Tori Martin's Song ‘Abilene’ is Breaking Hearts and Climbing Charts

There’s something about Abilene, not just the town, but the song. Country singer-songwriter Tori Martin knows this all too well, and she’s putting her heartbreak into melody with her newest single, "Abilene." A Texas-raised country artist with deep Red Dirt roots, Tori may have been born in Florida, but her music and spirit were all born right here in the Lone Star State.

From Military Brat to Texas Country Star

Tori Martin’s journey to country music wasn’t your typical straight shot down a dirt road. She was born in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, as a military brat, moving around before landing in Azle, Texas at the age of seven. Growing up in a military family gave her a special connection to Texas towns like Abilene and San Angelo, both home to major military installations.

With country music running through her veins, thanks to her Paw-Paw’s influence, she was performing at Opry houses across Texas by 14. Her love for classic country legends like Johnny Cash and Tammy Wynette shaped her sound, which blends traditional country with a modern twist. After competing on American Idol in 2014, she made the move to Nashville, where she’s been making waves in the industry ever since.

KEAN 105 logo
Get our free mobile app

Abilene: A Town You Don’t Want to Be In With a Broken Heart

Tori Martin’s new single Abilene is NOT another Texas town anthem, it’s a wind-swept heartbreak song that captures what I believe is a lonely, wide-open feeling one sometimes gets when driving our West Texas highways. Written in 2022 with Bill DiLuigi, Kirsti Manna, and Bill Warner, the song tells the story of someone who can’t stay in Abilene after a love gone wrong.

Lyrics from  "Abilene" by Tori Martin

"Anywhere and nowhere special
Is where you go when your heart can’t settle
And God knows I don’t wanna leave
But I can’t stay in Abilene, oh no"

 

A Song Destined for #1?

Radio programmers are already buzzing about "Abilene," and it’s no surprise. Tori’s last single, "Lost in the Country," hit #1 on the Texas RRR charts, and industry insiders predict Abilene will follow suit. I had the pleasure of interviewing Tori before she recorded the song, and I could already tell it was something special.

She’s no stranger to songs about Abilene, either. Years ago, George Hamilton IV put the city on the country music map with his classic "Abilene, Abilene, Prettiest Town I’ve Ever Seen." But Tori’s version tells a different story, one of long stretches of lonely highways, broken hearts, and moving on. And if you’ve ever driven from Amarillo to El Paso, you know exactly what that kind of heartache feels like...long and lonely.

What’s Next for Tori?

With Abilene already climbing the TRRR charts, Tori is gearing up to film the music video in February. If history repeats itself, this song will not be a hit because it name-drops "Abilene," it’ll be a hit because it captures an experience we all know too well, a broken heart that won't go away.

Game On: Talented Texas Musicians & Bands Featured in Famous Video Games

Video game soundtracks are nothing without amazing songs; here are some talented Texas bands & musicians featured in video games throughout the years.

Gallery Credit: Daniel Paulus

LOOK: These Texas Musicians Own Their Booze Brand

Gallery Credit: Chaz

More From KEAN 105