Bizz Bigsby has released his deeply personal new single, “PROUD,” offering an emotional look at identity, validation, and the lifelong pursuit of becoming someone worth believing in. The track marks the first release from Bigsby’s forthcoming project, due later in 2026, and signals the beginning of his next creative chapter. The new single explores identity, fatherhood, and the unexpected affirmation of hearing.
Written by Bigsby and Phil Hughley, “PROUD” captures the raw moment of hearing the words “I’m proud of you” from his father, legendary soul singer Jimmy Church, for the first time, and the weight those words carry. The song unfolds as a reflection on childhood wounds, insecurity, and the relentless drive to prove oneself, ultimately landing in a place of hard-earned self-awareness and emotional reckoning.
With lines like “I’ve been chasing all these dreams / Never knowing what that means / Looking for the man that I should be,” Bigsby delivers a vulnerable performance that speaks to anyone who has struggled with self-worth or longed for affirmation from someone who shaped their life. The track builds into a powerful declaration of growth and resilience, as he turns that longing outward, striving not just for validation but to reflect pride back in return.
The inspiration behind “PROUD” came in an unexpected and deeply personal moment. “Phil and I were sitting in his kitchen getting ready to write, just talking like we always do – about life, what’s going on in the world, music, just opening up and letting God guide us,” Bigsby shares. “Right before we went upstairs, I got a text from my dad that just said, ‘Son, I’m proud of you,’ completely out of the blue. My dad never says things like that… he’s old school. Being the son of legendary soul singer Jimmy Church, known for his time on Night Train, I grew up with this larger-than-life figure, so hearing that from him really hit me.”
He continues, “We went upstairs, said a prayer like we always do, and wrote the song in about 30 minutes. Phil went off to work on the bridge while I started writing, ‘I finally heard it, never knew what it would mean… You said you were proud of me, and it made me cry.’ When we finished, we both just broke down. It was one of those moments you can’t fake.”
“PROUD” follows Bigsby’s 2025 debut album, “Here In This Town,” a 12-track project that introduced his signature “Urban Americana” sound, a genre-blending mix of country storytelling, soul grooves, blues textures, and rock energy. The album chronicled his journey through childhood, addiction, recovery, and redemption, establishing Bigsby as a fearless and deeply authentic storyteller.
Recorded at Welcome to 1979, The Rascal Flat, and Punch Up Studio, “PROUD” features production support from Zach Allen and Andy Freeman. The track was mixed by Allen and mastered by Brian Foraker, bringing a rich, dynamic sound to Bigsby’s evolving artistry.
Born Wendell Bigsby in North Nashville, Bigsby’s journey is one marked by both hardship and transformation. Raised by his grandmother and great-aunts, and influenced early on by his father, Jimmy Church, Bigsby was immersed in music from a young age, even sharing stages with icons like James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Little Richard. Those early experiences, paired with his own personal battles and recovery, have shaped him into a fearless storyteller whose music resonates with authenticity and emotional depth. The PRIDE previously featured Bizz and his father Jimmy Church in a special Father’s Day article in 2017: https://pridepublishinggroup.com/2017/06/09/black-music-month-special-2-happy-fathers-day/ .
With “PROUD,” Bigsby continues to carve out his lane, delivering a song that is as introspective as it is universally relatable. “PROUD” is now available on all streaming platforms. For more information about Bizz Bigsby, visit https://www.bizzbigsby.com and follow him on social media.
Come meet the artist and hear him perform “PROUD” and his songs on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 6:00pm CDT, Live at Rudy’s Jazz Room, 809 Gleaves St., Nashville, TN 37203; Cover is only $17, in advance, or at the door. Get yours now, as many of his shows there have been sold out. Phone 615.988.2458; or Email: info@rudysjazzroom.com
