Old School Country Tune

Essie Country’s
Real Country Music
Song of the Week
September 13-19, 2026

Old School Country Tune
by Tae Lewis
Released June 19, 2026

Intro by Gene Johns

Tae Lewis has talked publicly about encountering assumptions that, because he was Black, he would sing R&B or pop rather than country. He has also said there was a time when he didn’t feel he had a place in country music.

Essie Country believes Tae Lewis definitely has a place in country music. His recent release, “Old School Country Tune,” makes him an easy choice for this week’s Essie Country’s Real Country Song of the Week.

“Old School Country Tune” is the complete package—a well-crafted song written by Tae himself, genuine country vocals, an authentic country sound, and an exceptionally produced video.

This 35-year-old Goldsboro, North Carolina, native has a clear understanding of what real country music is about, and he proves it with “Old School Country Tune.” Perhaps that understanding comes from the fact that his attraction to country music goes all the way back to age 13, when neighbors introduced him to it. He became fascinated by the sound and storytelling and pursued country music from there.

Lewis describes his sound as “very ’90s/early 2000s country,” and says old-school country means “classic and hometown nostalgia.” For the video, he deliberately sought out a classic-looking venue and dancers to recreate the feeling of straight ’90s country.

He succeeded!

But don’t take my word for it. Click on the video below, turn up the volume, and see—and hear—for yourself why “Old School Country Tune” is the complete package.