A Timeless Holiday Anthem: Dan Ashley Captures the “Christmas Magic” with New Single “Let It Ring”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
In an era where holiday music often leans into over-produced glitz, there is something deeply resonant about a song that prioritizes the “nostalgic charm” of a shared human experience. Dan Ashley, the veteran Americana-rocker and seasoned storyteller, has done exactly that with his latest holiday release, “Let It Ring.”
Co-written with longtime collaborator Bill Bentley, the track is more than just a seasonal jingle; it is a sonic scrapbook of the traditions that bind us together. Released on November 14th across all digital platforms, “Let It Ring” serves as a poignant reminder to pause the “hustle and bustle” and embrace the laughter, love, and music that define the end of the year.
A Symphony of Memory and Tradition
For Ashley, the inspiration for “Let It Ring” stems from a childhood steeped in the sensory richness of a North Carolina Christmas. He recalls the “magical” atmosphere of singing in a junior choir on Christmas Eve—complete with handbells, candlelight, and the scent of frankincense and myrrh.
That reverence for tradition is baked into the lyrics:
“Let it ring, let it ring / Let the children and choirs sing / Christmastime here / That magic day is near…”
The track opens with the imagery of twinkling lights and falling snow, but quickly pivots to the high-energy joy of the season. Ashley’s signature blend of Americana and Rock and Roll provides a sturdy foundation for the song’s festive spirit. Recorded at Bill Bentley Productions, the track features Bentley on guitar and bass, creating a rich, warm soundscape that feels both modern and classic.
Visual Storytelling: The “Let It Ring” Video
To accompany the single, Ashley and Bentley produced an official music video that leans heavily into visual storytelling. Available on Ashley’s official YouTube channel, the video captures the “best of us”—the shared excitement of a tree strapped to a car, the anticipation of Santa’s run, and the simple beauty of community. It’s a heartfelt companion piece that reinforces the song’s central message: the holidays are an essential part of our life’s continuity.
A Growing Holiday Catalog
“Let It Ring” joins a respected collection of holiday tracks in Ashley’s repertoire. For fans looking to build a Dan Ashley Christmas playlist, the new single sits perfectly alongside his previous hits:
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“Put Up The Lights”: A reminder of the magical continuity the holidays provide year after year.
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“My Favorite Time of Year”: A track that distills everything meaningful about the season into a guitar-driven anthem of gratitude.
About the Artist: From the Junior Choir to the Big Stage
Dan Ashley’s journey to becoming a staple of the Americana scene began with piano lessons and church choirs, influenced by his grandmother’s talent as a pianist. Over the years, his powerful vocals and storytelling ability have led him to share the stage with legends like REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, Joan Jett, and Melissa Etheridge. When he isn’t headlining venues or performing the National Anthem for the NBA and MLB, Ashley is a dedicated songwriter. Backed by a band of world-class musicians, he uses his music to explore the “shared humanity” of love and loss—and in the case of “Let It Ring,” the pure, unadulterated joy of a Christmas morning.