Zach Top & Red Clay Strays Unite For Kris Kristofferson Classic
on • Updated
It is something special when two of country music’s most exciting new acts, Zach Top and The Red Clay Strays, unite to pay homage to a country icon.
The Red Clay Strays made their headlining debut at Madison Square Garden with a sold-out show on Augaust 9th. With Brent Cobb and The Revivalists billed as opening acts, fans were shocked when Zach Top joined the headliners on stage early in their set. Together, they performed the Red Clay Strays’ recent hit “Don’t Wanna Know.”
An even more memorable moment happened during the encore, when Zach rejoined the band for a special performance of “Help Me Make It Through The Night.”
“Help Me Make It Through The Night” was released by the late great Kris Kristofferson in 1970. The musician was inspired to write the song after reading an Esquire Magazine interview in which Frank Sinatra said he believed in “Booze, broads, or a bible… whatever helps me make it through the night.“
The ballad has been recorded countless times by the likes of Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette, and Elvis Presley.
RELATED: RED CLAY STRAYS’ BRANDON COLEMAN & ZACH TOP UNITE FOR ICONIC GEORGE JONES COVER
Zach Top Performs With The Red Clay Strays
Before jumping into their impromptu performance of “Help Me Make It Through The Night,” Zach admitted to the crowd that they were “flying by the seat of their pants.” Of course, the disclaimer was unnecessary, and the stage full of talented musicians delivered a great rendition of the song, with Zach even ripping a guitar solo.
Great news for all the fans who were not there in person: the show was recorded and will be released as a live album in the coming months, as confirmed by frontman Brandon Coleman during the show. After the show, the band wrote:
“We never woulda guessed one day we’d headline the most famous arena in the world, let alone sell the place out! And record a live album there on top of that! What an unforgettable night we had last night.”
Check back for more updates on the forthcoming live album as they are released. Watch Zach Top perform “Help Me Make It Through The Night” with The Red Clay Strays in the video below!
