Nashville, Tenn. – July 16, 2025 — Nearly seven years after its release and five years after the death of country music legend Charlie Daniels, Blue Hat Records has rebranded the late icon’s side project Beau Weevils as Charlie Daniels & the Beau Weevils. The move comes alongside a broader restructuring of the independent label, signaling a new chapter for both the Daniels legacy and Blue Hat’s future.
Originally formed in 2018 when Daniels was 81, the Beau Weevils began as a creative reunion between Daniels and acclaimed producer James Stroud, who previously worked with the Charlie Daniels Band (CDB) in the late '80s. With a raw, swampy sound distinct from Daniels’ traditional work, the group also included CDB bassist Charlie Hayward and guitarist Billy Crain, brother of former CDB member Tommy Crain.
The resulting album, Beau Weevils — Songs in the Key of E, received praise for its gritty energy but faced challenges reaching fans due to the absence of Daniels’ name in the project title. That confusion led to limited discoverability on streaming platforms and a lack of clarity around the project’s connection to Daniels.
Now, the rebranding to Charlie Daniels & the Beau Weevils is designed to remedy that. The updated digital release, which dropped on June 27, includes an exclusive new track: Daniel’s a cappella rendition of the traditional blues tune “The Boll Weevil Song,” serving as an introductory nod to the band’s roots-inspired sound. New physical pressings of the album have been available since April.
This marks the first major release from Blue Hat Records since longtime president and co-founder David Corlew stepped away from the label earlier this year. Corlew played a key role in shaping the independent label’s identity, partnering with Daniels in the mid-1990s to support his wide-ranging creative interests beyond the constraints of major label expectations.
“Mom and I want to thank David for all he has done,” said Charlie Daniels Jr., who now oversees label operations alongside his mother, Hazel Daniels, and business partner Randy Owen. “He enabled Dad to stretch his creative wings, and we’ll always be grateful.”
Reflecting on the label’s legacy, Corlew said, “I believe we accomplished everything we wanted to do in our 30-plus years as partners. I wish the Daniels family much success as they move forward with a strong catalog.”
Blue Hat Records continues its distribution partnership with Bob Frank Distribution, with Frank remaining a label partner.
Looking ahead, Daniels Jr. teased the possibility of unreleased material from the family vault, hinting at alternative takes, demos, and even unfinished recordings. In certain cases, he said, they’re considering using artificial intelligence to complete Daniels’ unreleased tracks — but with caution.
“It has to feel right,” he emphasized. “We’re not going to do anything that feels unnatural or exploitative. But finishing songs Dad started? That feels like honoring the vision.”
The rebranded album Charlie Daniels & the Beau Weevils — Songs in the Key of E is now available for streaming and download across all major platforms.
About Charlie Daniels
Charlie Daniels was one of the most influential figures in American music, spanning southern rock, country, gospel, and blues over a career that earned him induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry. Best known for hits like “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” Daniels was also a passionate advocate for veterans and a tireless philanthropist. He passed away on July 6, 2020, at the age of 83, leaving behind a rich musical legacy and a devoted fan base.
