Descending from Gadsden, Alabama, Robert Abernathy is writing his own story in the annals of Nashville’s vibrant music scene. His exposure to music began with staples of Southern Gospel and Traditional Country during his childhood. However, when he received a towering stereo along with Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ record as a Christmas gift around 1983, Abernathy’s musical compass began pointing in new directions, sparking an interest that has since evolved into a deeply concealed passion.
Who would have thought that a Mickey Mouse acoustic guitar and a Mel Bay chord book could be the stepping stones to larger dreams for Abernathy? He was a self-taught guitar player, learning the ropes by heart from Alabama and The Eagles’ music, gradually coming into his own as a performer at the tender age of sixteen.
Fast-forward to the present day, and Abernathy is playing shows and making noise up and down Lower Broadway in Nashville – a childhood dream manifested into reality. Everything he had once daydreamed about within the quiet corners of his room has now come to life, much to his pleasure and satisfaction.
Photo Courtesy: Mike Kindel Creative Photography
Abernathy’s latest music excursion is his new album, “Somewhere Around 18,” a compilation of reflections and stories bustling with life’s many flavors. The inspiration behind the album came from working with different songwriters, and a compilation of over 25 songs. An initially planned staggered release morphed into an 18-song album as Abernathy dove back into the nuances of each song, realizing that these audible stories deserve a public audience.
The tracks on “Somewhere Around 18” exemplify the diversity of Abernathy’s creative senses. From the personal and emotional tones of “Heaven Has a Radio,” to the lively vibes of “Redneck Magic”, each song provides an exciting sonic adventure. As Abernathy mentions, “They are all different from each other but just haven’t grown weary on my ears just yet.”
Despite the exhilaration and glamour of being an artist, Abernathy could not distance himself from his love for teaching. After a brief retirement, he took up a teaching position at a school near Nashville. He is now not just a beacon of musical inspiration on stage, but a cherished mentor in a classroom setting, creating a positive ripple among the eager young lives entrusted to him.
Photo Courtesy: Mike Kindel Creative Photography
Musically, Abernathy’s dreams continue to crystallize as he fronts The US #1 Eagles Tribute Show, Eagle Sunrise Band, and the Alabama Tribute Show, Alabama Sunset, paying homage to the very music that kindled his love for performing. Abernathy’s journey from playing guitar to his Mickey Mouse records to commanding the stage at legendary Nashville venues like Legends Corner and Wildhorse Saloon is proof that dreams are possible with inexhaustible dedication – a testament to his younger self.
Find Abernathy’s new album “Somewhere Around 18” on Spotify and follow his journey on Instagram as he artistically reminisces about turning 18 – reliving the past antics of youth through his lively songs. He’s ready to take you on a nostalgic ride, delivering what you probably didn’t even realize you’ve been missing: a dazzling fusion of the past and the present, all cleverly woven into great music. So grab your headphones and embark on this audio journey of honest narratives and immersive tunes with Robert Abernathy.
‘Somewhere Around 18’: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7ATqUklbyGLI30U3d5nVjL?si=JmsWJ9H7SdqXW_e__b-S5w
Instagram: https://instagram.com/rabernathy
Published By: Aize Perez
