Greylan James has plenty to celebrate on October 24, with the breakout Country singer-songwriter making his Grand Ole Opry debut today as he releases his playful new single, ‘Tennessee You Again’.
The Knoxville native steps into the hallowed Opry circle for the first time at a pivotal moment in his career, with his self-titled debut album, Greylan James, due November 13 via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. (pre-save right here)The new track adds to the growing anticipation surrounding the record, bringing a light-hearted celebration of Tennessee romance, Southern weekends and the kind of memories that leave you wanting another round.
Written by James alongside Brad Clawson and Ashley Gorley, ‘Tennessee You Again’ puts a clever spin on the bachelorette weekend experience. The song captures the flirtation, freedom and fun of a trip to the Volunteer State, where a few days away can lead to unexpected chemistry — and perhaps a reason to return.
At the heart of the track is the playful hook, “I’d love to tenn-e-ssee you again,” turning the name of James’ home state into a cheeky invitation for a second date. “This song’s for the Tennessee girls,” James says. “It’s also for the girls who fell in love with the greatest state on Earth, and maybe a guy that is from here too.”
The release also comes with a little sporting significance. James had promised fans he would drop the song if Tennessee beat Alabama, and after the Volunteers pulled off the win, he made good on that promise. “Hope you guys dig it. Go Big Orange!” he adds.
While ‘Tennessee You Again’ showcases James’ playful side, his upcoming debut album promises a broader introduction to the artist and songwriter. The 13 original tracks are all co-written by James, with 11 produced or co-produced by him, alongside a special Dolly Parton cover. The project explores the experiences that have shaped him, drawing on the emotional honesty and natural storytelling that have become defining features of his growing catalogue. Adding another personal touch, the album artwork features his own dog, Knox.
The album’s lead single, ‘Water At A Wedding’, is currently in the Top 15 at Country radio. Billboard praised the song for demonstrating James’ ability to craft music that is both relatable and distinctive, further underlining his growing reputation as a songwriter as well as a recording artist.
Today’s Opry debut marks another significant milestone in that journey. James recently received the news through a series of surprise video messages from his parents and Country stars Jordan Davis and HARDY, two artists who have played important roles in his career.
Davis’ ‘Next Thing You Know’ gave James his first No. 1 as a songwriter, along with his first ACM Award win and a CMA Award nomination for Song of the Year. HARDY, meanwhile, signed James to a global publishing deal with Relative Music Group, where he is a partner. The pair have also collaborated as songwriters, including on HARDY’s track ‘Girl With A Gun’.
Those connections make the occasion particularly meaningful, bringing together the people who have helped James develop as a writer and artist as he takes the stage at one of Country music’s most historic institutions.
With ‘Tennessee You Again’ out now, his Grand Ole Opry debut taking place today and his first full-length album arriving next month, Greylan James is entering an exciting new chapter. The latest single offers a fun, flirtatious introduction to the record, while the Opry appearance represents a major step forward for a songwriter whose work has already made a significant impression on Nashville.
Fans can listen to ‘Tennessee You Again’ now and look ahead to the release of ‘Greylan James’ on November 13.
