Bobby Bare Pens Song 'Rad Daddy' For Jacob Tolliver

(117) Piano-pounding showman Jacob Tolliver releases his new single "Rad Daddy" today, written specifically for him by Country Music Hall of Fame member Bobby Bare, who co-produced it with revered producer and songwriter Buddy Cannon.

Both hail from Southern Ohio, Bare from Ironton and Tolliver from Portsmouth, and first connected nearly a decade ago at a local fundraiser. The collaboration was sparked when Bare heard Tolliver perform "Tequila Sheila" at Bare's 90th birthday celebration last year.

Bare wrote the lyrics to "Rad Daddy," called Tolliver to his house to work it out on the keyboard, then brought in longtime friend Cannon to cut the song with some of Nashville's finest musicians.

I'm here to make you happy, gonna make you glad
I'm here to give you the best night you ever had
You're gonna wake up smilin' in my arms where you belong
I'm gonna be your rad daddy from now on

At 91, Bare is still writing, producing and keeping a finger on the pulse of the next generation. His career spans more than seven decades, from his GRAMMY-winning hit "Detroit City" to the outlaw movement alongside friends Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson to his celebrated collaboration with Shel Silverstein. Cannon is best known for his production work with artists like Kenny Chesney and Willie Nelson, and has penned hits such as George Strait's "Give It Away" and Vern Gosdin's "Set 'Em Up Joe."

"I'm not sure what I expected when Bobby Bare called to tell me he had written me a song... but it does NOT disappoint! It's got a great rock 'n' roll energy while maintaining that classic, tongue-in-cheek Bobby Bare attitude, and it really lets my piano shine. Working with Bare and Buddy Cannon in the studio was absolutely surreal. I'm super proud of this song and even more thankful for the friendships behind it," Tolliver said.

For Tolliver, the song continues a run of mentorship from country and rock 'n' roll royalty: he played Jerry Lee Lewis in the Las Vegas production of "Million Dollar Quartet," later toured with Lewis himself, and has shared the stage and the studio with Randy Travis.

Tolliver was named a "Country Artist To Watch" for 2026 by Country Evolution and Dirt Road Country, and has received coverage from major outlets including Forbes, Parade, Saving Country Music and more.

Capping a busy 2026 on the road, Tolliver has kept up a steady run of live shows that continues to cement his reputation as a dynamic performer. As he establishes himself as a standout voice in country and rock 'n' roll, his latest original release, "If The Phone Ain't Ringing It's Me," has captured fans' and media's attention and built strong momentum.

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