Powerhouse vocalist, Bucky Heard, has released his debut country album, ‘Breathless.‘ With hard-driving songs that showcase his passionate vocal style, mid-tempos that carry life-affirming messages, and delicate ballads that demonstrate the depth of his soulful vocal range, the album is a spot on snapshot of a man whose talent is only matched by his determination. ‘Breathless’ is available today at all major digital retailers here.
Known for his work alongside Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Bill Medley for the past decade in the revival of The Righteous Brothers, Heard steps fully into his own artistry with ‘Breathless.’ Working alongside legendary Music Row producer, Bob Bullock (Shania Twain, Reba, George Strait, Keith Urban, and REO Speedwagon, among many others), and supported by some of Nashville’s top session players, Heard crafted an 8-song album that showcases his vocal prowess and his ability to seamlessly shift between styles of music that have influenced his career.
“From the start, my goal for this record was simple and very powerful – to make a positive impact,” Heard says. “I wanted to blend gritty Rock and Roll, anthem styled grooves, with beautiful, breathtaking ballads, to deliver a message of hope. I wanted to remind people that with determination and passion dreams don’t have a shelf life and it’s never too late to chase them.”
Featuring songs from some of Nashville’s most prolific hit tunesmiths, the album kicks off with the country-rock barnburner and title cut, “Breathless,” written by Kent Blazy, Neil Thrasher and Kelly Shiver. “Miss Me Yet,” from the team of Bart Butler and Aaron Goodvin slows the pace and finds Heard in a reflective mood about a lost love and what might have been. “Ride the Lightning” is Heard’s latest high-energy single and cinematically stunning music video. Crafted by writers Kent Blazy, Bridgette Tatum and Daniel Wayne Myrick, it perfectly encapsulates Heard’s zest for life’s challenges and the understanding that greatness can only be accomplished if you are not afraid to stand in the fire. “A Little Less Beautiful,” crafted by Rob Crosby, Dave Gibson and Chris Wallen, shows off Heard’s understated vocals in a beautiful ballad that elevates the woman’s beauty above the most stunning images ever seen.
“It Is What It Is (Till It Ain’t)” finds Heard in the writer’s seat alongside Terri Jo Box and Patrick Savage. The rollicking track with burning guitars and rapid-fire lyrics was the second single from the album, and the music video featuring high-energy country line-dancing logged four weeks at the top of the fan-voted Weekly Video Countdown at Taste of Country. “My Best Days,” written by Kent Blazy and Marv Green was released as the lead single from ‘Breathless.” The mid-tempo with a true-to-life music video that features Medley is truly a mantra for Heard who believes with all of his heart that “My best days are ahead of me.” Delicate acoustic guitar touches set the stage for “Empty,” written by Laureen Smith and Jordan Rainer.
It continues the theme of the album to live life to the fullest and leave no stone unturned. Heard chose to cover the Roy Orbison classic “Crying,” co-written by Orbison and Joe Melson, to close the album. It was the third single from the album and was supported by an emotionally charged music video. He has performed the song live for nearly a decade and first took on the iconic song at the suggestion of Medley. “I’ve always considered Roy Orbison untouchable vocally,” Heard says. “But when Bill Medley handed me this song and said, ‘This is for you,’ it became a turning point.” With a fresh arrangement by Heard’s musical director Chris Leuzinger, best known for his work with Garth Brooks, the result is a hauntingly beautiful interpretation that breathes new life into the timeless ballad.
‘Breathless’ track list:
1. Breathless (3:29)
2. Miss Me Yet (3:52)
3. Ride the Lightning (4:02)
4. A Little Less Beautiful (3:23)
5. It Is What It Is (Till It Ain’t) (3:15)
6. My Best Days (3:15)
7. Empty (3:51)
8. Crying (3:25)
Heard has recently been featured by Taste of Country, Nashville Insider, WSM Radio, Country Fix, Rock and Review with Eric Dahl, Heartland Network, and CDX Country News with Shannon McCombs.
The Righteous Brothers are currently on their Farewell Tour and Heard is performing select solo shows.
Bucky Heard on Tour:
January 22, 2026 – Italian American Club, Las Vegas, NV
February 4, 2026 – Composer’s Showcase, The Smith Center, Las Vegas, NV
February 25, 2026 – Benefit for Positively Arts, Notoriety, Las Vegas, NV
*For all Righteous Brothers show dates, go to: https://righteousbrothers.com/
ABOUT BUCKY HEARD
Bucky Heard has earned the reputation as a singer who has “the soulful grittiness of Bob Seger and the soaring vocal range of Steve Perry.” It also speaks volumes about Heard, whose inspirational, uplifting, and energetic live performances are filled with joy and exuberance. Heard’s music – and his artistry – are on full display in his upcoming album produced by legendary Nashville producer, Bob Bullock. From hard-driving rock and country songs that showcase his powerhouse vocal style, to mid-tempos that carry life-affirming messages, to delicate ballads that demonstrate the depth of his soulful vocal range, the album is a spot on snapshot of a man whose talent is only matched by his determination.
An Alabama native and Auburn University alumnus (BFA Theatre Performance), Heard has garnered critical praise in such publications as The Washington Post and USA Today. He has shared the concert stage with a constellation of superstars from multiple genres, including Glen Campbell, Michael McDonald, BB King, The Beach Boys (with Mike Love), The Temptations, Jonathan Cain (Journey), and many more. After many years of experience performing in clubs, theatres and venues across America, Heard’s life was forever changed in 2016, when he was hand-picked by legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame icon, Bill Medley, to become his partner in the Righteous Brothers (“Unchained Melody,” “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling”). Heard’s youthful energy has rekindled a new spark into the world-class Righteous Brothers, who are now on their farewell tour.
For more information: https://www.buckyheard.com/
