Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-03-28
Americana singer-songwriter David G Smith releases his new single “Hero Street” today, the title track from his upcoming album Hero Street, out June 26. The song is also featured in the PBS docuseries Hero Street, appearing in full during the episode The Last To Fall – The John Muños Story, premiering March 29 at 7 PM CST on WQPT PBS.
“Hero Street” honors the courage and sacrifice of eight Mexican-American soldiers from Silvis, Illinois, telling their story through the lens of their community. With subdued acoustic tones, heartbeat-like drums, and distant steel guitar, Smith delivers a reverent and emotional narrative rooted in history and place.
Only a block and a half long, Second Street—now known as Hero Street—lost six young men in World War II and two in the Korean War, while producing more than 100 service members over time, more per capita than nearly any street of its size in the U.S.
Smith’s 12th album, Hero Street, blends country-tinged folk and blues with a lyrics-first approach reminiscent of writers like Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen. Produced by Neilson Hubbard, the record features a standout group of musicians including Lex Price, Danny Mitchell, Juan Solorzano, and Mia Winsinski.
A longtime presence in the Americana world, Smith has collaborated with Mary Gauthier, Rissi Palmer, and Keb’ Mo’, with his work appearing across PBS, TNT, Lifetime, and more. His latest release continues a career rooted in storytelling, reflection, and the enduring idea that music can illuminate the hero within all of us.
