ESCONDIDO, Calif. -- A San Diego-based singer and songwriter is fighting back against the premature shift from Thanksgiving to Christmas with a new holiday song that's already gaining national attention.
Lou Ward, from Escondido, recently released "It's Thanksgiving Y'all," a soulful track designed to give Thanksgiving its own musical identity and prevent the holiday from being overshadowed by Christmas celebrations. The song is now available on all major music streaming platforms, along with accompanying merchandise.
Ward noticed a significant gap in the holiday music landscape.
"When is an artist going to come out and do that because there is a whole void there is no one doing any of that for Thanksgiving and year, after year, after year, nothing," Ward. said
He contrasts his approach with existing holiday music trends.
"'All I Want for Christmas Is You.' Mariah Carey, right? That's what they go on, it's like come on man," said Ward, referring to the dominance of Christmas songs that begin playing immediately after Halloween.
The songwriter hopes his song will achieve the same cultural staying power as existing Christmas anthems -- but for a different reason.
"Yes, and the reason is we are talking about gratitude and appreciation and the people in your life that matter to you, I don't mind driving you crazy that way. I mean that's a good kind of crazy," Ward said.
Ward recorded his song with recording engineer Scott Exum, who is the owner of Exum Recording.
Ward's musical credentials span decades, including attending the 1994 American Music Awards and meeting DJ Jazzy Jeff.
For more information on how to download "It's Thanksgiving Y'all," visit Lou's website by visiting louwardsings.com.