Platinum-selling country artist RaeLynn and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Rhett Akins will release “We’re American Made” on July 3 via Red Van Records, a reimagined version inspired by The Oak Ridge Boys’ iconic No. 1 hit “American Made.” Pre-save/pre-add the song here.
Ahead of its July 3 release, RaeLynn and Akins performed “We’re American Made” together at the Grand Ole Opry. While honoring the spirit of the original, “We’re American Made” shifts the focus from a personal love story to a broader celebration of the people, places and values that continue to shape the American experience. They debuted the song during CMA Fest and a video clip of that performance is here.
“We’re American Made” also follows a landmark moment in Akins' career. On June 28, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member was surprised on the Grand Ole Opry stage with an invitation from friend and Opry member Jon Pardi to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Akins, whose songwriting catalog includes 36 No. 1 country hits, will officially be inducted into the Opry later this year.
For the reimagined version of the song, the original “American Made” songwriters and longtime collaborators, Bob DiPiero and Pat McManus, teamed with songwriter Amy Stroup, preserving the spirit of the original while giving it a fresh perspective. Produced by Corey Crowder, the recording blends modern country production with the heart and optimism that made “American Made” a country music classic more than four decades ago.
“The first time I heard this version, it just made me smile,” said RaeLynn. “It's fun, it's positive, and it reminds me of so many things that bring people together. There's a real sense of pride and American Pride in it, and that's something that resonates across generations. Getting to record it with Rhett and help introduce this song to a new generation made it really special.”
“I grew up hearing ‘American Made’ on the radio and loved it every time it came on,” said Akins. “Great country songs never get old, and this is one of those songs. It's a classic for a reason. The writing is timeless, and it was a lot of fun to put a new spin on it while keeping the spirit of the original intact.”
Filled with imagery of highways, hometowns, fireworks and freedom, “We’re American Made” arrives as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary. With its singalong chorus, the song captures the pride, gratitude and sense of community that have long been woven into the fabric of country music.
Originally recorded by The Oak Ridge Boys, “American Made” reached No. 1 on the Billboard country chart in 1983 and remains one of the group's most enduring hits. More than forty years later, “We’re American Made” offers a fresh perspective while paying tribute to the songwriters and legacy behind a country classic.
“We’re American Made” will be available everywhere on July 3.
About RaeLynn:
Two-time ACM Awards nominee RaeLynn has built a career on fearless authenticity, sharp songwriting and an undeniable connection with fans. From breakout hits like “God Made Girls” and “Boyfriend” to a new wave of discovery across TikTok and Reels, her music continues to resonate with longtime listeners while reaching a new generation. With more than one billion career streams and over 2.5 million followers, RaeLynn remains one of country music’s most engaging and relatable voices.
Now partnered with Jonas Group Entertainment and Red Van Records, RaeLynn is entering an exciting new chapter highlighted by recent releases including “Come On Cowboy (Giddy Up),” “Heaven Is A Honky Tonk,” “Long Live Country Music” and “Fall Together.” Following a run on Jason Aldean’s Full Throttle Tour, she joins Luke Bryan’s Word On The Street Tour this summer and fall, continuing to bring her energetic live show to audiences nationwide while helping shape the next generation of country music through her music, storytelling and unwavering authenticity.
About Rhett Akins:
Rhett found his way to a professional music career when Decca Records (which had been reactivated then) heard one of his demos. He dropped his first album, A Thousand Memories, in 1995. The record was critically acclaimed and produced four chart singles including his first No. 1 hit, “That Ain’t My Truck,” which he also co-wrote. The song has since become Rhett’s signature song but his success story was just getting started. The following year he released Somebody New which produced another No. 1 hit, “Don’t Get Me Started.”
Akins has written 36 No. 1 singles (and counting), and his impressive catalog hasn’t gone unnoticed in the music industry. Akins has been the recipient of renowned awards and titles. In 2010, Rhett was named the No. 4 Billboard Country Songwriter. The following year, BMI named him Songwriter of the Year. He won it again in 2014. His song “Honey Bee” became the highest selling digital debut by a country male solo artist. His biggest accomplishment, though, may be winning the CMA Triple Play award a total of seven times. The award is presented to a songwriter who penned three No. 1 singles in 12 months and he won it in October 2010, January 2012, February 2014, February 2015, February 2016, February 2017, and again in February 2018! In April 2018 Rhett was named Songwriter of the Year and in September 2019 named the first Songwriter of the Decade by the Academy of Country Music. In July 2021, Rhett was announced as an inductee into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
