John Ludwig releases 9/11 tribute song “One More Day”

Singer-songwriter John Ludwig has released “One More Day,” a new version of David M. Bailey’s song, on Sept. 11 as the first track from his upcoming album “Grief and Hope Revisited.” The release ties a personal promise to Bailey with a tribute to 9/11 and a message of hope.

Why it matters: - The release links a 9/11 reflection to a song about grief, loss and hope. - John Ludwig is positioning the track as both a tribute to David M. Bailey and a reminder that hardship does not end hope. - The song launches Ludwig’s next album cycle, giving the project an immediate emotional hook.

What happened: - John Ludwig released “One More Day” today, Sept. 11, 2026. - The song is the first release from Ludwig’s upcoming album, “Grief and Hope Revisited.” - “One More Day” was originally written and recorded by the late David M. Bailey. - Ludwig said the release date was intentional because the song offers hope on 9/11. - Ludwig said he made a promise to Bailey in 2009 to keep playing the song. - Ludwig also said the release fulfills that promise in a permanent way because the song is now available publicly.

The details: - Ludwig is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. - Ludwig is a voting member of the Recording Academy. - Ludwig’s first album, “Grief, Loss & Hope for Tomorrow,” shipped exactly 25 years ago. - Ludwig opened for Bailey in 2008. - Bailey died of cancer in 2010. - Three-time GRAMMY-winning producer Lonnie Park created the new version using Bailey’s original vocal as the lead vocal. - Ludwig said the track has a new arrangement, with some changes from the original. - The song is available on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music and other digital music retailers and streaming platforms. - Ludwig is president of the Chicago Songwriters Collective. - Ludwig founded the nonprofit These Streets Are Holy. - Permission to use Bailey’s vocal came from the estate of David M. Bailey. - More information is available on Ludwig’s official website.

Between the lines: - The release turns a personal artistic promise into a wider public statement about loss and endurance. - Using Bailey’s original vocal gives the track a direct connection to the artist Ludwig is honoring. - Releasing the song on 9/11 adds extra meaning and may broaden its emotional reach beyond Ludwig’s existing audience.

What's next: - Ludwig’s album “Grief and Hope Revisited” is expected to follow this first single. - Ludwig is likely to continue promoting the release across streaming platforms and social channels. - The song’s launch may set the tone for the rest of the album around themes of grief, memory and hope.

The bottom line: - “One More Day” is both a tribute and a statement of continuity: Ludwig is reviving Bailey’s song, marking 9/11 and signaling the emotional direction of his next album.