"Monarch" hopes "A Country Boy Can Survive"

Trace Adkins, who stars in the series with Susan Sarandon, sings the song, which is out on Arista Records/Monument Records. The song was first released 40 years ago by Hank Williams Jr.

"Monarch" premieres Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022 immediately following the NFC Championship on FOX. The series continues with its time period premiere on Tuesday, Feb. 1 (at 9 p.m. eastern.

Produced by series executive music producer Adam Anders and co-producer Peer Astrom, "A Country Boy Can Survive" is a song that Adkins has sung his entire career. It also speaks to his series character, Albie Roman, the patriarch of country music's first family.

"Trace's voice is one in a million and sets the tone for everything else we do musically on the series," said Anders. "He grounds the show so much, and I love every time an 'Albie' song is on the slate."

"I've lost count how many times I've listened to Hank Jr.'s 'A Country Boy Can Survive,'" said Adkins. "Having the opportunity to record such an iconic song has been both exhilarating and daunting. I wanted to honor the original version while putting my own 'spin' on it. I'm excited for this to be the first release from 'Monarch' and for fans to hear all of the music we have coming out."

This will be the first release of many originals and covers performed for the series by cast members and upcoming guest stars.

Sarandon plays the queen of Country Music, Dottie Cantrell Roman. But thefoundation of their success is said to be a lie. And when their reign as country royalty is put in jeopardy, heir to the crown Nicolette "Nicky" Roman (Golden Globe nominee Anna Friel, "Pushing Daisies") will stop at nothing to protect her family's legacy, while ensuring her own quest for stardom.

Screenwriter Melissa London Hilfers serves as creator, writer and executive producer. Jon Harmon Feldman serves as executive producer and showrunner. Gail Berman and Hend Baghdady (The Jackal Group), Michael Rauch and top music manager Jason Owen (Sandbox Entertainment) also serve as executive producers. Jason Ensler directed the series premiere, on which he also serves as an executive producer.