Who was Randall Clay and What happened to him? Ashley McBryde honors late songwriter with new song

Ashley McBryde is keeping her late friend Randall Clay's legacy alive with a new song.

The artist released her latest track, Rattlesnake Preacher, which has reportedly been a few years in the making. The track was written by Clay before he passed away in 2018, and the crooner is releasing it now in his honor.

Randall Clay Snowden was a well-known country crooner and songwriter. He had gone missing ahead of his demise, just before Hurricane Michael ravaged Pensacola, FL. His mother later confirmed his passing. He is known for having co-written several tracks with Ashley, including “American Scandal,” “Tired of Being Happy,” and “El Dorado."

“It is with a heavy broken heart that I write these words. Randall Clay Snowden has crossed over,” his friend and longtime collaborator, Blue Floey, said in a statement. “Thank you for the prayers and the effort that has been put forth by all of us…The outpouring of concern and love has been truly incredible. Humanity and kindness have been at the foundation of this process. Social media is both a blessing & a curse…We ask that all can understand the need for privacy when it comes to matters of life and death. And we hope that you can understand why every detail isn’t posted until the facts and the truth can stand on their own. Currently because of the hurricane and circumstances of Randall’s passing…..even his closest family members have not been able to put together exactly what has happened.”

Ashley McBryde opens up about releasing a song in her late friend's honor: Read more

In a statement confirming that her song has been released in honor of her friend, Ashley McBryde said:

“I’ve written nearly every song on all my records, so when I cut one I didn’t write, it means something. Randall was part of a group of songwriters that helped me write some of the most formative songs of my career. His songs will always find a home with me to continue his legacy.”

The track arrived this Thursday, June 26, via Warner Music Nashville. According to Music Mayhem, it is described as a "swampy uptempo tune that’s tailor-made as a staple song to electrify audiences at large-scale concerts." Its studio version was produced by John Osborne, and it features the songstress' band, Deadhorse.

“My daddy was a rattlesnake preacher / My daddy was a man of God / My daddy was a rattlesnake preacher / In south Alabama,” Ashley McBryde sings in the song's chorus.

According to Holler Country, Ashley McBryde said in a press release:

“‘Rattlesnake Preacher’ has been a staple in our live show since the bar days, and we’ve constantly been asked by fans when it’ll make it onto a record. As we were gearing up for my second year of co-hosting CMA Fest, it felt like the perfect time to finally get this one out there. It’s my way of saying thank you to the fans who have shown up, listened and gave this song life long before it was ever recorded.”

Ashley McBryde's latest track is her first tune of the year, following suit in last year's famed Ain't Enough Cowboy Songs. She began performing the track as part of her list a few years ago, having recently delivered a live performance of it during this year's CMA Fest concert. She also shared a snippet of the track on her Instagram for her fans, which she captioned:

“This one is for the folks who aren’t afraid to kick down the doors standing in their way."

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