Joy Oladokun’s Ode to Forever Love, ‘Sweet Symphony,’ Gets Soaring New Release

There’s no telling where music may go when it’s released into the world. So to honor the places her song “Sweet Symphony” has traveled and what it’s come to symbolize for so many, Joy Oladokun has released a piano-centered version of breakout duet with Chris Stapleton in honor of its one-year anniversary.

“A year ago, I released one of the most significant songs I have ever been a part of. I teamed up with Chris Stapleton to put out ‘Sweet Symphony’ as a way to celebrate love that outlasts the many tests life throws at us,” Oladokun said in a statement. “Since then, people have danced to it at weddings and sung it to their children. They’ve played it for family members and friends as a way to put words to their love. I’m so proud of this song and honored that it’s become a part of people’s lives. To celebrate, we cooked up a new version that has the same heart as the original with a new spin.”

Since the song’s original release last fall, Oladokun, who is queer and the daughter of Nigerian immigrants, performed at the White House for the Respect for Marriage Act signing in December of 2022. She’s also been on tour in support of her upcoming album Proof of Life, out on Oct. 13.

One of a growing roster of queer Americana artists, Oladokun also performed at the “Love Rising” concert in March, which raised funds to support Tennessee-based queer organizations under the threat of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and drag bans. Oladokun joined other queer artists including organizer Allison Russell, Brittany Howard, and Jake Wesley Rogers, and allies including Sheryl Crow, Maren Morris, and Jason Isbell.

Of her Proof of Life album, OIadokun says in press notes, “I hope these are helpful anthems. I started making music because I wasn’t hearing from the ‘everyday human being’ on the radio. I hope this resonates with anybody who feels normal and needs a little musical boost to get through the day. I’m average. I do this job because I love what I do. I put so much care, craft, and intention into it. I’m making music to live to.”

Listen to Oladokun and Stapleton’s new version of “Sweet Symphony” here.