Pony Bradshaw Honors The Cherokee With New Song “The Long Man”

It's always a good day when Pony Bradshaw releases new music. Last month, Pony Bradshaw announced his next record, Thus Spoke The Fool , releasing the lead single "Ginseng Daddy." Bradshaw noted that the record would round out the North Georgia trilogy, highlighting the region's myths, history, and folklore. He came out of the gates swinging with "Ginseng Daddy" and keeps hitting with the second single he dropped today, "The Long Man." While Bradshaw is not known for releasing many singles leading up to the record, he noted that in this day and age, he has to "play the game," but if he had it his way, he would release the collection of songs in full. The song is a historical ballad about the figure that watches over the mountains, rivers, and Cherokee land. "The Long Man is a historical song about our region. To the Cherokee, the Long Man is a “personification of the river, whose head lays in the mountains and feet stretch to the sea.” Some folks believe in the legend, passed down through generations, which tells the story of a spectral figure who wanders and watches over the rivers and mountains of Cherokee land. I grew up in East Texas in a region dubbed the Ark-La-Tex (where Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana join together). It also includes the southeastern tip of Oklahoma.) Growing up us kids were always told we were part Cherokee. When I moved to North Georgia 20 years ago, I knew nothing about where the Trail of Tears began, nor the geography and culture of the people. Turns out I ended up right at the beginning of it all. I dove into the history of the Cherokee soon-after and still read about and visit rivers and mountains they once lived by and in. The Cherokee’s existence, knowing what happened here and how they honored the land and respected these rivers and mountains, is palpable. I never want to romanticize it, but I also don’t want it to be forgotten." With any Pony Bradshaw song, you will find intricately woven lyrics with rich lines detailing the legend of "The Long Man." "Yeah, I've read Bartram's accounts That flower-hunting hound D's hill-folk flesh the hides Highland men uncivilized The mountaineers cook the shine Then run it down the line Ask Virgil for directions He'll match you stride for stride.." The accompanying music video brings the words he sings to life, providing the perfect visual representation of how "The Long Man" watches over the region and how he helps keep the people alive and well. The track is beautifully done, and you will quickly find yourself hitting the replay button as you dissect the lyrics further with each listen. With only two singles out from Thus Spoke The Fool , this album is already shaping up to appear on the 2024 list for best albums of the year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5WRrROAgk4

PONY BRADSHAW TOUR DATES

July 19 – Teton Village, WY – Mangy Moose July 20 – Gallatin Gateway. MT – The Westerner July 22 – Billings, MT – Pub Station July 25 – Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theatre July 27 – Davenport, IA – Raccoon Motel August 10 – Camino, CA – Delfino Farms August 11 – San Francisco, CA – The Chapel August 13 – Los Angeles, CA – Moroccan Lounge August 15 – San Diego, CA – Casbah August 16 – Pioneertown, CA – Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace August 17 – Flagstaff, AZ – The Museum Club August 18 – Phoenix, AZ – Valley Bar August 21 – Denton, TX – Dan’s Silverleaf August 29 – Winston-Salem, NC – The Ramkat & Gas Hill August 30 – Mill Spring, NC – Earl Scruggs Music Festival September 5– Athens, GA – 40 Watt Club September 6 – Nashville, TN – The Ryman September 7 – Indianapolis, IN – HI-FI Indy September 12 – Shreveport, LA – Louisiana Grandstand September 14 – Pryor, OK – Born & Raised 2024 September 15 – Oklahoma City, OK – Beer City Music Hall October 3 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall October 4 – Saint Paul, MN – Turf Club October 19 – Waverly, AL – Standard Deluxe October 30 – Houston, TX – The Heights Theater October 31 – Ft. Worth, TX – Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall November 1 – Austin, TX – Sagebrush November 2 – San Antonio, TX – Sam’s Burger Joint November 8 – Pineville, KY – Bell Theater November 9 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl Nashville November 14 – Raleigh, NC – The Rialto Theatre November 16 – Atlanta GA – Terminal West