Golden Everything Honors Luke Bell with "White Buick" and Mental Health Initiative
Following the untimely passing of musician Luke Bell in 2022, his loved ones have dedicated themselves to preserving his artistic legacy and ensuring his memory continues to inspire. Their efforts culminated in the establishment of the Luke Bell Memorial Affordable Counseling Program, which channels royalties from his musical endeavors toward increasing accessibility to mental health services in Wyoming, his cherished home state. Further honoring his musical journey, a collection of unreleased tracks titled The King Is Back was meticulously curated by his mother, Carol, and sister, Jane. Now, his close friends and collaborators, Zach Schmidt and Jackie Berkley, who form the duo Golden Everything, have unveiled a heartfelt musical tribute titled “White Buick.” This tender ballad, set to be featured on their forthcoming EP, Down Time, eloquently captures Bell’s joyous nature, undeniable talent, and his eternally free spirit, offering a poignant remembrance of a life cherished and lost too soon.
Musical Homage and Enduring Legacy: The Story Behind "White Buick"
In the wake of Luke Bell's passing in 2022, his friends and family have diligently worked to perpetuate his memory and artistic contributions. A significant step in this endeavor was the creation of the Luke Bell Memorial Affordable Counseling Program, which utilizes the royalties from his musical catalog to provide accessible mental health care in Wyoming. This initiative was followed by the release of The King Is Back, an album of previously unreleased songs, carefully assembled by his mother, Carol, and sister, Jane. On a recent Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the Nashville-based duo Golden Everything, comprising Zach Schmidt and Jackie Berkley, unveiled their new single, “White Buick.” This song, a touching tribute to Bell, will be part of their upcoming EP, Down Time, slated for release on July 17. “White Buick” beautifully encapsulates Bell’s infectious joy, remarkable talent, and his unwavering free spirit, as expressed in the harmonious lyrics, “You’re not afraid of a hard day’s work, or howling at the moon.”
Schmidt, who became fast friends and collaborators with Bell after moving to Nashville from Pittsburgh, fondly recalled Bell’s impact in a 2025 interview, stating, “His energy was infectious… It was kind of unrivaled in everything he did, and it translated to his music.” The inspiration for “White Buick” struck Schmidt during a tribute to Bell at last year’s AmericanaFest. All proceeds generated from the single, as well as an accompanying live performance video, will be dedicated to supporting the Luke Bell Memorial Affordable Counseling Program. Schmidt elaborated on the song’s origins in a heartfelt Instagram post, revealing, “Luke was my advocate. Every chance he had to introduce me to someone, sing my praise or throw me on stage to sing, he would do it… It’s safe to say that without Luke, I wouldn’t know most of the people in my life, including my wife.” This song not only serves as a musical eulogy but also as a testament to the profound personal and professional connections Bell fostered.
The release of “White Buick” is a powerful reminder of how art can serve as a vessel for remembrance and a catalyst for positive change. It highlights the enduring impact an artist can have, not just through their work, but through the community they build and the causes they champion. The commitment of Luke Bell's family and friends to translate his artistic legacy into tangible support for mental health is commendable, showcasing a compassionate approach to grief and remembrance. This initiative underscores the importance of addressing mental health challenges, particularly within creative communities, and demonstrates how collective action can create lasting, meaningful support networks. It's a testament to friendship, music, and the power of a shared vision for healing.