Book Nook - Night of the Orphan Train – A Musical Novel

 

- Moraine Music Group announces the release of Night of the Orphan Train – A Musical Novel, distributed by ONE Audiobooks. This unique work of historic fiction is the first book written by multi-award-winning songwriter and producer Brent Maher. Maher was inspired to create the project after discovering The National Orphan Train Complex in Concordia, Kansas. Moved by its history, he set out to tell the story through a blend of original music and narrative, following three fictional children from age 11 into their 20s. The result is Night of the Orphan Train – A Musical Novel, a unique fusion of historical storytelling and Americana, Bluegrass, and Classic melodic compositions. The project, which includes the audiobook and a musical soundtrack pays tribute to the Orphan Train Movement, which relocated more than 250,000 orphaned and homeless children from off the streets, primarily New York City, to new homes across America between 1854 and 1929. “Night of the Orphan Train – A Musical Novel (is) a unique fusion of historical storytelling and Americana, Bluegrass, and Classic melodic compositions.” - Americana Rhythm Magazine With seven Grammy award-winning records to his credit, Brent Maher has become one of Nashville’s most acclaimed songwriters, engineers, and producers. Maher’s accomplishments include over 20 #1 singles and a wide array of platinum and multi-platinum selling albums. He has worked with such iconic artists as Ike & Tina Turner, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, The Judds, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton and Taj Mahal. In addition, Maher worked with Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll and others while producing the 2023 “A Tribute to the Judds” album. In 2025 Maher’s 1979 hit song, “Lesson in Leavin’” was once again released as a duet by Sierra Ferrell and Nikki Lane, and his song “Why Not Me” is featured in the 2025 season of The Bear on FX/Hulu. The 20-song original soundtrack will be released on November 7, 2025, and features three incredible tracks. “Orphan Train” is an overture showcasing the talents of Trey Hensley (vocals, guitar), Ickes (Hawaiian guitar, vocals), and Tammy Rogers(fiddle, vocals), with Marc Rogers on upright bass. “Haves and Have Nots” features The French Family Band. Released concurrent with the audiobook is a third track, “I Will Hold You In My Heart” with Brooke Spencer and Sarah Holbrook. Music videos for the songs were directed by Roger Pistole. A percentage of proceeds from this project will benefit Youth Villages of Middle TN, which is part of nationally recognized non-profit organization focused on providing services for children in foster care, group homes and teens aging out of foster care.  November is National Orphan Awareness Month, a time to focus on the needs of orphaned and vulnerable children worldwide. It's a month where various organizations and individuals highlight the plight of these children and advocate for their well-being. A key event during this month is Orphan Sunday, which falls on the second Sunday in November, and is a day dedicated to raising awareness and support for orphans and foster children. About the Orphan Train Movement Between 1854 and 1929, more than 250,000 orphaned, abandoned, and homeless children were reloated from cities like New York to rural towns across America. The Orphan Train Movement remains a significant yet often overlooked chapter in U.S. history.

ABOUT BRENT MAHER With 7 Grammy award-winning records to his credit, Brent Maher has become one of Nashville’s most acclaimed songwriters, engineers, and producers. Maher’s accomplishments include over 20 #1 singles and a wide array of platinum and multi-platinum selling albums. He has worked with such iconic artists as Ike & Tina Turner, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, The Judds, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Lainey Wilson, Taj Mahal, Jelly Roll with a new duet by Sierra Ferrell & Nikki Lane** and a song in the 2025 season of The Bear on FX/Hulu*. His latest project, Night of the Orphan Train – A Musical Novel, blends original storytelling and music in a historical narrative set for release as an audiobook and soundtrack in 2025. Maher was inducted into the Audio Engineering Society Hall of Fame in 2017 and honored by the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Music Masters series. More new Brent Maher singles other than the Musical Novel “Night of the Orphan Train” include: *“Why Not Me” is being featured in this season of The Bear (on Hulu).  **“Lesson in Leavin’” New single in July 2025 by Americana Grammy winner Sierra Ferrell feat. Nikki Lane - A Lesson in Leavin (Official Video). “Lesson in Leavin’” previous #1 hit with Dottie West in 1980 and JoDee Messina in 1999.