Robert Abernathy, the Alabama-born country music star, is set to drop a new holiday song and music video tomorrow, November 10th, featuring recording artist and Miss University of Alabama Marissa Luna. The song, titled “Christmas Eve Alone,” is a heartwarming ballad that is a new spin on an old tale, told from the perspective of Mrs. Claus, who unfortunately must spend each Christmas Eve alone each holiday season.
Abernathy, who is known for his rich vocals and soulful songwriting, teamed up with Luna to create a truly special holiday song. Luna’s angelic voice perfectly complements Abernathy’s, and their harmonies are simply breathtaking.
“Christmas Eve Alone” is a song that tells a Christmas story from a perspective never told before. “Paul Cofer brought me the basic concept behind this song. There are so many Christmas songs that are great, but we wanted to present a story that had never been told,” Abernathy said. “What if we told a story about Christmas Eve and all that Santa hypothetically experiences without his one true love, Mrs. Claus? Santa spreads all this joy and happiness around the world while she sits alone at home.”
This song also reaches beyond the confines of a Christmas tale. “I am sure many people can relate to this fictional concept,” Abernathy expands. “How often do people across the US and other countries that celebrate Christmas find themselves in a similar situation? Christmas Eve, to me, was always centered around family and the holiday spirit. But unfortunately, that’s not always the case in every household.”
Robert Abernathy’s journey to country music stardom is one of passion, persistence, and talent. From his humble beginnings strumming a pawn shop Mickey Mouse guitar in the early 90s to his recent success as the 2023 Alabama Male Country Artist of the Year, Abernathy has never wavered in his pursuit of his dream.
Born and raised in Alabama, Abernathy’s love of music began at a young age. He picked up a guitar and taught himself how to play from his favorite bands, including Diamond Rio, Alabama, Eagles, and Restless Heart, paving the way for his unique songwriting melodic style.
“In high school, a few friends and I started picking around and playing songs at church or at camps or anywhere someone might listen,” Abernathy recalls. “It progressed to playing shows around the country and ultimately coming away with a 1st place prize at The Grand Ole Opry in 1995. But life took us all in different directions a year later.”
And that direction for Abernathy was to become an educator. “The next 26 years as a teacher went by quickly. I wouldn’t change it for anything, though. I made so many lasting relationships and have such great memories of being in the classroom and coaching kids. But it wasn’t always easy,” Abernathy said. Even though he was busy with his teaching and coaching career, he never stopped playing music on the side. “I was playing 2-3 shows per week and balancing teaching and coaching while maintaining a family with projects around the house and kids’ schedules. Life was hectic,” he recalled.
Then, in 2020, Abernathy’s story took a different turn. While playing a show of his original music, a booking agent who happened to be in the audience took a chance on him and offered up a weekly residency in Nashville. This opportunity led to more shows than he could handle as a teacher in Alabama, traveling back and forth to Nashville. “It was time to choose. I had some momentum and was at the end of 25 years. My wife and I mapped out our options, and everything pointed north to Nashville,” he said.
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With that, Abernathy and his crew packed their bags and, since that time, have been on a roll. He has released several successful singles, including the most recent, “Redneck Magic .”He won the title of Alabama Male Country Artist of the Year at the Alabama Music Awards Show and made it to the top among 59,000 submissions at the Josie Music Awards as a finalist for three prestigious categories, including the top award, “Entertainer of the Year.”
He performs his own songs and serves as the lead singer in two tribute bands: one for the Eagles and one for Alabama. He is also working on new music, planning for his next tour, and releasing an EP in January.
Today, Abernathy is living his dream, proving that life doesn’t end the day you hang up your teaching badge or coaching whistle. Abernathy’s story is an inspiration to anyone who has ever dreamed of pursuing a career in music. It shows that with hard work, dedication, and a never-give-up attitude, anything is possible.
Look out for his new song, “Christmas Eve Alone,” dropping on Friday, November 10th.
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