'Here & Now' Interview Inspires Song Of The Year

09:41

November 07, 2013

Paul Monti is pictured in May 2011 with his son Jared's truck. Jared Monti was killed while serving in Afghanistan in 2006.(Anna Miller/Here & Now)

Sgt. 1st Class Jared C. Monti died in Afghanistan in 2006 while rescuing a fellow soldier.

At the Country Music Association Awards last night, "I Drive Your Truck" won Song of the Year.

The song tells the story of a Massachusetts father whose son was killed in Afghanistan. The father drives his son's Dodge Ram to honor his memory.

Paul Monti talked about his son Jared's truck with Here & Now's Alex Ashlock in May 2011. A songwriter in Nashville heard that interview and co-wrote the song, which was recorded by Lee Brice.

Now, Monti's decision to drive his son's truck has taken on a life of its own.

Hear Alex Ashlock’s interview with Paul Monti
Hear the follow-up interview about the song
Read Alex Ashlock’s essay about the song

Guest

Paul Monti, father of Jared Monti, who was killed in Afghanistan.

This segment aired on November 7, 2013.