NEWS: Brumley Music Plays Pivotal Role in “GREATER” – Film Releases January 29th
Bob Brumley Sings “I’ll Fly Away” and film also features “Victory in Jesus”
Family football drama chronicles the remarkable and inspiring life of the late Razorback All-American, Brandon Burlsworth, stars Neal McDonough, Nick Searcy and newcomer Christopher Severio
New York, New York – (January 19, 2016) – Brumley Music, the legendary music and publishing company rich in tradition and heritage of Gospel, Country, Americana and Bluegrass music and founded by Albert E. Brumley, plays a pivotal role in a new theatrical release GREATER which is set to hit the big screens on January 29, 2016.
GREATER is a film about the true story of the unlikely career of Brandon Burlsworth (played by newcomer Christopher Severio), regarded as the greatest walk-on (i.e., non-scholarship player) story in the history of college football. Known for his distinctive black horn-rimmed glasses, the small-town Burlsworth always dreamed of playing for the Arkansas Razorbacks, but wasn’t considered good enough to play Division I football.
Undeterred, Brandon — with the support of his older brother, Marty (Neal McDonough), and their struggling single Mom, Barbara (Leslie Easterbrook), takes a huge risk by walking on to the team in 1994. He succeeds in the face of staggering odds, and by the end of his college career, Burlsworth was not only a star player in the SEC, but he was also a 1st Team All-American. He was then taken as an early pick in the 1999 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts.
Eleven days after being drafted into the NFL and before he was able to sign the contract that would have changed the financial status of his family forever, Brandon died in a car accident on his way home. His death stunned the state. His loss was particularly hard on the character Marty, who struggles in the film to hang on to his own faith in the aftermath of Brandon’s death – confronted at his brother’s funeral by a mysterious farmer (Nick Searcy) who tries to convince him that a truly loving God would not let such a bad thing happen to someone who was so good.
The most recorded song of all time, “I’ll Fly Away” by Albert E. Brumley is performed by Bob Brumley in a scene where Burlsworth is driving the car and singing along. Fans can hear Bob’s rendition on the radio as Burlsworth (played by Christopher Sevario) is driving the car. A clip of that pivotal scene which changes the course of the story can be seen here: http://bit.ly/flyaway_40sec
Another song from the Brumley Music Group, “Victory in Jesus” is also featured in the film. “Victory in Jesus” was written by Albert E. Brumley’s mentor, EM Bartlett and further proves that Gospel music is a vital part of establishing the importance of faith, family and conviction in this remarkable story about a remarkable athlete.
Movie trailer for GREATER is here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ye6blzkaqi5cbfu/01_GRTR_TRLR_Online.mov?dl=0
“GREATER is a truly inspirational story about perseverance and a remarkable man named Brandon Burlsworth whose story is very inspiring,” said Bob Brumley, CEO of Brumley Music Company. “I am very proud of having played a role in the film and that my father’s music sets the tone for one of the most important scenes in the movie.”
The film will open nationwide on over 400 screens on January 29, 2016. Initial reviews praise the adaptation and storytelling. Albert E. Brumley’s music has been featured in numerous television series and films and recorded by a multitude of award-winning musicians in every genre. Brumley Music has been featured prominently in the movie “O’ Brother Where Art Thou” which starred George Clooney and the seven-time Platinum selling soundtrack. Brumley Music also provided music for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “The Apostle” and “Daddy’s Dyin Who’s Got the Will.” Television series such as the legendary hit television series “The Waltons” and Spike Lee’s documentary “When the Levees Broke” also feature Brumley Music among others.
Hammond Entertainment presents a Greater Productions, LLC production. GREATER is produced by Brian Reindl and directed by David Hunt from a script written by Brian Reindl and David Hunt. Neal McDonough and Brian Reindl serve as Executive Producers. The film stars Chris Severio, Neal McDonough (ARROW, BAND OF BROTHERS) Leslie Easterbrook (the POLICE ACADEMY franchise), Michael Parks (ARGO) and Nick Searcy (JUSTIFIED).
ABOUT BRUMLEY MUSIC COMPANY:
Brumley Music Company, located in Powell, Missouri, is a music publishing and production company founded in the early 1940s by Albert E. Brumley. It also operates The Hartford Music Group which is part of the Brumley Music Company. President and CEO, Bob Brumley operates the company whose mission is to uphold Albert E. Brumley’s legacy while producing and providing inspirational music built on a rich tradition and heritage. Brumley’s hit Gospel song “I’ll Fly Away” remains the most recorded song ever and serves as the namesake as the company’s foundation “The I’ll Fly Away Foundation.” The company produces songbooks, the popular annual “Gospel Sing” four-day musical event, oversees the wide catalog of Brumley original music, publishing and licensing. Find out more at www.facebook.com/thebrumleysing or www.twitter.com/BrumleyMusic. Brumley Music can also be reached by calling 1-800-435-3725. For ticket information to the 47th Annual Gospel Sing go to www.brumleymusic.com.
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