GIRLS NEXT DOOR DELIVER AWE-INSPIRING SIGNATURE HARMONIES COUPLED WITH EXCEPTIONAL SONGWRITING TO CREATE EVOCATIVE NEW SINGLE, “Shades of Gray”
NASHVILLE, TN – (January 11, 2024) – Female country quartet Girls Next Door have announced the release of their new single, a moving and reflective song titled “Shades of Gray” that features their awe-inspiring signature harmonies and exceptional songwriting. The new tune was released to Country radio via GND2.0 on Jan. 12 and a video in support of the song will be released in upcoming weeks. The new music is now available for streaming and download at your favorite streaming platform.
Songwriter Christopher Foust, son of band member Diane Austin, was approached about writing a song specifically for Girls Next Door that would touch their demographics. They wanted to give their listeners something nostalgic and touching about the connection of family through the generations. Christopher collaborated with co-writers Shane Grove and David Wade on “Shades of Gray.” The insight these three writers had into the lives of those who have raised their children and are experiencing the love of grandchildren was on point with the group. The addition of a beautiful and sensitive instrumental track created a “tug at the heartstrings” song about the progression of family and life.
“We quickly discovered that most people’s reaction to this song is deep emotion and tears,” shared Girls Next Door. “It was ours in the studio when the instrumental track was added as the perfect culmination of touching lyrics that our audience can relate to, a sensitive instrumental track with the perfect instrumentation and simple yet beautiful vocals. This song is meant for those of us with grown children and grandchildren, those of us who have experienced all the ‘Shades of Gray.’”
Shades of Gray by The Girls Next Door
“Shades of Gray’ is one of the most beautiful and moving songs of the year,” stated Gary Holt, Award-Winning Host of Live: From Nashville and Campfire Cafe. “Evoking memories that will move you to tears. It did me. The harmonies from the Girls Next Door are exquisite.”
“I remember as a child, Granny propped me on her knee
I’d look up at her hair and I’d whisper gently
‘Where’d all the color go? Gray is all I see.’
She just smiled and pulled me close, rocking slowly in her chair
Told me take a closer look ‘cause the color’s always there
Things aren’t always what they seem
It ain’t always black and white
Life is full of shining lights and wading through the dark
It’s full of love and full of loss and full of broken hearts
Learn to see the colors that sit right in between
There’s always somethin’ deeper than what the eye can see
There’s one thing I’ve learned along the way
Life is full of shades of gray, full of shades of gray…”
“Shades of Gray” was recorded at Sound Stage Studios and Ronnie’s Place in Nashville, Tennessee and produced by TW Hale. Mixing was done by Tom Harding. An impressive group of session musicians included Lonnie Wilson (drums), Mike Brignardello (bass), Mike Durham (electric guitar), John Willis (acoustic guitar), Scott Sanders (steel guitar), Jonathan Yudkin (viola) and Jason Webb (keys).
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About Girls Next Door:
Vocal quartet Girls Next Door, came onto the country music scene strong during the mid-80s. Cindy, Diane, Doris and Tammy knew one another while performing in the live shows at Opryland Music Park. The idea of this group was sparked by Producer Tommy West, who knew Doris. West hailed from the days of Manhattan Transfer and mentioned to Doris his dream to produce a female vocal group. The rest is history. West was brought on as the head of A & R at the new Nashville label MTM Records, and he brought Girls Next Door with him.
Right out of the gate, the group scored a #14 hit on the Billboard charts with their first single, “Love Will Get You Through Times of No Money, Better Than Money Will Get You Through Times of No Love.” They followed that single with the top 10 song, “Slowboat to China.” It went to #8 on the Billboard charts. All in all, Girls Next Door charted nine songs in their nearly 10 years together.
They released two albums on the MTM Records label with West and one on Atlantic Records with producer Nelson Larkin.
During Girls Next Door’s touring days, they traveled extensively with The Oak Ridge Boys, The Statler Brothers and Lee Greenwood. They also performed with The Judds, Randy Travis, Exile, Loretta Lynn and Sawyer Brown, to name a few. If you ask the girls, they will tell you their favorite events were with the legendary George Jones at The Kennedy Center, and with The Oak Ridge Boys at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Television appearances include, The Today Show, Entertainment Tonight and TNN shows Nashville Now, Crook & Chase, On Stage, Hee Haw and Video Country. The girls also made several appearances on the Grand Ole Opry stage!
In 1991, Girls Next Door performed for the last time on Nashville Now with Ralph Emery. It was bittersweet, but these girls had no problem prioritizing family. Being with their husbands, children and parents was where their hearts were.
There were several brief reunions over the years, but nothing seemed to stick. It wasn’t the right time. There were aging parents, teenagers and Doris and Diane are both cancer survivors. Faith is an important component of their lives, and they knew things would come together in God’s timing – and it appears that now is God’s timing.
After 30 years, Girls Next Door is back with a new album titled appropriately, Girls Next Door 2.0 – Now or Never, produced by H2 Productions, TW Hale and Tom Harding. The first single released was titled, “What’s This Thing You’ve Got About Leaving,” and right off the bat you recognize their sound. The second single, “When the Water’s Down,” was released in September 2023, followed by a gospel release, “Livin’ in the Rain.” “Shades of Gray” is set to release in November of 2023. It is like they never left. On this album, each girl is featured, but they are lively, fun, confident and entertaining. You won’t be disappointed!
The group consists of original members Cindy Nixon Psanos, Diane Williams Austin, Tammy Stephens Smith, and Doris King Merritt.
