WKU grad produces band’s song that earns gold record

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A Kentucky group is celebrating a gold record, with some local ties to the song.

“Smoke and a Light” by Ole 60 out of Hancock County was produced by a former WKU student.

Justin Eckerd decided school wasn’t what he wanted to do and opened up his own music studio in downtown Bowling Green.

Some of the future band members would come to this studio to record songs, and after a few changes to members, the rest is history.

Eckerd says even though he’s moved to Tennessee, he’ll always call Bowling Green home.

“I really appreciate Bowling Green, I love Bowling Green. I left Bowling Green in October 2023, and it was not one of those never look back situations. I’ve always kept my ties on these past couple of years and have always tried to bring that love back,” he says.

You can see some pictures Eckerd provided us from when the band made an appearance at the People’s Choice Country Awards back in September.

He adds that he’s happy to be part of something that so many people can relate to in this song, which you can listen to wherever you get your music.