NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 20, 2025) – The estate of beloved country music hitmaker and Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, Dan Seals, has partnered with Nashville-based record label Melody Place. The first release is a never-before-heard recording by the late singer with a song called “Steal A Little Thunder” which was penned by his late brother, Seals & Crofts’ Jim Seals along with Brian Whitcomb. The song, releasing April 4, is available for pre-save here: orcd.co/danseals_stealalittlethunder
“Steal A Little Thunder” will appeal to music lovers of all ages, evoking the nostalgia of Yacht Rock mixed with the quality songwriting genetics of the Texas-bred Seals family. Jim Seals and Seals & Crofts played an integral role in creating the pop subgenre, which his younger brother, England Dan & John Ford Coley came to perfect in the late ‘70s. After the latter duo’s breakup, Dan Seals went on to become a country solo powerhouse, launching eleven songs to the top of the charts and crossing over the leagues of fans he had built in pop music to the country genre – contributing to what became the massive boom of country music in the ‘80s and ‘90s.
The release on April 4 is just the tip of the iceberg. expect more major news – and releases – in the coming weeks.
About Dan Seals
Dan Seals was never one to follow convention. Born and raised in Texas, he played a right-handed 12-string guitar left-handed with only eight strings—”upside down and backwards,” as he liked to say. This unconventional approach carried through his entire career, as he seamlessly transitioned from pop stardom to country success. Seals first gained fame as “England Dan” in the pop rock duo England Dan & John Ford Coley. The pair’s 1976 hit “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight” cemented their place in pop history, followed by other classics including “Nights Are Forever (Without You),” and “Love Is The Answer But when the duo disbanded, Seals faced financial struggles, as he worked to rebuild his career. Determined to find a new path, he embraced his country roots. In 1984, “God Must Be a Cowboy” gave him his first country top 10 hit, paving the way for an astonishing run of Eleven No. 1 Billboard country hits. Songs like “Bop,” “Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold),” and “Meet Me in Montana” with Marie Osmond showcased his ability to blend emotional depth with commercial appeal. His work earned him two CMA awarda and a loyal fanbase. Seals was known for his artistic integrity, only recording songs that stirred him emotionally. His producer, Kyle Lehning, recalled how he pursued excellence with “light-hearted seriousness” in the studio. When the radio hits slowed, Seals remained a beloved touring act, later performing with his brother Jim as Seals & Seals, bringing their respective catalogs to audiences worldwide. Diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma in 2007, Seals faced his final days with the same grace he brought to his music. He passed away on March 25, 2009, at 8:30 p.m.—”Showtime,” as he and his manager put it. His legacy remains one of versatility, authenticity, and an enduring impact on both pop and country music.
About Melody Place
Melody Place is a boutique Nashville-based record label and music publishing company founded by Leigh Shockey. Leigh’s journey in the music industry began with live show production and studio engineering, where she worked closely with her mentor, David Gest, producing shows with some of Motown’s brightest stars such as The Stylistics, Dennis Edwards & The Temptations, Peabo Bryson, and Lamont Dozier. The operational direction of Melody Place is led by President and General Manager Sanborn McGraw, who joined the label after a distinguished career in artist management and music publishing. Sanborn has worked with iconic artists like Michael Feinstein and Liza Minnelli and, with his strategic vision, is focusing on artist development and expanding the label’s international presence. Joining Leigh and Sanborn in the leadership team is Chief Operating Officer Tony Gottlieb, a seasoned veteran of the entertainment industry with decades of experience in artist management, music publishing, and intellectual property rights advocacy. Along with renowned producer, Kyle Lehning, Tonyco-founded Morningstar Management in Nashville where they were responsible for shepherding the careers of “England” Dan Seals, Randy Travis, Kathy Baillie, and many others over the years. He is also a recognized expert in copyright reform and intellectual property, often serving as a consultant and expert witness in litigation matters. With an incredibly talented and always evolving artist roster—including Sara Evans, Katherine McPhee,, Jackie Evancho, Jeff Larson Melody Federer and more—Melody Place is quickly becoming a major player in the music industry. The label continues to build on its strong foundation by fostering fresh talent while nurturing the careers of established stars. Together, Leigh, Sanborn, and Tony bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to Melody Place, offering a personalized, artist-first approach to the music industry. With a commitment to discovering new talent and fostering long-term careers, Melody Place is shaping the future of music with integrity and passion. For more information visit: melodyplace.com.
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Photo Credit: Ted Parker Jr.
Photo ID (L to R): Melody Place’s Sanborn McGraw, Producer Kyle Lehning, Jim Seals, Andrea Seals, Melody Place’s Leigh Shockey, Seals Estate Trustee Tony Gottlieb, Holley Seals-Lizarraga)
