Declaration of Independence

Written by Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris, “Declaration of Independence” marks the first instrumental release from award-winning country and bluegrass group The Kody Norris Show, and serves as the second single from their forthcoming album, due out this summer. The high-energy track showcases the band’s signature musicianship, including guests Michael Cleveland on twin fiddles and Ron Stewart on banjo, all wrapped in an unmistakable patriotic spirit. While not originally written for the project, the tune fits seamlessly within the album’s America250 theme, celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary and capturing the enduring energy of American roots music.

“‘Declaration of Independence’ came about several years back when we set out to write an instrumental in the key of B,” shares Nalley-Norris. “Like many bluegrass bands, we play in that key often and needed an instrumental to break things up. We were in Centre Hall, Pennsylvania over Fourth of July weekend in 2023 and, without even thinking, went straight into it onstage. The band followed, and we named it on the spot—‘Declaration of Independence.’”