Billy Ray Cyrus returns with new patriotic album

Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn.

Members of the military have been on Billy Ray Cyrus’ mind since the early days of his career. The country singer salutes them on his new album, “I’m American,” out today.

He offers seven new songs on the Buddy Cannon- produced “I’m American” and a remake of “Some Gave All,” the title track to his multiplatinum debut album. That remake includes appearances by Jamey Johnson, Craig Morgan and Darryl Worley.

“Three guys that not only are they veterans themselves, but they also just sing with their voices and the power and the realism that they put into the song. For me as the writer, to hear them sing it was just absolutely an awesome experience,” Cyrus said.

Cyrus, who also hosts TLC’s military-themed show “Homecomings,” has performed regularly for troops overseas, visited military hospitals, and says those who serve are never far from his thoughts. He said the idea for the album started with one of his trips to a combat zone.

“It was during a performance in Afghanistan on ‘Some Gave All’ when some bombs went off in the background, a young soldier stood up and said, ‘Keep going Mr. Cyrus. We’re used to it,”’ Cyrus said.