Amen.
There’s no doubt that The Red Clay Strays have been red-hot over the last year. Riding the highs of their sophomore album, Made by These Moments, in 2024, the Alabama group broke out into the mainstream back in November. Not only did they deliver a killer performance of “People Hatin’” at the 59th annual CMA Awards, more importantly, they also dethroned Old Dominion as Vocal Group of the Year en route to their first-ever CMA win.
They’ve kept the momentum lately as well, dethroning Old Dominion once again, this time taking home their first-ever ACM Award for Group of the Year in May, dropping their stellar junior album, Grateful, in June and headlining Nissan Stadium on the third night of CMA Fest the same month.
Their impact goes far beyond their quality music, however. While listening through their discography, it shouldn’t take too long to conclude that they’re creating art not for fame or fortune but instead to make an impact on the lives of their fans and most importantly, spread the Word of God.
With plenty of moving tracks about faith, mental health and even political division in the country, highlighted poignantly on their song inspired by the assassination of Charlie Kirk, “People Hatin’,” it becomes increasingly clear that Red Clay is more concerned about the fact that their music is touching people spiritually. Of course, this can be found heavily on their aforementioned new album, Grateful, as well as past tracks such as “God Does,” “On My Knees” and “Devil In My Knees.”
With that being said, one of frontman, Brandon Coleman’s, most powerful testimonies and reflections didn’t come from one of their songs. Instead, it came from a conversation with comedian and podcaster, Theo Von, back in 2024.
During his conversation with Von, Coleman would explain that he views Red Clay’s rise to prominence as a gift from God. Furthermore, he’d note that it’s an opportunity to give back and raise Him up, describing the relationship as back-and-forth in nature.
“God gives you a platform, and it’s a constant tradeoff. God raises you up and gives you a platform, and then you turn around and give it back to God and raise Him up — then He raises you up. That’s just the way I’ve always looked at it.”
He’d end the short but sweet reflection by noting how anyone in his position has the choice to make their fame and platform about themselves or about God, explaining how he and the rest of the Strays choose to give it back to Him.
“God gives you talents. He gives you drives to do things, then gives you a platform. You can either make it about yourself or turn around and give the glory back to God. It’s just that constant tradeoff that’s always going on.”
It’s pretty clear to see why the Alabama natives have been so successful over the past few years. Beyond the stellar music, they’ve remained one of the most humble and generous groups in the entire genre. In a time filled with so much selfishness and Godlessness, it’s beyond refreshing to see a group as popular as Red Clay constantly use their platform to praise Him every step of the way.
“God Does”
Grateful Tour Dates
July 30 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion with The Revivalist & Haley Reinhart
August 1 – Boston, MA – TD Garden with The Revivalist & Haley Reinhart
August 5 – Laval, CA – Place Bell with The Revivalist & Haley Reinhart
August 7 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at The Mann with The Revivalist & Brent Cobb
August 9 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden with The Revivalist & Brent Cobb
August 16 – Sioux Falls, SD – Denny Sanford PREMIER Center with Dylan Gossett & Sweet Talk
August 18 – Grand Forks, ND – Alerus Center with Dylan Gossett & Sweet Talk
August 19 – Bismarck, ND – Bismarck Event Center with Dylan Gossett & Sweet Talk
August 21 – Bozeman, MT – Brick Breeden Fieldhouse with Sweet Talk
August 22 – Missoula, MT – Adams Ceter with Dylan Gossett & Sweet Talk
August 26 – Spokane, WA – Numerica Veterans Arena with Wyatt Flores & Sweet Talk
August 27 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena with Wyatt Flores & Sweet Talk
August 29 – Portland, OR – Moda Center with Wyatt Flores & Sweet Talk
August 30 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena with Wyatt Flores & Sweet Talk
September 2 – West Valley City, UT – Maverik Center with Dylan Gossett & Sweet Talk
September 4 – Stateline, NV – Lake Tahoe Amphitheater at Caesars Republic with Dylan Gossett & Sweet Talk
September 11 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center with Dylan Gossett & Sweet Talk
September 12 – Ontario, CA – Toyota Arena with Dylan Gossett & Sweet Talk
September 16 – San Diego, CA – Pechanga Arena San Diego with Dylan Gossett & Sweet Talk
September 17 – Phoenix, AZ – Desert Diamond Arena with Dylan Gossett & Sweet Talk
September 20 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center with Muscadine Bloodline & Sweet Talk
September 30 – Toronto, CA – RBC Amphitheater – with The Revivalist & Haley Reinhart
October 1 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena with The Revivalist & Haley Reinhart
October 3 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena with The Revivalist & Haley Reinhart
October 7 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena with Shane Smith & the Saints & Brent Cobb
October 14 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center with The Revivalist & Haley Reinhart
October 15 – Savannah, GA – Enmarket Arena with The Revivalist & Haley Reinhart
October 17 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium with The Revivalist & Haley Reinhart
October 18 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena with The Revivalist & Haley Reinhart
October 22 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena with Brent Cobb & Sierra Ferrell
October 23 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena with Brent Cobb & Sierra Ferrell
October 28 – Knoxville, TN – Food City Center with Wyatt Flores & Brent Cobb
October 31 – Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena at the BJCC with Shane Smith & the Saints & Brent Cobb
November 5 – Baton Rouge, LA – Raising Cane’s River Center with Muscadine Bloodline & Brent Cobb
November 6 – Bossier City, LA – Brookshire Grocery Arena with Muscadine Bloodline & Brent Cobb
November 8 – Jonesboro, AR – First National Bank Arena with Muscadine Bloodline & Brent Cobb
November 13 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena with Travis Tritt & Brent Cobb
