Music MInute - Forever Home (Night of the Orphan Train)

 

Moraine Music Group announces the release of “Forever Home,” the final preview single and music video from Night of the Orphan Train – A Musical Novel, the groundbreaking new project from multi-award-winning producer Brent Maher. The music video premiered on Digital Journal, just days ahead of the full soundtrack’s release on November 7, 2025. A powerful companion to the recently released audiobook, the soundtrack spotlights the individual songs that bring the musical novel’s emotional journey vividly to life. "Brooke Spencer allows her crisp, crystalline vocals to shine on the Brent Maher-penned ‘Forever Home,’ which is filled with raw emotions, and listeners can recall a young Emmylou Harris." -Markos Papadatos, Live Journal. Distributed by ONE Audiobooks, Night of the Orphan Train — A Musical Novel marks the literary debut of award-winning producer, songwriter, and engineer Brent Maher. Inspired by his discovery of The National Orphan Train Complex in Concordia, Kansas, Maher transformed this poignant slice of American history into a sweeping musical narrative that follows three fictional children from age 11 into adulthood — combining historic fiction with Americana, bluegrass, roots music and timeless melodic storytelling. (Underline for the musical novel will go to One Audiobooks page.) "The story of 'Night of the Orphan Train" reminds us how life can be so unfair and yet somehow doors can appear open if we have the courage and faith to walk through them,” says Brent Maher. “I think the reason the songs play such an emotional role in the storytelling of “Night of the Orphan Train” is because the original idea of the musical novel came from writing the one song “Orphan Train.” That one song gave birth to Caroline, Jacob, and Billy, the main characters. From that point on the songs and storytelling took care of themselves." The accompanying original soundtrack — completely written or co-written by Brent Maher, is set for release November 7, 2025, expands the experience even further, featuring performances from some of roots music’s most evocative voices: “Orphan Train” – A stirring overture featuring Trey Hensley (vocals, guitar), Rob Ickes (Hawaiian guitar, vocals), Tammy Rogers (fiddle, vocals), and Marc Rogers (upright bass) “Haves and Have Nots” – A haunting portrayal of class and courage featuring The French Family Band “I Will Hold You in My Heart” – A tender duet by Brooke Spencer and Sarah Holbrook, released concurrently with the audiobook “Forever Home” – A yearning ballad featuring Brooke Spencer & The French Family Band serves as the final focus track released prior to the soundtrack’s release.

Each track deepens the listener’s connection to the story’s central theme—the resilience of the human spirit amid the vast migration of more than 250,000 orphaned and homeless children relocated across America between 1854 and 1929 as part of the historic Orphan Train Movement. “They were called Orphan Trains because they carried orphans from big cities, where they had been abandoned and were homeless, to rural towns and farms out in the countryside for a new life. Brent Maher tells this story as a musical novel that opens our eyes and ears to this mostly forgotten part of America's history—our history.” Dr. Don Cusic, Music historian Music videos directed by Roger Pistole enhance the project’s cinematic quality, visually tying together the narrative and the music’s emotional arc.

With a storied career that includes over 20 #1 singles, platinum and multi-platinum albums, and collaborations with legends like Ike & Tina Turner, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, The Judds, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, and Taj Mahal, Maher continues to leave an indelible mark on American music. His enduring classics—such as “Lesson in Leavin’” (revived in 2025 by Sierra Ferrell and Nikki Lane) and “Why Not Me” (featured this year in The Bear on FX/Hulu)—stand as testaments to his songwriting legacy. A portion of proceeds from Night of the Orphan Train will benefit Youth Villages of Middle Tennessee, part of a nationally recognized nonprofit serving children in foster care and teens transitioning to independence. November also marks National Orphan Awareness Month, a time to honor and support vulnerable youth worldwide. Observances include Orphan Sunday—held the second Sunday of November—dedicated to raising awareness and inspiring action for children in need.

About the Orphan Train Movement: Between 1854 and 1929, more than 250,000 orphaned, abandoned, and homeless children were relocated from cities like New York to rural towns across America. The Orphan Train Movement remains one of the most significant, yet often overlooked, chapters in U.S. history—an enduring testament to resilience, hope, and second chances.