Originally written by Phil Ochs and dating back to the mid-1960s, “The Power and Glory” finds The Kody Norris Show reimagining a classic American folk anthem through their own distinctive bluegrass style. With Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris taking the lead vocal before moving into harmony on the chorus, and Kody Norris arranging the song for the full band, the track captures both the sweeping beauty and deeper responsibility woven into the original lyric.
“When the idea of an America250 celebration album came about, we had a pretty good idea what most of the material would be,” shares Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris. “However, we still wanted to look at outside songs that may have slipped by us throughout the years. This was one of those as it dates back to the mid-sixties by Phil Ochs! When we sat down to rehearse for this album, I envisioned this song in a little different format with me singing lead and then hopping to the harmony line on the chorus. Kody put the arrangement to it and bam - we had us another song for the album!”
The release of “The Power and Glory” continues the band’s rollout of Spirit of America, a timely new project designed as both a tribute and a rallying cry as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. Following recent offerings including “Good Ol’ USA,” whose official music video premiered on RFD-TV and was featured by Taste of Country, the new single further expands the album’s message of home, faith, service, unity, heritage, and the enduring promise of the American story.
Where “Good Ol’ USA” captured the pride, joy, and unmistakable musical spirit that have become hallmarks of The Kody Norris Show, “The Power and Glory” brings a reflective and reverent dimension to the upcoming album. The song celebrates a land of “meadows and mountains,” “valleys and rivers,” and coast-to-coast beauty, while also reminding listeners that America’s strength is measured by freedom, love for the land, and the way its people stand together.
Recorded by Wes Easter at Eastwood Studios in Cana, Virginia, and mixed and mastered by Van Atkins at The Shop Studio in Candler, North Carolina, “The Power and Glory” features Kody Norris on guitar and lead vocals, Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris on mandolin, lead vocal and harmony vocal, Charlie Lowman on bass, Hayden “Jim” Hensley on banjo and harmony vocals, Gregg Lohman on percussion, and Jason Barie on fiddle.
With Spirit of America, The Kody Norris Show leans fully into a season of celebration. The album arrives at a defining cultural moment as America approaches its 250th anniversary, honoring the music, stories, and values that have shaped generations while blending beloved American themes with fresh original material and the band’s unmistakable “showgrass” sound.
The group recently kicked off their 2026 Spirit of America tour, which includes more than 60 shows in 20 states, including Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, and more. They will also be heading to Colorado for their first-ever RockyGrass with artists including Punch Brothers, The Del McCoury Band, Tim O’Brien, Steep Canyon Rangers, and more.
Media contact:
Jeremy Westby, jpw@2911.us, +1-888-537-2911
Booking contac:
Joey Crawford, uppermanagementtalent@gmail.com, +1-615-636-6396
