Country music star Shawna Thompson, known for her success with the duo Thompson Square, has ventured out on her own with her debut solo album, Lean on Neon. Released on Friday, the album features notable guest artists such as Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, and Rhonda Vincent.
A native of Laton Hill, Alabama, and raised in Chatom, Thompson sought to create a project that honors both her musical roots and her late father, Mickey McIlwain, who passed away in 2012. As part of the hit-making duo with her husband Keifer Thompson, Shawna has achieved major success, including two No. 1 hits: “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” and “If I Didn’t Have You.”
“My goal was to produce a traditional honky-tonk album that would make my daddy proud,” Thompson stated. “This project has been therapeutic for me and has brought me closer to my dad.”
The album features standout tracks such as “Bama Clay,” which opens with unaccompanied harmony by Thompson, Gill, and Skaggs. Other notable collaborations include Pam Tillis on “Honky Tonk Hurtin’” and Ashton Shepherd on “Outlaw Women.” Keifer Thompson also makes an appearance on “The Doctor’s Always In,” a track he co-produced.
Thompson credits her father for introducing her to the sounds of country legends like Buck Owens, Charley Pride, and John Anderson, which deeply influenced her musical journey.
