NASHVILLE, TN – Murphey’s “Wildfire” Hits The Big Screen
Around 50 years ago, famed Western artist Michael Martin Murphey was inspired by a dream about a mystical ghost horse, based on a Native American legend shared with him by his grandfather. He crafted this vision into a song with co-writer Larry Cansler, and “Wildfire,” was born. The track, spun with a narrative thread about a young Nebraska woman searching for her lost pony in a blizzard, took flight in 1975, capturing the hearts of listeners and sky-rocketing the song to the top of the charts.
Music Hits the Big Screen
Fast forward to today, this iconic and enduring piece of American music is now making its theatrical debut. On January 26, 2023, “Wildfire: The Legend of the Cherokee Ghost Horse,” hits over 1100 screens nationwide. Inspired by Murphey’s number 1 hit and the legend of the Cherokee ghost horse, the film weaves a story of redemption and forgiveness.
A Dramatic Tale of Redemption
The film tells the story of Samantha, a young girl dealing with guilt after the tragic death of her parents. Facing financial ruin, the family relocates from Texas to Oklahoma, moving in with Grandma Bette on her horse farm. In her emotional distress, Samantha finds solace in the presence of a mysterious wild horse that seems to follow her from school each day.
Celebrated Cast and Tragic Loss
Written and directed by Eric Parkinson (Future Shock), “Wildfire” boasts a talented cast including Chevel Shepherd (winner of NBC’s The Voice), Mo Brings Plenty (Yellowstone), Adrian Paul (Highlander), and Cara Jade Myers (Killers of the Flower Moon). The film is particularly poignant as it is the final film of the late Anne Heche, who sadly died in a tragic car accident in 2022.
Murphey not only brings his song to life in the film, but also steps into the role of key character, Pastor Micah. Along with his son Ryan Murphey and Travis Fite, he created the film’s evocative soundtrack. “Wildfire: The Legend of the Cherokee Ghost Horse” is set to commence streaming on March 1, with DVD / BLU-RAY releases slated for June 4, 2023.
