"My name is Private Andrew Malone, and if you’re reading this, then I didn’t make it home.”
That’s the beginning of a note found in the glove box of a ’66 Corvette in David Ball’s 2001 hit, “Riding With Private Malone.” It turns out the car’s former owner was a Vietnam War vet who died in combat, and his spirit protects the narrator in a fiery car crash at the end of the song.
There wasn’t really a Pvt. Andrew Malone, but the song still hits close to home for Nashville songwriter Wood Newton, who co-penned the tune with Thom Shepherd. Newton also has heard from countless listeners — some of them veterans — who’ve been affected by its tale over the years.
Newton recently shared his memories of “Malone” with Bart Herbison of Nashville Songwriters Association International.
About the series
In partnership with Nashville Songwriters Association International, each week we will release a new video featuring NSAI executive director Bart Herbison interviewing a Nashville songwriter about his or her work.