Country singer Tyler Rich was selected to compose “Heavy is the Crown” specifically for the upcoming Detroit Auto Show, which is slated to take place from January 10-20 at Huntington Place in Detroit.
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski | Special to The Detroit News
Sam Klemet, co-executive director of the Detroit Auto Show, found himself in search of a unique and memorable birthday gift for his wife. With a bit of hope and a sprinkle of audacity, he reached out to country and rock artist Tyler Rich through social media, hoping for a special birthday message.
“Tyler’s song, ‘Leave Her Wild,’ (released in 2019) resonated deeply with my wife,” Klemet explained. “On a whim, I decided to send him a message on Instagram, mentioning it was her birthday. I told him how much she adored the song and asked if he could give her a shoutout.”
In a delightful twist of fate, the simple birthday request morphed into a dynamic collaboration between Klemet and Rich, who hails from Yuba City, California. What began as a personal gesture turned into a creative venture for the auto show.
Rich co-wrote “Heavy is the Crown” in collaboration with his guitarist, Joseph Devenney, as part of the Detroit Auto Show’s innovative campaign, “My Drive, My City, My Show.” This highly anticipated event is set to unfold at Huntington Place from January 10-20.
The song exudes a captivating swagger, serving as the backdrop for a sizzle reel that eloquently celebrates the essence of Detroit. Highlighting the city’s vibrant car culture, notable figures like former University of Michigan and NBA basketball player Jalen Rose, HGTV’s Cristy Lee—host of the Detroit-based show “Steal This House,” WDET’s Ann Delisi, and jessica care moore, the city’s esteemed poet laureate, share their personal stories of their inaugural vehicles.
“We wanted to capture a diverse mix of individuals—reflecting varying races, genders, ages, and backgrounds,” Klemet noted. “Being from Detroit often means having a connection to the auto industry in some way. This project embodies the rich tapestry of our city, which is a melting pot of people, ideas, and passions.”
Tyler Rich, whose roots trace back to Yuba City, encountered his passion for country music at the tender age of 8 and began strumming the guitar at 14. After completing his college education, he relocated to Los Angeles—a move he considers pivotal for his career. Taking charge of his musical journey, Rich self-released his debut single “Radio” in 2014, which paved the way for hits like “Better Than You’re Used To,” “Feels Like Home,” and a stirring acoustic cover of Michael Jackson’s iconic “Billie Jean.”
Rich candidly confessed the pressure he felt to create a song that would not only impress Klemet but also effectively capture the spirit of Detroit.
“We were just hanging out, having drinks and catching up,” Rich reminisced about his time with Klemet. “He shared his enthusiasm for his new position and the direction this campaign was headed.”
“They expressed their desire for an original track to accompany the sizzle reel for the show—a song that would embody the spirit of a resilient city and its inhabitants. I enthusiastically told him, ‘Dude, I can absolutely crush this for you!’”
“Heavy is the Crown” pays homage to the Motown sound and Detroit’s rock ‘n’ roll heritage, capturing the city’s musical essence.
“It’s not entirely reflective of my personal style,” Rich clarified. “There are definitely elements of my music in there, but we aimed to blend various influences. I grew up loving rock music, and we wanted to create something distinct—something that would surprise listeners who are accustomed to my previous work. My goal was to make Klemet proud and to present a song that would resonate positively with the city of Detroit.”
The concept of “resilience” in the song acknowledges not only the city’s enduring spirit but also that of the Detroit Lions.
“In the playoffs, they made a strong impact—a true force to be reckoned with,” Rich remarked with a grin. “I started imagining the symbolism of crowns, picturing someone in a relentless battle who simply can’t be knocked down. The only weight they bear is that of the crown, which took a while for me to conceptualize in the context of the song.”
Rich infused his composition with a sense of energy that could envision accompanying the Detroit Lions as they enter Ford Field for a game, embodying the city’s robust identity.
“This has been an incredibly fascinating collaboration,” Klemet reflected. “My musical talents are non-existent, so I sent him a comprehensive text outlining my vision: Detroit’s revival, a renaissance in our beloved city, the unstoppable energy we feel. Our shared passion for Detroit is undeniable. We are on the cusp of an evolution.”
**Interview with Tyler Rich on “Heavy is the Crown” for the Detroit Auto Show**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Tyler! Your new song “Heavy is the Crown” is part of the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. How did this collaboration come about?
**Tyler Rich:** Thank you for having me! It all started with a message I received from Sam Klemet. He reached out on Instagram asking for a birthday shoutout for his wife, who really loved my song ”Leave Her Wild.” I thought it was such a sweet request, and we ended up connecting on a deeper level. That initial birthday shoutout transformed into the idea of collaborating on something special for the auto show.
**Interviewer:** That’s fascinating! How did you go from a birthday wish to writing an entire song?
**Tyler Rich:** It was a pretty organic process. Once Sam and I connected, he shared his vision for the auto show and the campaign called “My Drive, My City, My Show.” We sat down together, and after chatting over some drinks, I realized that I wanted to contribute something meaningful that captured the essence of Detroit. So, I teamed up with my guitarist, Joseph Devenney, and we started crafting “Heavy is the Crown.”
**Interviewer:** What themes or messages are you hoping to convey through the song?
**Tyler Rich:** The song really reflects the spirit of Detroit—its rich history, vibrant car culture, and diverse community. We wanted to celebrate people’s personal connections to the auto industry and their vehicles. It’s about pride, heritage, and the feeling of journeying through life, which aligns perfectly with the auto show.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned a diverse representation in the project. Why was that important to you?
**Tyler Rich:** Detroit is a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds, and it was crucial for us to showcase that diversity. Sam wanted to highlight unique stories from different individuals, like Jalen Rose and Cristy Lee, and I was all for it. We aimed to create a dynamic piece that resonates with everyone, capturing the essence of Detroit’s community.
**Interviewer:** That sounds incredible! How did you feel about the pressure of creating a song for such a high-profile event?
**Tyler Rich:** Honestly, it was a bit nerve-wracking at first. I wanted to impress Sam and the team while also honoring the city’s legacy. But once we started collaborating and getting into the groove, it became more about the joy of creating something authentic. I really loved this project, and I hope everyone feels that when they hear it!
**Interviewer:** We’re excited to hear the final result! What can attendees expect from the Detroit Auto Show this January?
**Tyler Rich:** Expect an amazing showcase of automotive innovation, community celebration, and, of course, the debut of ”Heavy is the Crown” – it’s going to be a fantastic atmosphere, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone!
**Interviewer:** Thanks, Tyler! We can’t wait for the show and wish you all the best with the song!
**Tyler Rich:** Thank you! I’m looking forward to it as well. See you in Detroit!
