Grand Ole Opry member Ashley McBryde is marking the fifth anniversary of Never Will by partnering with Deaf Professional Arts Network (DPAN) and AmberG Productions during National Deaf History Month to release American Sign Language (ASL) interpretations of three music videos from her critically acclaimed sophomore album: RIAA Platinum-Certified “One Night Standards,” album opener “Hang In There Girl” and “Martha Divine.” McBryde took to social media alongside her friend Kim Bryant to share the announcement and celebrate the occasion.
McBryde first began learning ASL to communicate her needs following vocal cord surgery when she was unable to speak. While touring in 2023, her commitment to accessibility became an integral part of her career as she embraced ASL as another way to engage with her fans, incorporating signing into her performances and fostering a more inclusive concert experience.
Speaking with Inked Magazine, which recognized “through her vocals, raw storytelling, and direct actions, she champions the importance of belonging and community,” the Arkansas native reflected on her journey:
“It just became more and more apparent to me that one: I needed to learn more. And then I remembered we’ve got interpreters. And I thought it would be even cooler if I could thank the interpreters myself. And even better, can I thank my non-hearing and hard-of-hearing crowd? Because they’re there, or there wouldn’t be an interpreter. I want to thank them myself and say things like, ‘We see you, we’re happy you’re here, it’s nice to meet you, welcome to my show.’”
Never Will was released April 3, 2020 to widespread critical acclaim, as Variety called it “the pinnacle of what contemporary mainstream country can be,” while Rolling Stone lauded it as “proof that she’s one of country's sharpest truth-tellers,” and Billboard observed, “there’s something so visceral about McBryde’s lyrics and delivery that Never Will is an album you feel as much as hear.”
As she prepares to head back out on the road for Country Thunder Arizona and Stagecoach later this month among additional headlining dates, McBryde recently stopped by CMT Studios to perform her latest release “Ain’t Enough Cowboy Songs,” with Stereogum calling it a “craggy and beautiful ballad,” and American Songwriter noting, “this is McBryde in top form.” Watch her performance HERE.
Grand Ole Opry member Ashley McBryde is marking the fifth anniversary of Never Will by partnering with Deaf Professional Arts Network (DPAN) and AmberG Productions during National Deaf History Month to release American Sign Language (ASL) interpretations of three music videos from her critically acclaimed sophomore album: RIAA Platinum-Certified “One Night Standards,” album opener “Hang In There Girl” and “Martha Divine.” McBryde took to social media alongside her friend Kim Bryant to share the announcement and celebrate the occasion.
McBryde first began learning ASL to communicate her needs following vocal cord surgery when she was unable to speak. While touring in 2023, her commitment to accessibility became an integral part of her career as she embraced ASL as another way to engage with her fans, incorporating signing into her performances and fostering a more inclusive concert experience.
Speaking with Inked Magazine, which recognized “through her vocals, raw storytelling, and direct actions, she champions the importance of belonging and community,” the Arkansas native reflected on her journey:
“It just became more and more apparent to me that one: I needed to learn more. And then I remembered we’ve got interpreters. And I thought it would be even cooler if I could thank the interpreters myself. And even better, can I thank my non-hearing and hard-of-hearing crowd? Because they’re there, or there wouldn’t be an interpreter. I want to thank them myself and say things like, ‘We see you, we’re happy you’re here, it’s nice to meet you, welcome to my show.’”
Never Will was released April 3, 2020 to widespread critical acclaim, as Variety called it “the pinnacle of what contemporary mainstream country can be,” while Rolling Stone lauded it as “proof that she’s one of country's sharpest truth-tellers,” and Billboard observed, “there’s something so visceral about McBryde’s lyrics and delivery that Never Will is an album you feel as much as hear.”
As she prepares to head back out on the road for Country Thunder Arizona and Stagecoach later this month among additional headlining dates, McBryde recently stopped by CMT Studios to perform her latest release “Ain’t Enough Cowboy Songs,” with Stereogum calling it a “craggy and beautiful ballad,” and American Songwriter noting, “this is McBryde in top form.” Watch her performance HERE.
