After more than two decades in Nashville spent building one of the most respected careers in country music, as an acclaimed artist, award-winning musician, songwriter and producer, Charlie Worsham released his long-awaited new album, Once Upon a Second Time Around, at the end of last week. His first project as an independent artist. Alongside the album, Worsham also unveils the official music video (below) for the reflective standout “Years Go By“, featuring fellow songwriter and collaborator Stephen Wilson Jr.
Created entirely on his own terms, Once Upon a Second Time Around marks a defining new chapter for Worsham. After spending more than a decade on a major label, he stepped away to make the record he always wanted to make, one rooted not in trends or commercial expectations, but in authentic storytelling, masterful musicianship, and the life he’s built beyond the stage. The album finds Worsham embracing the realisation that the dream he’d spent years chasing had quietly become his reality.
Once Upon A Second Time Around was recorded at multiple notable studios that included Sound Emporium, Sony Tree Studio A, Pinebox Studios, Querencia Sound, and The House. The album was created alongside a trusted circle of collaborators that included percussionist Jerry Roe, bassist Rich Brinsfield, guitarist Kris Donegan, co-producer Jaren Johnston, and executive producer Josh Van Valkenburg. Together, they crafted a record that prioritizes musicianship, storytelling, and authenticity over trends and expectations.
A two-time ACM Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year and CMA Musician of the Year, Worsham has long been recognized as one of Nashville’s most respected musicians and collaborators. Known to be a first-call collaborator among Nashville’s elite, he has penned songs recorded by artists including Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, and Dierks Bentley.
Whether standing center-stage at the Grand Ole Opry or working in the studio with icons like Eric Church, Kacey Musgraves, Ella Langley, Max McNown or Carrie Underwood, it has earned him some of country music’s biggest fans amongst these circles. Yet, Once Upon A Second Time Around is a reminder that, beyond the accolades and collaborations, Worsham’s greatest strength has always been his own voice. Which you can here live in this country this week as he performs two live gigs in York & Manchester, and a set at Country Calling in Chelmsford on Saturday
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Image above (c) PJ Brown Album artwork design below Matt Lehman
