Dan Seals and Sara Evans, a reimagined version of Nights Are Forever Without You
By Alan Shipston for Country Music News International Magazine
The very first show I saw when I arrived in Nashville, many years ago, was England Dan and John Ford Coley playing their string of hit songs at the Bullpen Lounge, located in the Stockyards Restaurant, owned by country publishing legend, Buddy Killen. England Dan was, of course, Dan Seals, the younger brother of Seals and Crofts member, Jim Seals. Dan’s duo first gained fame charting nine singles in the mid to late 70’s, including their No. 2 hit, I’d Really Love To See You Tonight. In 1976, they released, Nights Are Forever Without You, reaching No.10 and becoming a durable radio favorite all these years later.
On January 16, 2026 the Nashville record label, Melody Place, is releasing a reimagined duet of England Dan and John Ford Coley’s, Nights Are Forever Without You, with the late Dan Seals and platinum recording artist Sara Evans. Written by Parker McGee, this delicate track speaks of how slowly the night goes by while wishing that special person was lying right next to you. The track was completed by adding Sara’s vocal to the original ’76 production. Longtime record producer, Kyle Lehning, shaped the new version to maintain the original recording’s authentic feel.
Seals earned two CMA awards and multiple GRAMMY nominations during his triumphant solo career, achieving eleven No. 1 Billboard country hits including Bop and Meet Me In Montana. His legacy left an indelible mark on the music industry and continues to inspire new generations of artists and audiences.
“Dan Seals has long been an artist I deeply admire, so being part of this tribute is truly an honor. Recording Nights Are Forever, alongside his original vocal was a remarkable experience, both meaningful and inspiring. I’m grateful for the chance to celebrate his legacy in such a special way,” says Evans. Sara possesses one of the most recognized voices in country music, with her ageless hits, Born To Fly, A Real Fine Place To Start, and Suds In The Bucket. The multi-Platinum entertainer has received numerous accolades, including ACM Female Vocalist of the Year and has charted 15 songs in the Top 20, with 5 claiming the number one spot.
There have been other formative collaborations, released with the approval of the Dan Seals estate, that have included country stars Luke Bryan on Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold), Jamey Johnson on Three Time Loser and Broadway sensation, Jasmine Amy Rogers, on My Baby’s Got Good Timing. Stay tuned for the January 16 release of this timeless hit song, Nights Are Forever Without You.