We Speak Music

NAME DROPPERS NEW SINGLE”LET’S LIVE TOGETHER”

Published

5 months ago

May 19, 2026

The Name Droppers are dropping more than names this Spring with the release of
their new single, “Let’s Live Together,” on HMG Recordings. The Connecticut
based blues band’s new track is available now, and comes in advance of their 4th
album of the same name, on HMG Recordings due out this summer. The band’s
last three albums have seen consistent radio play and chart action on blues shows
and blues radio across the country and in Europe.

The Name Droppers features singer/songwriter/guitarist Rafe Klein, keyboardist
Ron Rifkin, drummer Bobby T Torello, and bassist Scott Spray. Both Torello and
Spray are former members of Johnny Winter’s band, and both have been inducted
into the New England Music Hall of Fame. Torello has also performed with
Michael Bolton and Grace Slick. Spray played bass on Winter’s final album, “Step
Back” which won the Grammy for Best Blues Album in 2015.

“Let’s Live Together” also features the vocals of Simone Brown who has sung
background on the band’s two previous releases “Cool Blue Shoes,” and
“Starshine,” and is featured prominently on the new album.

“The whole band is excited about releasing our 6th studio album,” says singer and
guitarist Rafe Klein. “It may be our best one yet. It’s soulful blues with a touch of
R&B. Simone Brown, our backing vocalist, is fantastic, and on this album she
shines.”
The album was produced by Vic Steffens, who is a two time New England Music
Awards winner for Producer of the Year.

“Let’s Live Together” also features the world renowned musician Crispin Cioe on
saxophone. As a member of the Uptown Horns, Crispin has toured and recorded
with a list of artists that shaped rock & roll history like the Rolling Stones, James
Brown, Peter Wolf, Joe Cocker, the Ohio Players, Tom Waits, and the list goes on.

Crispin is also noted for his sax solo on the James Brown smash, “Living In
America.”

Make sure you keep an eye out for the Name Droppers new single, “Let’s Live
Together,”, available on all streaming outlets and digital stores. Don’t forget the
band’s full length album, available in June on HMG Recordings.

https://open.spotify.com/track/0XiJbEcxEKsvl2J2S6llK3?si=FnpHsEJtQ_qP7MQz R_N8IA

We Speak Music

National Gospel Recording Artist Ellen Hayes Announces the Release of Her Farewell Album, Behind My Eyes

Published

1 hour ago

October 7, 2026

Olivia Long

Award-winning national gospel recording artist, songwriter, producer, arranger, and choir director Ellen Hayes proudly announces the release of her highly anticipated farewell album, Behind My Eyes—a deeply personal collection of music that reflects a lifetime of faith, perseverance, worship, and God’s unfailing grace.

For more than five decades, Hayes has devoted her life to ministry through music. From directing choirs and developing vocalists to writing, producing, and arranging songs that have inspired audiences around the world, she has faithfully answered God’s call. Behind My Eyes serves as the musical testimony of everything she has seen, endured, celebrated, and overcome.

“This album is more than a collection of songs,” says Hayes. “It is my testimony. Every lyric tells a story of God’s faithfulness through seasons of joy, heartbreak, victories, disappointments, and unwavering hope. These are the things people don’t always see—behind my eyes.”

The album features a rich blend of musical styles that have shaped Hayes’ career, including traditional gospel, contemporary gospel, hymns, soul-infused worship, and inspirational originals. Listeners will experience heartfelt renditions of timeless hymns such as Precious Lord and The Old Account, along with a moving interpretation of Thank You Lord, made famous by the late Walter Hawkins. The project also showcases powerful original compositions written by Hayes herself, including the uplifting single Count Your Blessings, which encourages listeners to focus on God’s goodness regardless of life’s challenges.

Adding to the album’s emotional depth are performances from members of Hayes’ own family, who provide background and featured vocals throughout the project. The album also honors the lasting musical contributions of beloved musicians Darryl Smith and Darryl Dixon, whose performances continue to resonate on several recordings included on the album.

Throughout her remarkable career, Ellen Hayes has released multiple recording projects, earned industry recognition, served as a songwriter for the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA), hosted Beats & Blessings Radio on WMKM 1440 AM, founded Songs and Melodies Records LLC, and dedicated herself to mentoring aspiring artists and strengthening communities through music and health advocacy.

Although Behind My Eyes marks Hayes’ final full-length album, she emphasizes that this is not the end of her musical ministry.

“My assignment isn’t over,” Hayes explains. “While this will be my final album, I will continue writing, producing, and releasing singles as the Lord leads. Music will always be part of my purpose.”

Behind My Eyes is both a celebration of an extraordinary musical journey and an invitation for listeners to reflect on God’s faithfulness in their own lives. Whether through joyful praise, quiet worship, or heartfelt testimony, every song reminds us that God has been present through every chapter—even the ones hidden behind our eyes.

The album will be available on all streaming platforms on October 9 2026.