Jesse Daniel is showing the world that he is a modern honky tonk legend once again.
The California native is known for keeping the Bakersfield sound of country music alive and well. And with his first single of 2024, he is staying true to his twang with a good ol’ blue-collar anthem.
“Workin’ Hard (Day and Night)” highlights the story of those who bust their asses to make a living, and that even though it’s sometimes not easy to work, those who know how to work hard often know no other way of life. The single not only embodies part of the working spirit that Daniel possesses out on the road, but the song also highlights the spirit of stand-up comedian Dusty Slay.
Daniel and Slay have been friends for a long time, and Slay enlisted their songwriting skills of Daniel for his forthcoming Netflix special.
“My comedian friend Dusty Slay reached out one day and asked me to write a song for his upcoming Netflix special. Dusty is a workin’ man’s comic (hence the name of his special), so Jodi and I started writing without hesitation.
We incorporated some things that were directly inspired by Dusty and his life, while pulling from our own experience. Dusty makes comedy for every day, workin’ people and those are the same people I make country music for. I’m honored to have my song on his first Netflix special.”
The traditional composition of the song highlights the vagabond spirit of those who travel from city to city to find honest work. With an upbeat tempo and a guitar and steel riff that will be instantaneously stuck in your head, the melody combined with Jesse Daniel’s smooth vocals, this song is a heater.
“These hotels and the motels sure don’t feel like home,
Lord knows I’m just a stranger in every town I roam.
Truck stops and highway signs are the only friends I know,
Ain’t no rest for the workin’ man, he’s on the go.”
The music video highlights the lyrics perfectly, displaying the lyrics on screen as vintage video clips of long-haul truckers, construction sites, cattlemen, timber workers, and other blue-collar occupations fill the screen.
“This video captures the spirit of the worker. I think it goes perfectly with the message of the song,”
This is one you’ll find yourself playing over and over. Turn it up.
Along with Daniel releasing his first single of the year, he also announced his 2024 Countin’ The Miles Tour. As a road warrior spending long periods on the road, Daniel knows how to gain new fans…by getting them to a show.
Kicking off in March, you can see him and his rocking band across the country through June, and I am sure that more dates will be added to this already extensive list of stops.
Daniel and his band are electric on stage, projecting an authentic honky tonk twang while on stage. Their energy combined with talent is unmatched, and if you have yet to catch a Jesse Daniel show, I highly recommend adding him to your list.
Countin’ The Miles Tour Dates:
3.29 – Turkey, TX – Hotel Turkey
3.30 – Abilene, TX – Outlaws & Legends Fest
4.4 – Phoenix, AZ – Valley Bar
4.5 – San Diego, CA – Casbah
4.6 – Los Angeles, CA – Desert 5 Spot
4.7 – Morro Bay, CA – The Siren
4.10 – Fresno, CA – Strummers
4.11 – San Francisco, CA – The Independent
4.12 – Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst
4.13 – Sacramento, CA – Goldfields
4.14 – Chico, CA – Tackle Box
4.16 – Bend, OR – Volcanic Theatre
4.17 – Portland, OR – Mississippi Studios
4.18 – Seattle, WA – Tractor Tavern
4.19 – Boise, ID – Neurolux
4.20 – Salt Lake City, UT – State Room
4.21 – Denver, CO – Globe Hall
4.27 – Rock the Coast Country Cruise
5.16 – Oklahoma City, OK – Blue Note
5.17 – Kansas City, MO – Knuckleheads
5.18 – Des Moines, IA – xBk
5.19 – Omaha, NE – Bucks
5.22 – Wisconsin Dells, WI – Showboat Saloon
5.23 – Chicago, IL – Carol’s Pub
5.24 – Cleveland, OH – The Beachland Ballroom & Tavern
5.25 – Columbus, OH – Rumba Cafe
5.26 – Indianapolis, IN – HI-FI
5.29 – Newport, KY – Southgate House Revival
6.1 – Little Rock, AR – The Whitewater Tavern
Lastly, if you want to hear Daniel’s song in action during Dusty Slay’s special, check out the teaser—the special premieres on Netflix on January 16th.
