In advance of the premiere of Fox’s new country-music drama, Monarch, the network on Friday released the show’s first single. Series star and country-music icon Trace Adkins covers Hank Williams Jr.’s “A Country Boy Can Survive,” which was originally released nearly 40 years ago. The song, a favorite of Adkins’, also speaks to the character he plays in the show – family patriarch Albie Roman. The cover is produced by series executive music producer Adam Anders and co-producer Peer Åström.

“I’ve lost count how many times I’ve listened to Hank Jr.’s ‘A Country Boy Can Survive,’” says Adkins. “Having the opportunity to record such an iconic song has been both exhilarating and daunting. I wanted to honor the original version, while putting my own ‘spin’ on it. I’m excited for this to be the first release from Monarch and for fans to hear all of the music we have coming out.”

Besides Adkins, the series stars Susan Sarandon as family matriarch and Queen of Country Music Dottie Cantrell Roman, Anna Friel as daughter Nicky Roman as well as Josh Sasse, Beth Ditto, Meagan Holder, Inigo Pascual, Martha Higareda and Emma Milani. Faith Prince, Adam Croasdell, Reshma Shetty, Callum Kerr, Kevin Chapin, DW Moffat, Damon Dayoub and Eva Amurri are featured in recurring roles.

Monarch, a musical drama about America’s first family of country music, debuts with a special two-night premiere on Sunday, Jan. 30, just after the NFL’s NFC Championship game on Fox. It will then continue in its regular time period on Tuesday, Feb. 1.

Key art for Fox's
Key art for Fox’s ‘Monarch’

Tags: anna friel fox monarch susan sarandon trace adkins


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