Nashville, Tenn. – Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Billy Gilman has released his latest Bluegrass single, “Waylon,” available today via Pinecastle Records. Timed to coincide with May Mental Health Awareness Month, the heartfelt track marks the launch of a special collaboration with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)—a national organization with local chapters in all 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico, focused on saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. Fans can download and stream the new single HERE.
“Waylon” tells the gripping story of someone who’s lost everything—but still holds on to life for the sake of their dog, Waylon. Anchored in emotional vulnerability, the song shines a light on the healing power of connection and unconditional love. The tune was written by Gilman, Dan Murph, and Philip Douglas. With Gilman’s signature vocals front and center, the track features a stellar band of Bluegrass musicians: Billy Gilman (vocals, guitar), John Mailander (fiddle), Jarrod Walker (mandolin), Jake Stargel (guitar), Vickie Vaughn (bass), Gabe Hirshfeld (banjo) and Martha Christian (harmony vocals).
“There are so many people out there who may not be with us today had they not had a four-legged companion to help keep them company and give them purpose,” said Gilman. “We did not write this song with the intention of teaming up with the AFSP, as we were just writing from the heart. But listening to it again a few months after recording it, my producer called me and said he thought this song might be able to help people who are lonely or depressed in a really big way. So I am all in on that!”
As part of the single’s release, Gilman will be helping the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention raise awareness and support on social media during Mental Health Awareness Month. AFSP’s theme for the month this year is In This Together: Building Emotional Resilience in Ourselves and Our Communities. One of the key actions the organization is highlighting to nurture personal resilience is to increase connections with others—and while human connection is highly important for one’s emotional wellbeing, the source of comfort many people derive from their pets cannot be understated. Among many local fundraising and awareness events presented throughout the year by local AFSP chapters is Paws for Prevention, a dog-themed variation on AFSP’s Out of the Darkness Walks that encourages furry friends to join in on the event.
Founded in 1987, AFSP is dedicated to funding scientific research, educating the public, advocating for mental health policy and supporting those affected by suicide. Brett Wean, AFSP’s director of writing and entertainment outreach, commented, “Suicide is a complex health-related issue – and sometimes, a simple line from a song helps to let someone at risk know they are not alone in what they’re feeling, and that help is available.”
Gilman’s latest single adds to a growing collection of releases from his forthcoming Bluegrass album Roller Coaster. The project includes previously released tracks like the No. 2 Bluegrass radio hit “Delta Queen,” the hard-driving title track “Roller Coaster,” the emotional “Til You Come Home,” and the genre-celebrating duet with Rhonda Vincent, “That’s Bluegrass To Me.” With each new release, Gilman continues to carve out a unique space in the Bluegrass world, blending heartfelt storytelling with musical authenticity.
Stay tuned for more music coming soon, and catch Billy Gilman on tour this year. For the latest news follow the singer’s journey on social media.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with a public policy office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico, with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok.
Media interested in comment on this news are encouraged to fill out this press request form and review AFSP’s Ethical Reporting Tips.
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