Our Guiding Principles
"Great songs don't end.
They find new voices."
In 1927, the Bristol Sessions were recorded above what was once King Lodge's meeting hall, a moment now considered the "Big Bang of Country Music," featuring Jimmie Rodgers, the Father of Country Music himself a Freemason. America's Next Verse begins there, but its purpose reaches further: helping young people throughout America discover their own musical voice, wherever they are.
Inspire
We don't just want young people to hear the story of American music. We want to give them the opportunity to become part of what comes next.
America's Next Verse connects young people with instruments, instruction, working musicians, songwriting, mentorship, and opportunities to perform and record.
Through artists, Masonic lodges, music organizations, schools, and community partners, we're building pathways for young people to discover their own musical voice.
Participating artists do more than lend their names. They share their music, stories and experience through school visits, workshops, performances, songwriting sessions and mentorship, creating moments that can change the way a young person sees what is possible.
Putting instruments into the hands of young people and connecting them with opportunities to learn.
Bringing accomplished musicians into communities to share their music, their stories, and their experience with young people.
Helping young people discover that their own lives, communities, and experiences are stories worth turning into songs.
04 / The Next Verse Sessions
Emerging young musicians come to Bristol, the Birthplace of Country Music, to write, collaborate, perform and record original music alongside experienced artists.
"The next great American song may be waiting for someone to put an instrument into a child's hands."
WE WANT TO HELP PUT IT THERE.
For Artists
America's Next Verse brings together artists who believe that music is something more than a career. It is a gift that can be passed from one generation to the next.
Whether you can give an hour, a song, an instrument, an experience, or an ongoing commitment, there is a place for you in the project.
Ways to Get Involved
From a single afternoon with young musicians to an ongoing role in the project, artists can participate in the way that fits them best.
Visit a school or youth program and share how your musical journey began. Sometimes seeing the path is what helps a young person imagine their own.
Lead a workshop, teach a song, mentor an emerging musician, or simply spend time making music together.
Open a door young people rarely get to walk through, from rehearsals and backstage visits to stages and recording studios.
Put an instrument in a young person's hands, help fund lessons, or support music opportunities in a local community.
Come to Bristol and create alongside emerging musicians as they write, collaborate, perform, and record original music.
Become Part of the Project
Join our growing network of artists helping create meaningful musical opportunities for young people across America.
BECOME A NEXT VERSE ARTISTFounding Story
Project Co-founder
Bro. Weston Leonard
King Lodge No. 461 F&AM
For more than two decades, Weston has worked with musicians and music organizations throughout Bristol and the Appalachian region, recording artists and producing music programming for PBS. His work has also taken him to Nashville, working with legendary artists including Tom T. Hall and Jimmy Martin, while building lasting relationships across the country and roots music community.
Lead Artist & Co-Founder
Bro. Ketch Secor
Founder & frontman, Old Crow Medicine Show
King Lodge No. 461 F&AM
A Grammy-winning musician, songwriter, author, and educator, Ketch has devoted much of his life beyond the stage to children, education, and the power of music to strengthen communities. He co-founded the Episcopal School of Nashville and served as its founding Board Chair, helping guide the school from its earliest days. His work as an author, educator, and advocate reflects a longstanding belief in giving young people opportunities to discover, learn, and find their own voice.
America's Next Verse began at King Lodge No. 461 in Bristol, Tennessee, in the early fall of 2026, with an idea: use the remarkable intersection of music, Masonry, and service to do something meaningful for the generation coming next.
Bro. Weston Leonard and Bro. Ketch Secor came together around that vision, combining King Lodge's commitment to service with Ketch's lifelong work in American roots music and his advocacy for young people.
What began in Bristol is being built to reach far beyond it, bringing together Masonic lodges, musicians, community partners, and supporters across the country around three enduring commitments:
Preserve the heritage. Recognize those who carry it forward. Inspire the next generation.
National Vision
America's Next Verse begins here, but the vision is national. In time, artists, Masonic lodges, community organizations and supporters across the country may join to raise funds and create musical opportunity for children in their own communities.
Instruments · Lessons · Mentorship · Songwriting Workshops · Music Camps · Scholarships