One artist overlaying one other artist’s track is a type of tribute. A number of performers overlaying the identical track is when it turns into a “commonplace,” that means a track that a number of artists carry out and report. We’ve seen this occur with Jason Isbell’s “Cowl Me Up.” A few years in the past, it was “Jersey Large” by Tyler Childers that many artists have been recording since Childers wouldn’t report it himself.
That is the destiny that has now befallen Luke Bell’s track “The Bullfighter,” initially launched on his 2016 self-titled album. Luke Bell handed away tragically in 2022. However as individuals who’ve adopted alongside ever since can attest, his legacy and music have solely grown within the wake of his passing. The latest recognition of “The Bullfighter” is an ideal instance.
Shortly after Luke Bell handed away, it was “The Bullfighter” that pal and mentor JP Harris selected to carry out from the stage of the Ryman Auditorium on the 2022 Americana Music Awards. Later that 12 months when many buddies and musicians gathered in Nashville to recollect Luke, “The Bullfighter” was the track Luke’s sister and fellow performer Jane Bell sang.
Now right here within the first couple of months of 2025, a bunch of artists have stepped as much as pay touching tribute to Luke Bell by means of “The Bullfighter.”
On January seventeenth, U.Ok.-based songwriter and performer Jack Browning launched his rendition of the track.
“You might or could not know that I’m additionally a portrait painter, and in December 2023 I painted a portrait of Luke Bell,” Browning tells Saving Nation Music. “That portray took me on the wildest journey, culminating with my speaking along with his household and with the unique portray going to his household’s house in Wyoming. I’ve performed the track in my set for years, and recorded this cowl a while in the past. I used to be undecided on what to do with it, however determined to mark the journey the artwork took me on by releasing it.”
Joel Timmons simply launched his new album Psychedelic Surf Rock. Timmons is finest often known as the guitar participant for Maya de Vitry, and likewise occurs to be married to Shelby Technique of Molly Tuttle’s Golden Freeway. On the album is a rendition of “The Bullfighter” recorded in tribute. The observe additionally options Cary Ann Hearst of Shovels & Rope fame.
“I met Bell within the music scene in Nashville, and he stood out as a real cowboy in a sea of imposters,” Timmons says. “I heard him sing ‘The Bullfighter’ at Dee’s Nation Cocktail Lounge and was struck by his voice and the plain-spoken poetry of the lyrics.”
Ever since surging Western star Noeline Hoffman has been touring round after Zach Bryan recorded her track “Purple Fuel” and vaulted her into the nation music dialog, Luke Bell’s “The Bullfighter” has been part of her repertoire. On Friday, February twenty first, she launched a studio model of the track with an accompanying video.
“To be scared half to dying, or on their lonesome, or run ragged, or knocked down into the grime however you stand up and do it anyway, face it head on, permit your willpower to outweigh your worry, by no means let up, observe your fact, make artwork of a battle – that’s bravery. Perseverance. Grit. Cowboy. That’s ‘The Bullfighter,‘” Noeline Hoffman says.
A cruel, discriminating seek for authenticity in nation and Western music will lead you strait to south Alberta’s Noeline Hoffman, who traded in engaged on ranches to grow to be a Western singer and songwriter. There’s maybe no one higher suited to interpret a Luke Bell track than Noeline.
“’The Bullfighter’ has grow to be a pal of mine—a shot of braveness once I’ve wanted it essentially the most. I by no means had the pleasure of assembly Luke Bell earlier than he handed, however from guitar pulls to levels throughout North America, performing this cowl has led me to creating pricey friendships and listening to tales from those that knew and liked him value their weight in gold. Followers of Luke’s coming as much as me after a present and telling me simply how vital his music is to them.”
As a younger, newcomer from Canada, Noeline has needed to stand in entrance of crowds of strangers, and endear herself to them. Their shared appreciation for Luke Bell is the place many have discovered a connection.
“It has been a present to find out about Luke and the wild, impressed character he was, in addition to witness his impression in these methods,” Hoffman says. “Luke wrote songs that may final perpetually. Although my journey is simply starting in some ways, this track has guided me by means of the sticks thus far on my mission to do the identical. Recording this cowl is my manner of honoring Luke’s legacy.”
Three artists from three separate nations have launched variations of “The Bullfighter” during the last two months. Who will probably be subsequent? We must see. You favourite may nonetheless be Luke’s unique. However Luke Bell’s legacy dwelling by means of the songs and music of others into the longer term is not a hope. It’s a actuality by means of “The Bullfighter.”
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