Robert Abernathy, a name that resonates with the sweet strumming vibrations of his guitar and soulful lyrics, hails from Gadsden, Alabama. His Southern Gospel and Traditional Country upbringing shaped his early musical experiences, and, unexpectedly, Michael Jackson’s Thriller record collected in Christmas of 1983 opened a door to an entirely new music realm. Inspired, Abernathy dedicated himself to mastering the melodies and learning every lyric, thus setting in motion the spark that ignited his passion for music.
Years later, the self-taught musician, with an old Mickey Mouse acoustic guitar, a Mel Bay chord book, and a dream, ingrained himself in the annals of the music scene. Building on foundations laid by bands like Alabama and The Eagles, Abernathy polished his raw talent into full-fledged musical prowess. Today, he can be found serenading music lovers on the vibrant streets of Lower Broadway in Nashville, a dream brought to life from his youthful blueprints.
Among his many successes in the music scene, Abernathy has recently unveiled his newest offering to the music world, an album entitled “Somewhere Around 18”. Partnering with seasoned songwriters and producer Josh Bright, Abernathy has carefully curated 18 radio-ready songs from a vast collection he’s amassed over the years. The initial thought was to launch them as singles or even a sequence of EPs, but Abernathy, believing that all songs deserved their public moment, decided on a full album release.
Each track in “Somewhere Around 18″ is distinct and carries an essence of Abernathy’s personal sentiments. Among the array of tunes, “Heaven Has a Radio” stands out for its profound personal significance. Other noteworthy songs include “Out of the Blue”, “A Little Tied Up,” “Beach Looks Good on You”, and “Redneck Magic”. Abernathy describes the album as a reflection on youthful days, shared with friends, recalling the follies of being 18 years old.
Interestingly, Abernathy’s journey doesn’t merely revolve around music. He’s always held a deep affection for teaching, which initially led him into retirement. The joy of nurturing young minds and witnessing their growth consistently called him, rousing Abernathy from his brief hiatus. Today, he flourishes in his role at Symrna Primary Elementary School in Rutherford County, just outside of Nashville, teaching P.E. to Kindergarteners all the way up to the fifth grade. The happiness gleaned from teaching has never been more apparent, with eager young students looking forward to their daily dose of physical education under Abernathy’s guidance.
Robert Abernathy’s musical prowess reverberates far beyond his album and classroom. Fans may follow along with his journey on various social media platforms. You can tap into his world and listen to his music on Apple Music. Follow his updates, engagements and behind the scenes footage through his accounts on Youtube and Instagram.
Robert Abernathy’s swirling story is an inspiring mix of memory-infused melodies, heartfelt teaching, and a continuing legacy that touches many across the globe. His album, “Somewhere Around 18,” is not just a collection of songs, but an intimate journey through notes and lyrics that echo the episodes of his life. This heartfelt tribute to his teenage exploits and the nostalgic endeavours of yesteryear is sure to resonate with fans and casual listeners alike.
Hear the album here: https://open.spotify.com/album/3IHgSlCNAjnnOHTsPbY0bf?si=aq_qOs5uRoi7su7wMCot_Q
Published by: Nelly Chavez
