By: John Glover (MBA)
Arkansas has long been a nurturing ground for country music talent, and among its most notable artists are Cliff & Susan, Zach McKenzie, and Pamela Hopkins. These artists exemplify the rich musical heritage of the state, each bringing their unique flair and storytelling abilities to the forefront of the country music scene.
Cliff & Susan, the dynamic married country music duo, have captured the hearts of many with their energetic performances and heartfelt music. Based in Little Rock, Arkansas, the duo has built a loyal fan base through their vibrant stage presence and deep emotional connection with their audience.
The couple will be releasing their rendition of Van Morrison’s timeless classic, “Into the Mystic,” set to be available on all major streaming platforms starting July 5, 2024. Their fresh take on the song was recorded at the legendary FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. This rendition captures the soulful essence of the original while injecting it with their signature country flair, featuring Cliff’s powerful vocals and guitar work alongside Susan’s harmonizing background vocals and Wurlitzer performance.
Their achievements include international tours, shared stages with artists such as ZZ Top, Sawyer Brown, and Niko Moon, and a performance on the national Huckabee Show. They have earned nominations and awards from the Arkansas CMAs and Josie Music Awards. Their debut album, “Fiddle & Keys,” charted in the Top 40 of the US iTunes Country Albums.
Pamela Hopkins, a million-streaming country music artist, released her latest single, “Walk of Honor,” on January 5, 2024. This emotional ballad is Hopkins’ most personal and challenging song to date, tackling the important topics of organ donation and drunk driving.
Inspired by a viral TikTok video, Hopkins wrote “Walk of Honor” after learning about the “honor walk” for organ donors. The song tells the heartbreaking story of a mother saying goodbye to her daughter, who is being honored with a final walk to donate her organs. The twist in the story reveals that the young man who caused her death through drunk driving is also saved by her daughter’s organ donation.
“This song is a story about a mother having to let her daughter go because she cannot be saved, but her organs save the lives of many,” says Hopkins. “I hope that my song touches others and if they haven’t checked that box on their driver’s license making them an organ donor, I hope they think about becoming one after listening to this song and hearing the message.”
Co-written with Arkansas Independent Artist Anna Brinker and Lonnie Abbott, “Walk of Honor” showcases Hopkins’ incredible vocals and storytelling abilities. Hopkins has been making waves in the country music scene, with her previous releases earning her multiple accolades, including a Josie Music Awards win and an Independent Music Network Awards win. She is also a three-time nominee for the Arkansas Country Music Awards.
Zach McKenzie, a country soul sensation from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, has released the highly anticipated music video for his latest single, “The Day that I Found You,” which recently achieved an impressive #7 position on the UK iTunes chart.
Directed by Joe Lane, the video features a young Zach McKenzie, portrayed by Josh Pryor, reminiscing about the pivotal moment when he performed at a club and met his wife, Rossy. Samantha Valadez stars as Rossy, capturing the essence of their love story. In a touching finale, the real-life Rossy makes a cameo appearance alongside Zach McKenzie, adding an authentic touch to the story.
“The Day that I Found You,” released on March 29, 2024, highlights McKenzie’s powerful vocals and emotive songwriting. Born in 1987 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Zachary Wayne McKenzie discovered his passion for music at a young age, influenced by his family’s regular church attendance. He honed his musical talents in high school choir before embarking on a professional music career.
McKenzie’s journey to stardom began with his victory in the 2012 Arkansas Idol, leading to a successful audition for the 12th season of American Idol. Although his journey on the show ended during the group stage, McKenzie’s talent continued to shine through various performances in Nashville and across Arkansas over the past fifteen years.
In addition to his music career, McKenzie has ventured into filmmaking, debuting as a screenwriter and director with the 2022 short film, “Joanett Road.” His diverse talents and creative vision establish him as a multifaceted artist with a promising future.
“The Day that I Found You” stands as a testament to Zach McKenzie’s artistry and musicality, blending country, soul, and gospel influences.
These Arkansas-based artists—Cliff & Susan, Pamela Hopkins, and Zach McKenzie—continue to make significant contributions to the country music scene, each with their unique styles and compelling stories. Their dedication to their craft and their ability to connect with audiences make them standout figures in the world of country music.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
