The Interview Behind 'I Drive Your Truck'

04:48

May 17, 2013

Paul Monti next to the truck of his son, Jared Monti. Jared Monti died while serving in Afghanistan in 2006. (Anna Miller/Here & Now)

A conversation Here & Now's Alex Ashlock had with Paul Monti of Raynham, Mass. sparked a song that hit No. 1 on the country charts last month.

Monti's son Jared was killed in Afghanistan in 2006 and a couple of years ago he told Ashlock that he still drives Jared's truck, as a way to remember and feel connected to him.

A songwriter heard that conversation and wrote the song "I Drive Your Truck."

The story was featured on NPR's All Things Considered this week.

Hear & read the original interview with Paul Monti
Read Alex Ashlock's blog post about the song and the interview

Guests:

Paul Monti, father of Jared Monti, who was killed in Afghanistan.
Alex Ashlock, producer and reporter for Here & Now who also directs the show.

This segment aired on May 17, 2013.