Get ready to rediscover a classic tune with a fresh, collaborative twist that'll leave you "Feelin' Good Again."
The Song
"Feelin' Good Again" is a special rendition of a beloved classic, originally penned and released by legendary Texas troubadour Robert Earl Keen in 1998 on his album Walking the Distance. The Turnpike Troubadours, joined by the immensely talented Sierra Hull, released their cover on June 26, 2026. This version infuses the track with a distinct bluegrass sensibility, largely due to Hull's masterful mandolin playing and vocal contributions, which breathe new life into a song already deeply ingrained in the Red Dirt and Texas country music scenes. The song tells a narrative of finding simple joys and a sense of belonging in a familiar, comforting setting, like a local bar, after a period of absence.
Lead singer Evan Felker has openly shared his profound admiration for Robert Earl Keen, citing him as a "creative North Star" and a significant influence on his own songwriting. Felker considers "Feelin' Good Again" his favorite of Keen's songs, which makes the band's decision to cover it a heartfelt tribute.
The Artist
The Turnpike Troubadours are an acclaimed American country music band formed in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The band consists of Evan Felker (vocals, guitar), Kyle Nix (fiddle), Ryan Engleman (electric guitar), RC Edwards (bass), Gabe Pearson (drums), and Hank Early (steel and accordion). Known for their authentic, gritty "Red Dirt" country sound, they have garnered a massive following and critical praise throughout their career, with over 2.2 billion global streams. Their previous album, The Price of Admission, released in 2025 and produced by Shooter Jennings, debuted at #1 on the iTunes all-genre and country charts. The band was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and has been a recurring presence in popular television shows like Yellowstone and Landman.
Sierra Hull is an acclaimed bluegrass singer, mandolinist, and songwriter, widely recognized as one of Nashville's most noted mandolin players. A prodigious talent, she began playing at a very young age and has earned a reputation for her exceptional technical skill and soulful interpretations. Hull's contributions to "Feelin' Good Again" are a highlight, with her mandolin and vocals adding a unique dimension to the track.
Chart Performance
While "Feelin' Good Again" by Turnpike Troubadours and Sierra Hull is a significant release and highly anticipated by fans, specific chart performance for this collaborative single is not explicitly detailed in the provided search results beyond the initial confirmation of its release on streaming platforms. However, the Turnpike Troubadours' previous album, The Price of Admission, released in 2025, achieved notable commercial success, debuting at #1 on the iTunes all-genre and country charts, as well as the Billboard Digital Albums and Current Digital Albums Sales charts. This indicates a strong commercial presence for the band, suggesting a positive reception for new material.
Cultural Impact
The release of Turnpike Troubadours' cover of "Feelin' Good Again" featuring Sierra Hull resonates deeply within the Red Dirt and Americana music communities. Robert Earl Keen's original is already considered an influential and beloved song in his extensive catalog, often associated with a sense of homecoming and nostalgic comfort. The Turnpike Troubadours' rendition, with Hull's bluegrass touch, offers a fresh perspective on a classic, potentially introducing it to new audiences while satisfying longtime fans of both artists.
The song's core message about finding positivity in mundane actions and rediscovering oneself after hardship is a universal theme. The accompanying music video, which showcases individuals overcoming circumstances to pursue their passions, further amplifies this message of resilience and hope, connecting with a broader cultural narrative of perseverance. This collaborative effort also highlights the mutual respect and admiration within the roots music genre, as evidenced by Felker's tribute to Keen and the seamless integration of Hull's distinctive style.
Fun Facts
- The music video for "Feelin' Good Again" was directed by Cameron Gott.
- The video features cameo appearances by Robert Earl Keen himself and NFL star Christian McCaffrey, alongside other individuals embodying the theme of rediscovering oneself.
- Robert Earl Keen revealed in 2020 that the inspiration for the original song came from his experiences returning home late after touring and visiting Arkey Blue's Silver Dollar Saloon in Bandera, Texas, a "comfortable place to go" to decompress.
- Fans on Reddit noted that having Sierra Hull sing the third verse was a "subtly genius" move, offering a fresh interpretation of the song's narrative.
- Evan Felker previously performed an acoustic version of "Feelin' Good Again" as part of a tribute for Robert Earl Keen's 70th birthday, showcasing his long-standing affection for the song.