The past twelve months have been nothing short of a whirlwind for Manitoba-born country singer Kendra Kay. With several recent trophies added to her collection (including the Manitoba Country Music Association Fans Choice Award back in November), Kay’s blooming career as a country artist is sending shockwaves across North America.

Her last full-length record, released in 2018, was produced by Canadian country music legend Terri Clark and the album’s first two singles spent an impressive seventeen weeks in the National Airplay’s Top 100. With 300k+ streams across Spotify and surreal tour dates opening for acts including James Barker Band and Jess Moskaluke this summer, Kay’s next twelve months are sure to leave an even more lasting impression on the country music world than this most recent trip around the sun.

The recent year, however, has not come without a huge loss for Kay and her family. Back in July 2018, Kay’s grandfather, the patriarch of her family and beloved guitarist in his own right, passed away. One of his most prized possessions, his 1957 Gibson Les Paul Jr. electric guitar in Sunburst finish, was adopted by Kendra and immediately evoked the spirit of her grandfather.

“In July of last year, my grandpa passed away. He was many things in his life time but anyone who knew him knew of his love for three things: his family, his horses and his music….Grandpa was storyteller – he’d captivate and inspire people no matter where he went, and he was never afraid to reach out to someone new to make a friend or just to say hi. The best way I thought to honor him was by telling his story and the best way I know to tell a story is through song…”

Ten months and an inspirational writing trip to Nashville later, “Grandpa’s Gibson”, co-written with Steven Mitchell and produced by Juno Award nominee Murray Pulver, is beaming onto the airwaves as Kay’s next single.

The official music video, premiering today here on Rhythm & Boots NYC, highlights Kay’s seamless ability to deliver emotion-filled reflection through celebratory vocals and polished guitars. And in this particular case, the guitar’s polish is sixty-two years old and counting.

“Every time I hold that old guitar, I feel closer / Every time I open up that case, I get closure…”

Watch the official video for “Grandpa’s Gibson” and follow Kendra Kay at the below links.

Website // YouTube // Instagram // Facebook