Earlier this month, Red Street Records’ newest country signee and former Country Evolution Artist to Watch, Walker Montgomery, released his latest single, “Saving The Honky Tonks.”
In our recent interview with Montgomery at CRS, the Kentucky native opened up about the song, its quick writing process, and why honoring the spirit of classic honky tonks remains so important to him.
Serving as an ode to the dusty dance floors, beer-stained barstools, and timeless country sounds that define the genre’s roots, the song is built for two-stepping and late-night singalongs.
The chorus captures that traditional country spirit perfectly:
“So I’m bringing back steel guitar / For the broken hearts / Drinkin’ til the lights come on / I’m bringing back what’s been gone / And the kinda songs / You can dance to all night long / I’m bringing back a two steppin’, longneckin’ nothing wrong / Givin’ the people what they want / So if you’re looking for me I’ll be / Savin’ the honky tonks”
Walker Montgomery on Writing the Song
During our interview at CRS, Montgomery shared that the track came together naturally in the writing room. “I wrote that one with Bobby Tomberlin and Lance Miller. We just had this idea and a little groove to it. It was one of those songs that just kind of fell out fairly quickly, you know, and just a good vibe, honky tonkin, two step and dance hall song.”
Written by Montgomery alongside Lance Miller and Bobby Tomberlin, and produced by Bart Butler, the single marks his first release with Red Street Records.
The song also helped launch his headlining Saving The Honky Tonks Tour, which kicked off on April 9 in Charlotte.
A Song Built for Traditional Country Fans
In a press release, Montgomery shared his excitement for bringing the song to fans who love classic country music. “I love real country music and what better place to get that but in a honky tonk. That’s why I’m releasing this song and having a little fun with it. Can’t wait to get out on the road and play for traditional country fans in dance halls across the nation.”
That passion for keeping traditional country sounds front and center has become a defining part of Montgomery’s artistry.
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More Than a Famous Last Name
While Walker carries one of the most recognizable names in country music, he continues to prove that his success is built on far more than family legacy.
The Nicholasville native is the son of John Michael Montgomery and nephew of Eddie Montgomery, but he has steadily carved out his own lane as one of country’s promising new traditionalists.
His 2024 debut at the Grand Ole Opry marked a major milestone in a career that has already seen impressive independent success.
By the Numbers
Montgomery’s signature “honey-bourbon” baritone continues to resonate with fans across streaming platforms and social media.
Some of his standout milestones include:
- 93 million+ total global streams as an independent artist
- 45 million+ TikTok views for his rendition of I Love the Way You Love Me
- 20 million+ streams for She Don’t Know
- 7.3 million+ Spotify streams for his self-written breakout hit Simple Town
Carrying the Sound Forward
With projects like RUST and WORK TO DO, Walker Montgomery continues to bridge classic storytelling with modern production.
“Saving The Honky Tonks” feels like a natural next step in that journey, offering fans a song that celebrates the places and sounds that helped define country music in the first place.
Ten days after its release, the single is still proving why traditional country fans are keeping it on repeat.
