Billboard Top 10 recording artist and songwriter Grant Maloy Smith is turning his attention to one of the most fascinating and complicated chapters in American history with his forthcoming project, WILD WEST: AMERICAN STORIES. The ambitious 18-track double album is set for release today, alongside a 90-page hardcover book created by Smith.

Blending American Roots music with historical storytelling, the new project explores the people, places, struggles and defining moments that shaped the American West during the 19th century. Rather than simply revisiting familiar Western imagery, Smith uses original songs to explore the broader story of a rapidly changing nation.

The album travels through a remarkable collection of historical moments, including the Louisiana Purchase, the Lewis and Clark expedition, westward migration, the Gold Rush, the Pony Express and the completion of the transcontinental railroad. The collection also explores cowboy culture and introduces listeners to notable historical figures, including Sacagawea, Theodore Roosevelt and legendary U.S. Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves.

Among the project’s subjects are also some of the darker and more difficult chapters of American history. Songs addressing the Trail of Tears, Texas’ struggle for independence and other moments of conflict add historical depth to an album that examines both the ambition and hardship associated with America’s expansion.

Smith wrote and produced all 18 songs, while also contributing guitar and keyboard performances throughout the recording. He is joined by an accomplished lineup of musicians from the country, bluegrass and Americana communities, including GRAMMY and IBMA Award-winning dobro player Rob Ickes, banjoist Scott Vestal, fiddler Michael Cleveland, accordionist Jeff Taylor and pedal steel guitarist Mike Johnson.

The vocal lineup further expands the project’s musical range, featuring GRAMMY-nominated singers Carrie McDowell, Kim Fleming and Judy Pancoast, along with numerous additional performers.

The accompanying hardcover book adds another dimension to the project. Written and illustrated by Smith, the book goes beyond the album’s lyrics and credits to examine the historical inspiration behind each song. It also provides insight into the creative and recording process, with photographs and original artwork helping bring the stories to life.

For more Info:
https://www.grant-maloy-smith.com/albums/wildwest

For Smith, WILD WEST: AMERICAN STORIES continues his long-running approach of connecting music with American history. His previous AMERICAN STORIES projects have explored subjects ranging from Appalachia and the Dust Bowl to the Mississippi River, establishing a distinctive musical style centered on storytelling and cultural history.

Smith has built an extensive career as a recording artist and songwriter. His albums have spent 17 weeks on the Billboard charts, including 11 weeks in the Top 10. He has also performed at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center and has received multiple industry honors, including two Grammy certificates.

The artist’s work extends beyond recording and performing. Smith co-founded the Indie Collaborative, an organization supporting independent musicians, and has been involved with initiatives supporting veterans and older adults. His song “Man of Steel” serves as the official theme song of the National Veterans Foundation, while “I See You” was adopted by Masterpiece Living.

With WILD WEST: AMERICAN STORIES, Smith brings together music, history and visual storytelling in one expansive project. The double vinyl LP, CD and companion book are available through his official website. The collection can be purchased as a signed box set or as individual vinyl records, CDs and books.

Tracklist

  1. Go West, Boys
  2. Voices on the Wind
  3. Come and Take It
  4. Tear Trail
  5. Wagon Train
  6. Good Lord, My God
  7. Elizabeth My Woman
  8. Pony Express
  9. If Wishes Were Horses
  10. The Golden Spike
  11. Gunslinger (The True Story of Bass Reeves)
  12. Kill The Cowboys
  13. John Henry Holliday
  14. Teddy O Teddy
  15. Ro-dee-o
  16. El Paso Señorita
  17. Colorado
  18. Westward Dreams

WILD WEST: AMERICAN STORIES arrives September 18, 2026.