Craig Campbell's new single is a decade in the making. Campbell first recorded "Missing You" in 2015, but waited until now to make it a single.
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"I recorded this song 10 years ago," Campbell tells Taste of Country Nights. Written by Jonathan Singleton, Barry Dean, and Dave Barnes, Campbell feels the time is right for "Missing You" to be shared with the world.
"A couple of things jumped out at me," Campbell says. "The melody was sick and I just loved it. And then the message — it's just one of those songs that everybody who's ever broken up with somebody can relate to."
"Missing You" is Campbell's first single since "Never Mine" came out in 2021. The talented singer-songwriter is releasing the song on his own, after formerly being on Broken Bow Records. The song was also included on his 2018 See You Try record.
When Campbell released "Missing You," he said he had been waiting to make it a single for a long, long time.
"This is the day I've been dreaming about and planning for quite some time," Campbell remarked. "As I said before, I wouldn't have the career, the fanbase and the touring schedule I have without the incredible support of country radio. Here we go!"
Craig Campbell on 'American Idol'
Campbell recently appeared on American Idol, but not to compete on his own. Campbell accompanied contestant Mattie Pruitt, who performed a cover of Jessie Murph's "How Could You," earning high praise from all three judges, plus Campbell.
Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood all voted to send Pruitt on to Hollywood to continue to compete on American Idol. But Richie also gave Campbell a vote, making Pruitt get four yeses.
" I've only met him this one time, but I'm willing to put my vote in Craig's hands as well. What do you think?" Richie asked.
"I think you need to go on and get that ticket," Campbell answered.
Pruitt's audition was a bit of a full-circle moment for Campbell. The father of two previously played keys in Bryan's band. He also served as Bryan's opening act on his 2017 Huntin, Fishin' and Lovin' Every Day Tour.
Pruitt, who remains on American Idol, honed her performing chops by playing at Campbell's Grindstone Cowboy coffeeshop, restaurant and live music venue.
