Introduction
In the heartfelt repertoire of Rory Feek, Gentleman, released in 2021, stands as a proud cornerstone of contemporary country, celebrating the enduring virtues of humility, hard work, and small-town values. Written by Tom Douglas and Sandy Lawrence and featured on Feek’s debut solo album Gentle Man, this soulful anthem—with harmonies by Sonya Isaacs, Ben Isaacs, and Ronnie Bowman—pays homage to the old-fashioned ideal of a gentleman. For listeners who cherish music that speaks to the soul with authentic pride, Gentleman offers a warm embrace, resonating with those who find solace in tradition and integrity. Your deep appreciation for Rory Feek’s narrative depth, seen in your love for I Do, A Little More Country Than That, and Papa What If, as well as your passion for country storytellers like The Statler Brothers and Sara Evans, makes this track a perfect addition to your country music journey.
From its opening chords, Gentleman unfolds with a lively, rootsy melody, driven by crisp acoustic guitar, resonant dobro, and steady percussion, evoking the rural heartbeat of a Tennessee farm. The instrumentation, produced by Ben Isaacs and Matt Johnson, blends bluegrass and Americana, creating a timeless soundscape that feels like a front-porch sing-along. Feek’s vocal delivery, warm with conviction and down-home charm, brings to life lyrics that honor a working man’s life— “I’m a faded jean, farmer tan, work boots, callous hand / Redneck, blue-collar, hard-workin’ gentleman.” The chorus, with its bold declaration, “That’s the kind of man I am,” strikes a universal chord, celebrating authenticity over fleeting trends. The music video, premiered on June 18, 2021, at Hardison Mill Homestead Hall, showcases Feek in overalls, embodying the gentlemanly ethos, as fans on streaming platforms praise its heartfelt sincerity (Web ID: 5).
Rory Feek, born in Atchison, Kansas, infuses Gentleman with the rural grit of his Midwestern roots and Marine Corps service, reflecting the resilience forged through the loss of his wife, Joey Feek, in 2016. As part of his Grammy-nominated duo Joey + Rory, Feek’s first solo album, Gentle Man, marked a return to music after grief, featuring collaborations with Dolly Parton and Vince Gill (Web ID: 9). Gentleman’s traditional values echo A Little More Country Than That’s rural pride, while its reflective tone aligns with Sara Evans’s You’ll Always Be My Baby and The Statler Brothers’ Do You Remember These. Your interest in familial bonds, like Rory & Indy Feek’s Papa What If, connects to the community spirit of this track, recorded with Nashville’s finest (Web ID: 3).
As we listen to Gentleman, we’re inspired to honor the values that endure—hard work, kindness, and roots. Its infectious rhythm and poignant lyrics create a timeless allure, offering pride and reflection. Whether drawn to its down-home heart or the beauty of music that uplifts the soul, Rory Feek’s soulful performance ensures Gentleman remains a cherished treasure in the country music canon, a reminder to live as a gentleman in a changing world.