SmithField’s “Heaven Has A Grand Ole Opry”: A Celestial Homage to Country’s Legends
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Continuing a cherished tradition in Country music—that of the male/female duet partnership—Trey Smith and Jenn Fielder, collectively known as SmithField, have released their brand new single, “Heaven Has A Grand Ole Opry.” This deeply heartfelt track serves as a poignant tribute to the enduring legends of country music, painting a vivid picture of a heavenly stage where the genre’s greatest still perform. It stands as a powerful and respectful nod to country music’s rich and storied legacy.
“Heaven Has A Grand Ole Opry” masterfully blends traditional country themes with SmithField’s contemporary sensibility, resulting in a song that feels both comfortingly nostalgic and refreshingly new. The lyrics are particularly evocative, conjuring vivid images that resonate deeply with any listener who holds a love and respect for the classics. From the tender evocation of June Carter Cash smiling at Johnny, to the unmistakable sound of Bill Monroe’s mandolin, and the cherished memories of Merle Haggard, Minnie Pearl, and Loretta Lynn, the song delivers a flood of emotion, connecting listeners to the very soul of country music.
The duo themselves express the profound significance of the Grand Ole Opry in their journey. “The Grand Ole Opry is the most special stage we have ever played, and we’ve been lucky enough to play it over 40 times,” SmithField shared. They emphasize the Opry’s role in their career, adding, “It gave us our start in Music City, and magical things have happened ever since we first graced that stage. We wanted to honor the past greats that stepped into the circle before us during their 100th Anniversary celebration. The Opry is the beating heart of country music.” This deep personal connection to the Opry imbues the song with an authentic reverence that shines through every note.
Rooted in stunning harmonies and heartfelt songwriting, SmithField embodies a modern country duo inspired by one of country music’s most enduring legacies: the male-female duet. Trey and Jennifer’s story is as authentic as their sound, hailing from a small town in Texas where they met at the age of 10. Their families’ ties stretch back three generations, forming a bond that underpins their musical partnership. From their inception, SmithField’s music has been characterized by a unique fusion of contemporary and classic elements, effortlessly blurring the lines between country, pop, and rock.
A distinctive aspect of SmithField’s dynamic is the absence of a single lead singer or primary songwriter. Instead, Jennifer and Trey equally share these crucial duties, crafting harmony-filled songs that explore the complexities of love, loss, and life from both sides of a relationship. This collaborative approach adds a layer of depth and authenticity to their narratives. Since their move to Music City, their career has soared, notably propelled by their song “Hey Whiskey,” which became a Sirius XM radio ‘Highway Find’ in 2018. This success launched the duo into the critical acclaim they now enjoy, with prestigious publications like Rolling Stone, Billboard, People, and Forbes all raving about their talent and naming them ‘Ones To Watch’ in country music.
Their impressive achievements include independently amassing over 130 million global streams and performing on the iconic Grand Ole Opry stage 40 times to date. They recently released the first installment of their debut album, Country with Heart (Part One), on May 24, 2024, with Part 2 slated for release in Fall 2025. SmithField has also had the privilege of opening for some of country music’s biggest acts, a list that includes Old Dominion, Kane Brown, Brothers Osborne, Dustin Lynch, Morgan Wallen, and country legends such as Joe Nichols, Josh Turner, Diamond Rio, and Sara Evans.
“Heaven Has A Grand Ole Opry” is more than just a song; it’s a heartfelt homage, a testament to SmithField’s deep respect for country music’s heritage, and a beautiful addition to their growing catalog. It’s a track that will undoubtedly resonate with fans who cherish the genre’s past while embracing its vibrant future.