Yellowstone star Luke Grimes shines a light on his home state with the release of his brand-new track, “Oh Ohio,” out today Friday (March 17).
Written with Jessi Alexander and Jon Randall, “Oh Ohio” finds Grimes, 39, breaking up with the places he used to wander as he acknowledges the changes that came from being away from his roots. Despite moving on, he still finds a fondness and sense of pride in his home state.
“Oh, it’s been nice to know ya / Guess it’s time I get on down the road / When you’re forgetting me / Crucify my memory / Know I bleed Ohio,” Grimes sings hauntingly throughout the chorus of the song.
Listen To Luke Grimes’ New Song “Oh Ohio” Below
Sonically, the track, produced by Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter Dave Cobb, features gentle, ringing sounds of acoustic guitars and delicate piano over a laid-back rhythm. Grimes, meanwhile, showcases his relaxed vocals and pronounced rasp over the moody yet timeless lyrics.
Grimes was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, but has since taken up residence in Montana, where he films for the role of Kayce Dutton on the hit television series Yellowstone. Opening up about his new track in a press release, he says he wanted to capture the experience of leaving home and finding the feeling of home elsewhere. And, while he may not consider his birthplace to be “home” these days, deep down, it will always be a part of who he is.
“I left Ohio over twenty years ago to chase a dream,” Grimes shares the meaning behind the track. “It was a big moment for me when I realized that Ohio wasn’t my home anymore; I’m sure many people who have moved away can relate.”
“It felt like home for a very long time, but over the years, I could feel the drift,” he continues. “‘Oh Ohio’ is less of a song about leaving home and more about losing it. It’s a breakup song but with a place. Knowing your time together is over, but you are a part of each other forever.”
He Previously Released His Debut Country Single “No Horse To Ride”
“Oh Ohio” follows the release of Grimes’ popular debut country song “No Horse To Ride,” which has already racked up over 15 million global streams since its December 2022 release.
According to a release, “No Horse To Ride” also debuted inside the Top 10 of the Country Songs sales chart at No. 7. Additionally, Spotify featured the song on the cover of its Country Hits 2023 playlist, with the song in the No. 1 position, and the song has been on eight Spotify Viral Charts.
Grimes got his start in music, playing drums, guitar, and piano in church as the son of a Pentecostal pastor. His father introduced him to artists like Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings during his childhood.
Furthering his developing ear, Grimes came to land on more favorite artists, becoming inspired by names like Colter Wall, Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, and the late Townes Van Zandt. Before venturing into a career as a solo artist, Grimes was a drummer and songwriter for a country band based in Los Angeles.
As previously shared, Grimes is most known for playing the character of Kayce Dutton on Yellowstone, which is streamed on the Paramount Network or Paramount Network App. He has also played roles in films like The Magnificent Seven and American Sniper, to name a few. Grimes is currently laying the foundation for his first-ever major label project.
