Being in the country music community for the past thirteen years, Scotty McCreery is still a force to be reckoned with in 2024, celebrating his sixth number one song, “Cab in a Solo,” with a celebration in Music City yesterday (July 31).
Written by McCreery himself — alongside Brent Anderson and Frank Rogers — “Cab in a Solo” was the most added tune at country radio upon its debut in August of 2023. The track ultimately became the talented singer/songwriter’s fastest rising song to reach number one, topping the charts in May of 2024.
Making waves before his sixth studio album, Rise and Fall, was even released, “Cab in a Solo” was clearly an impressive feat for McCreery, causing the country music community — from songwriters to producers to publishers and beyond — to come together for this thrilling celebration at Broadcast Music Inc (BMI).
Upon arriving at BMI in Nashville, Tennessee, attendees were treated to hors d’oeuvres and drinks — notably Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon served in solo cups, to commemorate the tune “Cab in a Solo” — while smash hits from McCreery’s recent record played in the background. To top it off, the American Idol winner was spotted mingling with attendees alongside his wife, Gabi, and his son, Avery, allowing the crowd to feel welcome before the party even began.
To follow, McCreery took the stage with co-writers Frank Rogers and Brent Anderson — as well as producer Derek Wells — to discuss the track, and we can assure you that some tears were shed by those who were involved in the creation of “Cab in a Solo.”
“It’s been a wild ride for me since I got started back in 2011. You got to meet me as a 16-year-old kid who wanted and dreamed of being a country music singer. I never wanted to be the TV guy — that was just a whim that ended up working out, but I came to Nashville and I wanted to make country records. I wanted to leave my mark on this town. It was always the goal and the dream,” McCreery reminisced about his past, reflecting on his American Idol victory from over a decade ago.
“I quickly found, man, you gotta dig in there with the trenches. You gotta find your team. You gotta start writing songs. The first few songs I wrote I hope never get out there, cause they were pretty rough, but I was learning from guys like Frank Rogers, and learning from guys like Derek and Brent… I’m trying to be a sponge when I’m working with y’all, because y’all have got that knowledge,” he continued, praising the songwriters that were sitting alongside him onstage.
Thanking everyone who helped make “Cab in a Solo” happen — as well as those who helped Rise and Fall come together in its entirety — McCreery spilled, “I’m just grateful that I get to live my dream. I’m grateful that I get to sing country music. The competitive side of me is kind of gone — looking at other artists that might play bigger rooms or have this or that. Man, I get to wake up every day and sing country music for a living. This is crazy, and it’s because of all y’all in this room that I get to do that,” ultimately concluding his sentimental speech.
To listen to “Cab in a Solo,” as well as Rise and Fall as a whole — an album said to explore not only heartbreak, but “rowdy nights, nostalgia, faith, newfound joy, fatherhood, and enduring love” through a great deal of “insightful storytelling” — you can stream the 13-track project below.
To keep up with the North Carolina native and all of his future endeavors, fans can connect with Scotty McCreery on Instagram at @scottymccreery as well.