Article Contributed by Missing Piece Group
Published on 2026-11-15
photo credit David McClister
“Family Ties” has been a standout and fan favorite since the release of Charles Wesley Godwin’s acclaimed album of the same name in 2023. The song gets a second life with the release of Netflix’s new film Heartland and its accompanying soundtrack. In the film’s lead role of Misty Jones, Academy Award winner Jessica Chastain sings “Family Ties” in the film and on the soundtrack as well.
“I was honored when I got the call from Randy Poster about using ‘Family Ties’ in the film,” says Godwin. “He’s been a fan of my music for a while, and we actually got the chance to sit down for dinner before my New York show last year and talk about the soundtrack. Jessica’s an incredible talent and has acted in some of my favorite films, so getting to hear her take on one of my songs was really cool.”
“We knew each song had to tell a story, and I think especially with ‘Family Ties,’ ‘Family Ties’ helped us tell so many stories,” director Shana Feste recently told ComingSoon. “When you listen to ‘Family Ties’ and you see the fans already doing a sing-along to her lyrics, you know, okay, she had an established career, she was someone, she had a following, she had hits on the radio.”
Explore the Heartland soundtrack, featuring Jessica Chastain's version of “Family Ties”
Watch Charles Wesley Godwin's original “Family Ties” lyric video
Godwin released his stunning new album Christian Name earlier this year. Here’s what the press has been saying:
“A record as deeply personal as the circumstances that gave rise to it...Christian Name finds Godwin in full voice.” — Rolling Stone
“Vulnerable, inspiring exploration of human pain and divine intervention.” — NPR Music
“[A] multifaceted opus.” — People
“One of the most powerful records Charles Wesley Godwin has ever made, and a frontrunner for album of the year.” — Whiskey Riff
“‘Try Again’ reaffirms why Charles Wesley Godwin remains one of country music’s most thoughtful and emotionally authentic songwriters.” — Country Central
“A collection of songs that convey Godwin holding to faith in the midst of life-altering tragedy.” — Billboard
“You come to the music of Charles Wesley Godwin to be inspired, and he most certainly doesn’t disappoint.” — Saving Country Music
“His most personal and inspiring collection of music to date.” — Cowboys & Indians
“These songs really mean a lot to me,” Godwin explains. “There’s parts of me and parts of the things that I’ve gone through in the last couple years that are in each and every song on this album.”
While Christian Name is without question a highly personal affair for Godwin — he took direct inspiration for both the album title and album cover from his late grandfather, Charles Godwin, a Methodist preacher — he’s quick to note how critical a role his creative community of friends and musical collaborators played in the album’s conception.
Not only does Christian Name include a pair of thrilling feature collaborations — the earworm “Better That Way” with Luke Combs and the remarkable “Hey There Son” featuring Wyatt Flores — but it’s also the result of Godwin partnering with some of music’s most treasured songwriters: Stephen Wilson Jr. (“Brand New”), Liz Rose (“I Caught The Sunrise”), Lori McKenna (“Hey There Son”), Aaron Ratiere (“God’s Been Good To Me”), Travis Meadows (“Try Again,” “Every Once In Awhile”), Scooter Carusoe (“Better That Way,” “Hallelujah High,” “Place I Know”), and Tom Douglas (“Street Advice”). The album was produced by Allegheny High guitarist and Godwin’s longtime producer Al Torrence.
“I had a lot of help with this album — I sought out people and they brought a lot of the hope and the light and the lighter moments of the album,” Godwin offers. “That was a lot of their influence. The album needed that.”
For more information, visit Charles Wesley Godwin's official website.
January 27 – Newcastle, NSW – King Street
January 30 – Sydney, NSW – Metro Theatre
February 1 – Melbourne, VIC – Northcote Theatre
February 3 – Brisbane, QLD – The Tivoli
