A cursory glance at the Country music charts right now will reveal an amazing story of perseverance and resilience if you dig deep enough. ‘She's Somebody's Daughter,' by Drew Baldridge is currently sitting at 14 in the charts and threatening to crack the top 10 in the weeks to come. There's an amazing story behind the song which makes Baldridge's story a really unique and amazing one because the song was originally released 5 years ago, in 2019!
Written by Baldridge, Jimmy Yeary, and Cameron Jaymes, the song tells a unique story about the girl, inspired by Baldridge's wife, who is “more than just a pretty face in a late-night bar.” The song seemed destined to be a country music hit, but the pandemic struck in 2020, leaving Baldridge without a label and the song without a home. In another context, that could have been the end of the story for “She's Somebody’s Daughter,” but Baldridge's perseverance kept its spirit alive.
Baldridge, now 32, reflected on his journey in a recent interview with PEOPLE, saying, “I just try to make music for people's souls. I try to create music that I hope that God wants me to create that will have an impact. I used to pray that God would let me make music that means something and that somebody needs.” Despite the initial setbacks, the song experienced a resurgence in 2021, going viral and leading to the release of a new music video titled ‘She's Somebody's Daughter (The Wedding Version),' which included footage from Baldridge's own 2021 wedding to his wife Katie. It was this version and its viral impact on TikTok that really ignited the interest in the song again.
The renewed interest in the song has significantly boosted Baldridge's career. Despite not having a record label or a large team, the song's organic rise in popularity has been a testament to its impact and resonance with listeners. By early 2024, ‘She's Somebody’s Daughter” had climbed into the Top 40 on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase charts, amassing over 500 million social media impressions and streams since its re-release in April 2023. It now stands at number 14 in the charts as of June 20th.
If you want to hear Baldridge himself explain the story in more detail he sat down with Bobby Bones recently to record a podcast in which he goes into greater detail – you can listen to that podcast right here.
Baldridge's journey is particularly remarkable given that he has been an independent artist without a record deal or representation since 2019. He recently started his own record label, Lyric Ridge Records, to continue his music career on his own terms. “I've been alone just kind of doing it myself and, you know, throwing up some big prayers myself,” he shared, highlighting his determination and faith throughout his journey.
Ultimately, the story of ‘She's Somebody's Daughter' is one of resilience and belief in one's art. Baldridge's unwavering dedication to his music and his fans has not only revived the song but also established it as a significant milestone in his career. The success of the song is a powerful reminder of the potential of independent artistry and the enduring impact of heartfelt music.
