Five-time Grammy award winning singer, songwriter CeeLo Green releases new music today with the first track “Lead Me” from his forthcoming album entitled “CeeLo Green is… Thomas Callaway” (Easy Eye / BMG). This is CeeLo’s first album in five years and for this highly anticipated next project, he has collaborated with Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, who took on the role of producer of this new, artistic endeavor with CeeLo. The album is available for pre-order today and is slated for release in June 2020.
LISTEN TO “LEAD ME” HERE.
WATCH LYRIC VIDEO HERE.
Dan Auerbach invited CeeLo to Nashville for some writing sessions without the intention of creating an album, but this unexpected, musical pair started vibing and walked away with a timeless record. For the first time ever while recording, CeeLo sang with a live band in the same room. It was comprised of noteworthy Nashville musicians including Gene Chrisman and Bobby Wood of the Memphis Boys, Russ Paul, Dave Roe, Billy Sanford, Ray Jacildo and Mike Rojas. Working closely together in the studio, the two award winning artists along with renowned writers Bobby Wood, David Ferguson, Roger Cook, and Paul Overstreet created a lyrically positive and inspiring, redemption album that is easy to listen to from start to finish.
“I didn’t walk into the studio as the artist CeeLo Green going to record songs for a new album; I went in solely as myself, the writer Thomas Callaway. CeeLo Green preforms the songs that Thomas Callaway writes,” he explains. “I’m a shaman for that old soul and it came through on this album.”
The name of the album gives fans an idea of what to expect from the overall music as “Thomas Callaway” is CeeLo Green’s given name. This raw album is a real glimpse inside his true soulful character and life beyond the Gnarls persona and “Forget You” pop-sound. “CeeLo Green is… Thomas Callaway” is soulful, with gospel undertones and naturally was influenced by its surroundings in Nashville. It is a reflection of who Thomas Callaway is and a nod to his church-going, southern family roots. The soulful single and overall album finds CeeLo channeling luminaries like Bill Withers, Donny Hathaway and Staple Singers.
“We spent weeks writing and singing songs and we never once talked about trying to write a hit….it was so liberating. I think it freed us to where we could follow our hearts. So, we ended up singing about the things that mattered most in our lives – our kids and our loved ones and what we hope for them. We always came back to love and forgiveness and the passing of time. I feel like together we captured some very special moments on tape. For me, this record is about love, healing and peace of mind,” explains Dan Auerbach.
Additionally, CeeLo Green has partnered with @LYFT to provide essential workers in his hometown of Atlanta with transportation. CeeLo is giving away rides to those who need it most. If you or someone you know has a critical need for transportation in Atlanta (i.e., hospital workers, transit workers, first responders, etc.), DM CeeLo (social handles below) and he will respond to as many essential workers possible with a discounted ride code (up to $10). The campaign launches tomorrow April 11th and will run until April 14th. #DoYourPartChallenge #LyftUp
Watch a campaign video here.
A man of many talents and projects, CeeLo Green is still traveling globally preforming his solo act as well as touring with his original, rap-group Goodie Mob, but all dates have been postponed during the pandemic. Additionally, on August 11th, CeeLo will return to Las Vegas for his 3rd residency entitled “Man in the Mirror” this time at The Flamingo. He also recently appeared on WEtv’s “Marriage Bootcamp” alongside his lifetime partner Shani James, which was also a glimpse into his real life as Thomas Callaway.
As CeeLo’s lyric states in his single ‘Lead Me’, please remember during this unpredictable time in the world that, “It doesn’t matter where we started, just as long as we finish together.”
