Two Louisiana Artists Making Waves with Blake Shelton’s “Stay Country or Die Tryin’”
- louisianacountrymu
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Louisiana’s influence in country music shows up in a lot of different ways — sometimes loudly, sometimes quietly, and often behind the scenes. Writers, artists, and collaborators from the state continue to find their way into Nashville rooms that shape songs reaching far beyond home.
That influence is part of Blake Shelton’s “Stay Country or Die Tryin’,” a high-energy anthem written by a collaborative team that includes two Louisiana musicians taking very different — but equally intentional — paths: Beau Bailey and Graham Barham.
While their careers aren’t moving in identical directions, this song marks a shared moment where those paths cross, reflecting the steady presence of Louisiana talent inside modern country music.
Beau Bailey: A Louisiana Writer Hitting His Stride
Beau Bailey’s name has been circulating more frequently in Nashville songwriting circles — and this past year made it clear that the momentum is building.
He recently broke into the MusicRow Top 15 on the Top Songwriter Chart, a milestone tied to a growing list of cuts across today’s country landscape. Beau is signed as a songwriter with Ashley Gorley’s Tape Room Music in partnership with Red Light Management, a publishing and development team known for fostering writers in Nashville.
According to MusicRow, his chart presence includes:
HARDY – “Favorite Country Song”
Blake Shelton – “Stay Country or Die Tryin’”
George Birge – “Cowboy Songs”
Ashley Cooke – “Painted You Pretty”
Pillbox Patti – “Sober”
Beau’s recent run of cuts points to writing that connects well with artists. His songs are built around strong hooks, emotional honesty, and a defined point of view — elements that translate well in collaborative rooms.
Graham Barham: An Artist Letting His Voice Travel Further
Graham Barham’s career has been built as an artist first. Raised in rural Louisiana, he moved to Nashville with a foundation in songwriting, but his recent visibility has come through his own releases and growing audience.
In the past few years, Barham has seen increased attention with songs like “Oil Money” and his Whiskey Rain EP, which featured Tyler Hubbard. Those releases have helped establish him as an artist with a modern approach to country music, while still staying connected to its core storytelling.
His co-writing credit on Blake Shelton’s “Stay Country or Die Tryin’” marks a notable moment in that progression. Being part of a write for an artist at Shelton’s level reflects the expanding scope of Barham’s work — and places him in a room where different creative paths intersect.
For Barham, the credit sits alongside his continued growth as an artist, reinforcing his presence both onstage and behind the scenes.
Inside the Write: Built Through Collaboration
“Stay Country or Die Tryin’” came together the Nashville way — with multiple writers bringing different instincts into the room and shaping the song piece by piece.
From the punch of the chorus to the unapologetic message behind it, the track sits comfortably in Blake Shelton’s world. It leans into confidence, tradition, and attitude, without overthinking what it’s meant to be.
For Beau Bailey and Graham Barham, being part of that write reflects steady, earned growth. It’s the result of showing up consistently, building trust, and letting your voice hold its own in a collaborative space.
Final Take
This moment may center on one song, but it points to something bigger. Louisiana creatives continue to leave their mark on country music in real and lasting ways — sometimes quietly, often collaboratively, and always with intention.
Beau Bailey is gaining momentum as a songwriter, building his catalog and finding his footing in Nashville. Graham Barham continues to grow as an artist while letting his creativity reach new rooms and new collaborations. Different paths. Shared roots. One song where those worlds meet.
At Louisiana Country Music, we’re proud to share these stories and continue rooting for Louisiana artists, writers, and musicians as they carry a piece of home with them wherever the music leads 🎶
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