Shy Carter and Frank Ray's 'Jesus At The Taco Truck': A Musical Tale of Love and Culture
- by Adam Bailey
- in Latest
When hit-making multi-talent Shy Carter and breakout country artist Frank Ray released a clip of 'Jesus At The Taco Truck' on TikTok last month, they had no idea the impact it would make. Just one month and more than two million views later, the duo has experienced just how much the song’s message is resonating with fans. On Friday, they shared the full video and released the official audio on all streaming platforms.
“When we came together that day, Ben Burgess had the idea to write about his experiences with friends who have made extraordinary sacrifices to make better lives for their families,” Carter said. “That idea immediately struck a chord with Nathan [Chapman] and me. We all know and love people who have made those kinds of sacrifices. I then invited Frank into the creative process to add an extra element of truth to a conversation he knows on a deeper level.”
Added Ray, “I'm grateful that Shy and the boys invited me to be a part of this song. It's such an important message and it helps elevate the people of my culture. We're in the business of telling stories and giving a voice to those looking for representation.”
The song’s story about a character who embodies love, kindness and the belief in a better future, has inspired nearly 9,000 comments. Carter shared, “This song is about loving your neighbor and giving that love freely, without judgement. We never know what someone is going through. Just like Jesus, we want to meet people where they are. And I met Jesus at a taco truck.”
'Jesus At The Taco Truck' is this year’s second collaboration from the celebrated songsmith and recording artist. He and Caitlyn Smith teamed up in May for 'How Did You Sleep' (LISTEN HERE). Carter and Smith co-produced the post-relationship song, which they also co-penned alongside Bryan Simpson. MusicRow declared it “essential listening” with the “penetrating” lyric and “delivery that has you hanging on every line.”
Carter introduced his sound with his debut EP The Rest Of Us, which showcased fan favorite tracks such as 'Good Love' and 'Beer With My Friends' (featuring Cole Swindell and David Lee Murphy). He continues to share more of the soul-country that has made him one of the genre’s brightest emerging artists. An in-demand songwriter and producer whose work spans pop, R&B, country and more, Carter has earned more than a dozen RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications for his collaborations.
ABOUT SHY CARTER: Warner Music Nashville multi-talent Shy Carter is breaking out on his own as a country artist, songwriter and producer. Lauded for his “top-shelf songwriting and versatile vocals” (Billboard), the bona fide hit-maker is one of the most formidable rising talents with credits that span Kane Brown’s “Heaven,” Charlie Puth’s “One Call Away,” Sugarland’s “Stuck Like Glue” and more. He has collaborated with superstars, from Jason Derulo to Cole Swindell, across genres and been featured on high-profile tracks including “Way Down” (Tim McGraw) and “Never Comin Down” (Keith Urban). “Thoughtfully [stretching] and [challenging] the borders of the country genre,” as described by Taste of Country, Carter’s roots in gospel, jazz and and R&B run deep, as he pumps pop flavors into his soul-saturated sound. The born entertainer was a 2022 CMT Listen Up artist and deemed an Artist to Watch by Amazon Music, Pandora and MusicRow. He was also highlighted in the Amazon Music Original feature-length documentary, For Love & Country. Carter released his debut EP The Rest of Us to critical acclaim and continues to share new music."
