.

Singled Out: Fred Hostetler's A Man In Black


By Keavin Wiggins | Published: Apr 22, 2026 1:00 PM EDT

Singled Out: Fred Hostetler's A Man In Black

Fred Hostetler just released his new single "A Man in Black", which as the name suggests it has something to do with the late great Johnny Cash. To celebrate we asked Fred to tell us about the track and the Cash connection. Here is the story:

It brings me great pleasure to be back on the antiMusic platform with a new single 'A Man in Black'. Here's the thing. I live in the United States, a gun culture that has lost the plot and run off into the weeds. You all know what I'm talking about. My generation spoke out about social injustice issues and that same energy drove me to complete this song.

It is an interpolated song about a song, the writer of that song, and about a mother pleading with her son: "don't take your guns to town". It also refers to Johnny Cash's memorable 1971 album 'Man in Black' and the powerful statement it made. Cash, dressed in black, explaining "it was for those who didn't have a voice: the poor, the imprisoned, the soldiers sent into war, and the marginalized who lived outside the spotlight."

He had the audacity to deliver a powerful message about guns to nation obsessed by them. He came to be identified as a truth teller.

Bearing these things in mind, I as a little known indie artist, am trying with a little help from an American icon and his song to cast a glimmer of light into the dark gloom of the present human condition, hoping every day people can return to their daily lives in peace.

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen and watch for yourself below and learn more here

Related Stories
Singled Out: Fred Hostetler's A Man In Black

Singled Out: Fred Hostetler's Midwinter Blues

Singled Out: Fred Hostetler's Hey Corporate Vandals

Singled Out: Fred Hostetler's Your Mind Is On Vacation

Fred Hostetler Gives 'Your Mind Is On Vacation' A Makeover


News > Fred Hostetler


Share this article: Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Reddit email this article