“Family Thing” Video Premiere

If you have been around here for any length of time, family is almost always the topic of conversation. At one point, I thought our recipes set us apart from other music media outlets. However, the people and connections we have with each other make Southern Fellow unique. Blood may grow a tree, but our family has extended their roots and built a forest. Today I want to talk about two family members who just happen to be part of the same tree. Dustin Chapman and his niece Ryleigh Madison’s new single and music video “Family Thing” gracefully puts many things into perspective for me and, most likely you.

Family is big in my large family. My father was the oldest of eight kids, and most of us still live in the same area since we settled it in the 1870s. Every second Sunday, we celebrate the birthdays for that month. Sixty-five of us get together for food and fellowship. Part of the time spent is all of us around my grandparents taking turns hugging them and showing our respect for what they have created. I never really stopped to think of the importance of that time until “Family Thing”.

There is a short line in “Family Thing” about grandpa buying a ring, and after listening to it, I had to stop and think about what it meant. My grandparent’s marriage is what it took to build a home and bring so many lives together. One brief moment connected so many people and will continue to do so for centuries. How amazing is that?

I can’t talk about our Southern Fellow family without Dustin and Ryleigh coming to mind. They understand family in more ways than I feel I ever will. March 5th put their understanding on full display. They arrived at our family showcase with family, humble, and were overly appreciative that they could participate. Dustin even showed up with a Southern Fellow shirt he purchased with his own money. That was all enough to make my heart full. However, it was what they did next that proved “Family Thing” is something they believe in.

Most times doing a writers’ round, artists leave after their set. Yet, when Dustin went to pack up, the artist who was taking his place was having trouble with her keyboard. Dustin and Ryleigh could have acted like they didn’t notice, but they quickly jumped in to help. Both promptly learned Laine needed a new keyboard, so Dustin offered his up. Unfortunately, this meant that he, Ryleigh, and the rest of the family had to stay longer than planned. This small sacrifice demonstrates the values in the lyrics of “Family Thing” and showcases Dustin and Ryleigh’s dedication to this family we call Southern Fellow.

If family is as big for you as it is for me, then “Family Thing” needs to be on your favorite playlist. All the links you need are down below. I also highly recommend you follow Dustin Chapman and Ryleigh Madison. You can learn more about Dustin by reading his full interview on our Feed the Band series. There you can also try the Southern Potato and Leek Soup he inspired. Finally, you can find Ryleigh on this season of American Idol!

Thank you for dropping by! We have more videos, music, recipes, and concerts on the way!