Ain’t Heaven Yet

Independent singer-songwriter John Ward Hocter charged onto the underground country music scene with his fast-paced debut single “Damn Near Died Today”—an ode to living in the moment featuring legendary fiddler Michael Cleveland that was named a Finalist in the 2023 Great American Song Contest. Now he’s back with the new follow-up single “Ain’t Heaven Yet,” now streaming everywhere.

Born and raised in the foothills of the Appalachians in southern Ohio, Hocter hardened his hands on beat up guitars, cut his heels on old gravel roads, and wrote his first country song on the front porch of his family’s log cabin at age 15. His story is told through the many original songs he’s written since that day, capturing the extraordinary people, places, and pace of life in rural communities and small towns across America.

While he may have taken a few detours and a few decades to record his debut in “Damn Near Died Today,” Hocter is making up for lost time—his follow-up single is set for release later this summer.

“Ain’t Heaven Yet” celebrates the dedication, devotion and hard work necessary to nurture a truly lifelong love. Recorded at Earthwork Recording Studio in central Ohio and produced by Brandon Bankes, the track features Scott Vestal on banjo; Katie Blomarz on upright bass; Caleb Gilbreath on drums; Tai Ray on backup vocals; Bankes on pedal steel; and Michael Cleveland returning on fiddle.