Key Points
- Michael Martin Murphey celebrates “Wildfire” with a new duet and feature film release.
- The movie, inspired by the song, debuts in select theaters and on-demand platforms.
- An anniversary album edition and new duet with Cody Johnson also mark the milestone.
“Wildfire” is riding again — and this time, it’s going to the big screen.
Country legend Michael Martin Murphey is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his most popular album, Blue Sky-Night Thunder, and his timeless hit “Wildfire” with a new duet alongside country star Cody Johnson, as well as a feature film inspired by the beloved song.
Wildfire: The Legend of the Cherokee Ghost Horse, starring himself, Anne Heche, Adrian Paul, Chevel Shepherd and Moses Brings Plenty, brings the singer’s iconic ballad to life in a story of redemption, faith and the unbreakable bond between a girl and a wild horse.
The movie opens in select theaters and will be available nationwide on Friday via Fandango at Home and on-demand platforms.
Last month, the country singer collaborated with Cody Johnson to release a brand-new duet of “Wildfire.”
“Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve been a Michel Martin Murphey fan,” said Johnson in a press statement. “He’s always been a stand-up individual, a great ambassador for the cowboy, and a man of God. So, to be able to record ‘Wildfire’ with him was a dream come true.”
In addition, the 80-year-old singer will also release a special anniversary edition of Blue Sky-Night Thunder, revisiting his classics such as “Carolina in the Pines” with the help of some of today’s biggest names in country music. A date for the re-recorded album, which has 10 songs, has not been announced yet.
With a career spanning more than five decades, Murphey has remained one of America’s most influential singer-songwriters. He helped spark the Austin “Cosmic Cowboy” movement alongside Willie Nelson and Jerry Jeff Walker, and went on to top charts with hits including “Wildfire,” “Carolina in the Pines” and “What’s Forever For.” In addition, his songs have been recorded by legends such as Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, The Monkees, John Denver and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
Since his 1972 debut album Geronimo’s Cadillac, Murphey has released more than 35 albums, including the Platinum-certified Blue Sky-Night Thunder in 1975. His later projects, such as Cowboy Songs (1990) and Cowboy Christmas (1991), helped revive the popularity of Western music and earned him widespread critical acclaim.
The “Maybe This Time” singer has received six Grammy nominations and multiple gold and platinum records. Today, Murphey continues to record and perform, preserving his legendary career. This past year, the singer has already released two other singles before “Wildfire” — “Burnin Vein” and “Fraidy Hole.”
Fans can now watch Wildfire: The Legend of the Cherokee Ghost Horse in limited movie theaters or buy it on Fandango for $3.99. In addition, the re-imagined version of “Wildfire” with Cody Johnson is out now on all streaming platforms.
