Everyone faces challenges in their lives, but few are as fundamental as healthcare—for ourselves, our families, and the people we care about. And healthcare in America has become a double hit: first, the health crisis itself; second, navigating a system that can throw haymakers when you’re already down.
Chris J. Norwood & the Knockout Dragout transform this experience into “American Healthcare Blues,” an R&B song that, not surprisingly, leans more heavily into the blues. And if you’re familiar with Norwood’s work, you’ll find all the hallmarks that make his music compelling: taut melodies and thoughtful lyrics that speak directly to the emotional weight of the stories they tell.
Says Norwood about the song:
I wrote it after a heartbreaking and frustrating experience dealing with a hospital debt collector following a short couple day stint my 6 year old (at the time) son spent in the ER. He’s ok now, but the experience of dealing with the hospital and figuring out how to pay for it all nearly broke me. And so I did what all good songwriters do; I channeled my frustrations into this song. And with so many people’s healthcare premiums rising this year (my family’s included), it seemed even more appropriate to put the song out now. It also features the lead vocals of Carrie Norwood and Liz Holmes each taking a verse. They are collectively known as The Knockouts, and are the other vocalists in the band. It was important for me to have this song represent multiple points of view, with regards to the difficult realities of dealing with healthcare in America.
Twangville is honored to premiere “American Healthcare Blues” by Chris J. Norwood and the Knockout Dragout.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.