friday evening performance, when Norris surprised 14-year-old Hayden “Jim” Hensley onstage with an invitation to officially join the band as its banjo player. The announcement turned an already celebratory night into a memorable milestone for the group.

A New Chapter for a Rising Bluegrass Group

With a new single tied to America 250, a summer album on the way, and a tour spanning dozens of cities, The Kody Norris Show is stepping into a busy new chapter. “Spirit of America” sets the tone for what’s ahead, pairing traditional bluegrass energy with a message centered on the people and communities that define the country.

As the band takes the song on the road, the release serves as both a musical tribute and a timely reflection on the shared spirit found across towns, highways, and back roads throughout the nation.