Amy Grant is helping launch Songs of U.S., a new performance and conversation series from Salt Lick Sessions created in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary. The series brings together artists from across genres to reinterpret songs that have helped shape the country’s cultural identity, while also exploring what belongs in the American songbook today.
Grant opens the series with a reimagined performance of James Taylor’s classic “Carolina in My Mind,” paired with a reflective interview about music, memory, connection, and the complicated, evolving story of America. Her session premiered June 8 through Salt Lick Sessions, with a second performance set to debut June 9: Grant’s original song “The 6th of January (Yasgur’s Farm),” from her recent album The Me That Remains. The track examines defining moments in American history and has been recognized by Variety as one of 2026’s standout protest songs.
“American music has always told the truth about who we are — the beauty, the heartbreak, the hope, the contradictions,” Grant shares. “I loved being part of a project that makes room for all of that.”
Throughout the summer, Songs of U.S. will feature performances and conversations with a wide-ranging lineup of artists, including Grace Potter, Mickey Guyton, Samara Joy, Old Crow Medicine Show, Brittney Spencer, Corook, Joy Oladokun, Tiny Habits, Trousdale, Raye Zaragoza, Chance Emerson, and more.
The series will include reinterpretations of songs by some of the most influential writers in American music, including Woody Guthrie, Nina Simone, Bob Dylan, Beyoncé, Bill Withers, Roberta Flack, and John Denver. Upcoming performances include Grace Potter’s take on “This Land Is Your Land,” Corook’s rendition of “Mississippi Goddam,” Mickey Guyton revisiting “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” Tiny Habits reimagining “Blowin’ in the Wind,” Joy Oladokun performing “Ain’t No Sunshine,” and Brittney Spencer interpreting “Killing Me Softly With His Song.”
The series arrives during a moment of renewed conversation around patriotism, identity, history, and the meaning of American culture. Through intimate performances and thoughtful conversations, Songs of U.S. aims to offer a more nuanced musical reflection on the country’s past, present, and future.
Salt Lick Sessions, the signature series from Salt Lick Incubator, is known for its artist-first approach to compensation, rights, and creative collaboration. The nonprofit organization supports innovative musicians through grants, mentorship, creative development, and media platforms designed to help artists build sustainable careers. Past Salt Lick Sessions performers include Jon Batiste, Big Freedia, Sheryl Crow, Lalah Hathaway, Mickey Guyton, Madison Cunningham, Tank and the Bangas, Dawes, and more.
