Detroit Cowgirl began as a simple spark in May of 2024. Carolyn had been working on some lyrics that carried the grit and spirit of a true Midwest anthem. Dave, with his keen ear for melody, built the musical landscape around her words. Together, they created something that felt both fresh and rooted — a song with attitude, heart, and hometown soul.

The song made its debut on a big stage — the 2024 NFL Draft, where it was performed live for the first time. The response was immediate. People wanted more. Offers started rolling in to take the song into a studio and give it the professional production it deserved.

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But life doesn’t always run on music’s timeline. Between busy schedules and day-to-day commitments, it wasn’t until December 2024 that everything finally aligned. That’s when Rich Eckhardt — a Grammy Certified artist with a legendary resume — offered up his studio in Nashville, Tennessee.

Rich didn’t waste a second. After hearing the demo, he started building the bones of the track right away. He brought in seasoned session drummer Kevin Rapillo to lay down a driving foundation. Piece by piece, Detroit Cowgirl started to take shape.

For those who knew country music, Rich Eckhardt was no stranger. He had released two solo albums and played alongside icons like Mel McDaniels, John Berry, and Blake Shelton. He spent 27 years as Toby Keith’s lead guitarist and later toured with Rodney Atkins.

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Once the base of the song was tracked, the team headed down to Nashville. That’s where it really came to life. Mica Roberts, whose voice has backed legends like Faith Hill and Martina McBride, joined in to record background vocals. Introduced to Toby Keith by Willie Nelson himself, Mica went on to become a member of Keith’s Easy Money Band. Her vocals on Detroit Cowgirl add a layer of richness and soul you can feel.

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To round out the sound, Jimmy Herman — the high-energy fiddle player who tours with Rodney Atkins — stepped in. His playing added that final dose of country edge, tying everything together with fire and finesse.

From a few lines of lyrics to a full-blown studio track, Detroit Cowgirl is the result of passion, patience, and some incredible people coming together at the right time. It’s a song with a story — and this is just the beginning.