Check out this talented Trio as they sing their stunning rendition of Merle Haggard’s classic ‘Mama Tried.’ 

High Carbon Steel hails from Roane County, Tennessee, but they are quickly making a name for themselves all over Eastern Tennessee, Kentucky, and beyond. In the video, drummer Nathan Carter, Cory Marshall, and Nathan’s brother, Dawson, stand from left to right. Cory’s brother, Dylan, occasionally joins the band. 

Here, the guys sing about every mother’s nightmare—trying to raise an upstanding young man who seems bent on making poor choices. While the tune is peppy, the words are discouraging. In spite of the message, though, the performance is sure to make you smile.     

Cory sings lead, sounding like a veteran country-music artist already, and Dawson delivers a delightful guitar solo at 1:05. Comfortable in a clearing in the woods, the band wears cowboy hats, denims, and button-up shirts; they look every bit the part of a young Haggard or Cash. However, while “Mama Tried,” released in 1968, is about the real life of Merle Haggard and his arrest and imprisonment in 1957, these young performers seem to be on an entirely different course.

According to their biographies, the band members are skilled tradesmen while making music during their off hours. In addition to recording and performing amazing country-music covers, the group is now writing their own music and are inspired by artists in genres in addition to country, like pop, rock, blues, and soul. 

Commenters loved their performance of “Mama Tried,” saying things like:

“Don't need no fancy studio to record when you're good.”

“Wow. If these guys cannot make it in Nashville, Nashville is not about country music anymore.”

“Totally fantastic! Great singing harmonies plus killer instrumentation make for great entertainment. Thanks for sharing your talents.”

Make sure to watch until the end. There’s a little treat that provides a taste of High Carbon Steel’s authenticity and personality! 

Let’s hope we see a lot more of these promising young musicians!

“Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good.” Psalms 25:7