Songs Of An American Dreamer is an inspirational,14-song collection that showcases Fortune’s incomparable voice and reflects the beautiful heart, heritage, and gratitude of this American patriot. The track list covers Fortune’s popular contributions to the Statler Brothers’ catalog, including “Elizabeth,” “More Than a Name on a Wall,” “Too Much on My Heart,” and “My Only Love.” It also features solo career classics such as “Thank God For Mama And Daddy” and “I Believe,” and it includes some newly written songs.

The single, “More Than A Name On A Wall,” is a late-period Statler Brothers gem co-written by Fortune. It first appeared on the group’s 1988 collection, The Greatest Hits. It’s a true American storyteller ballad with a poignant and patriotic fallen-soldier narrative. This gorgeous version feels as resonant as ever. Here, Fortune sings purely from the heart with that sweet tenor soaring to the heavens in the chorus alongside rousing and harmonious vocals.

“’More Than A Name On A Wall’ is a tribute to our veterans even though the song is about a mother who was grieving her son who was killed in Vietnam,” said Fortune. “The song really pays tribute to all of our veterans who have a name on a wall anywhere in this great nation.  This is just one story among thousands.”

The intimate sessions for Songs Of An American Dreamer were hosted by Ricky Skaggs and country music royalty Sharon White, Skaggs’ wife. The DVD features anecdotes, stories, and heartwarming introductions. The band sits in a circle and runs down each song, breathing new life into old favorites.

Fortune would go on to live up to his name by playing a pivotal role in the Statler Brothers’ 1980s comeback through his emotive songwriting. Fortune penned the group’s second No. 1 hit, “Elizabeth,” and followed it with two more No. 1 hits, including “My Only Love” and “Too Much On My Heart.” He also wrote the Top 10 hits “Forever” and “More Than a Name on a Wall.”

Fortune has performed in all the U.S. states, in Canadian Provinces, and in front of audiences as large as 100,000. His career included The Nashville Network’s popular The Statler Brothers Show which debuted in 1991 as the highest rated show for the network and went on for seven seasons. During his time with the Statlers, he was privileged to perform at the White House on two occasions, once for President Ronald Reagan, and once for President George H. W. Bush. He also presented a special gift to actress Elizabeth Taylor by singing his song “Elizabeth” to her for a birthday celebration.

The Statler Brothers with Fortune were inducted into the GMA (Gospel Music Association) Hall of Fame on October 29, 2007, and inducted into the CMA (Country Music Association) Hall of Fame on June 29, 2008. Fortune, as a solo artist, was inducted into the Virginia Musical Hall of Fame in 2018. In 2023, a life-size bronze statue of Fortune was unveiled at the Nelson County Historical Society’s Oakland Museum.

After The Statler Brothers retired on October 26, 2002, Fortune seized the opportunity to launch a solo career to share new music with his fans. He has since released eight solo records, spanning gospel, Christmas, and country. Fortune has been a Gaither artist since 2015. His first album with the label, the Hits and Hymns CD and DVD, debuted at #10 on the Billboard “Country Album Chart,” #1 on the Billboard “Southern Gospel Chart,” and #6 on the Billboard “Contemporary Christian Chart.” The Hits and Hymns DVD debuted at #1 on Billboard “Music Video Charts.” In 2020, Fortune’s God and Country CD and DVD won a Dove Award for “Country/Gospel/Roots Album of the Year.” Fortune has also had success working with his friends Ben Isaacs, Mike Rogers, and Bradley Walker for quartet-style projects. The group’s sophomore album, Listen To The Music, debuted at #1 on the Billboard “Christian Music Chart.”

Fortune is currently living in Tennessee, writing, touring, and recording music. He is also working on a book titled Jimmy Fortune: The Story of an American Dreamer which is planned for release later in 2025.

CD Track List: 

1. Earl’s Song/Virginia Dreams

2.Thank God For Mamma And Daddy

3.The End Of The World

4. This Old Guitar

5. We Won’t Forget You

6. Elizabeth

7. My Only Love

8. Too Much On My Heart

9.More Than A Name On A Wall

10. On The Other Side

11. I Believe

12. Closer To You

13. Jealous Of The Angels

14. Old Friend I Call Home

DVD Track List: 

1. Earl’s Song/Virginia Dreams

2. Thank God For Mamma And Daddy

3. The End Of The World

4. Old Friend I Call Home

5. This Old Guitar

6. We Won’t Forget You

7. Elizabeth

8. My Only Love

9. Too Much On My Heart

10. More Than A Name On A Wall

11. On The Other Side

12. I Believe

13. Closer To You

14. Jealous Of The Angels