Craig Campbell Shares His Version Of 'Leaving October'

09-27-2026

(CEG) Craig Campbell is heading into fall releasing one of the most emotional songs of the 90s era, "Leaving October." Originally written by Sons of the Desert lead singer Drew Womack and award-winning tunesmith Tom Douglas for the band's 1997 debut Epic Records album Whatever Comes First, the song painfully recounts the memory of losing someone deeply loved.

"I've been singing this song live for almost 20 years and always thought that I'd one day record a version of it," said Craig. "Without knowing the backstory of the song, I knew positively this had to be a true story. It's the perfect song to kick off the new album."

Produced by Craig with Bart Busch for Grindstone Recordings via Vydia, the song is the first release from his upcoming Class of 89 Deluxe Album. "Until becoming an independent artist, I was never allowed to play piano on my own records," he added. "I'm so proud to say I played the piano on this song, sang the low harmony, and produced it."

Craig originally released his passionate Class of '89 in April of 2024. The six songs represented the core influences who helped mold his desire to pursue a career as an artist and songwriter. Included on the album were his versions of Clint Black's "Killin' Time," Mark Chesnutt's "Too Cold At Home," Restless Heart's "Bluest Eyes In Texas," "On The Other Hand" by Randy Travis, John Michael Montgomery's "Be My Baby Tonight," and a moving piano/vocal rendition of Travis Tritt's "Anymore."

Craig can currently be seen as one of the drivers on The CW Network's new show "The Great American Road Rally - Celebrity Edition." He is joined by the likes of John Schneider, Eric Estrada, John O'Hurley, Miss USA Audrey Eckert, Kevin Lawson, Erin Murphy, Charlene Tilton, NASCAR driver Jesse Love, host Ian Ziering, and more, as they travel the famed Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica. The show airs every Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.