From Dodgers Prayers to Country-Rock Gold: Cimarron 615's "Praying to Saint Rita" Story

The best songs often come from unexpected moments, and Cimarron 615’s new single“Praying to Saint Rita”is living proof. Released today, the track tells the story of songwriter Ronnie Guilbeau watching the Los Angeles Dodgers postseason while his wife prayed to Saint Rita, the patron saint of hopeless causes, for the team to turn things around. When the Dodgers actually did just that, Guilbeau knew he’d stumbled onto something special. Written by Guilbeau and Jon McElroy, the song blends driving country-rock rhythms with clever storytelling and those rich harmonies that only come from decades of musical collaboration.

Cimarron 615 is no ordinary band. The Nashville-based Americana collective features Rick Lonow (drums, percussion, vocals), Jack Sundrud (bass, vocals), Michael Webb (keyboards, accordion, vocals), and Ronnie Guilbeau (guitar, vocals)—all musicians with serious pedigree. They’ve played alongside Johnny Cash, Chris Stapleton, John Prine, Vince Gill, and Dickey Betts. The band formed three years ago following the passing of longtime Poco bandmate Rusty Young. Named after Poco’s 1976 classic“Rose of Cimarron”and Nashville’s 615 area code, the group has grown from a tribute effort into a distinctive band with its own voice.“Praying to Saint Rita”demonstrates their continued evolution, showcasing that classic California country-rock tradition while maintaining deep roots in contemporary Americana.

The single arrives ahead of Cimarron 615’s third album, Same Sky, which drops August 7th on Blue Elan Records. According to keyboardist Michael Webb, the track“has a real Neil Young attitude to it.”If this new single is any indication, Same Sky is going to be something special. These veterans aren’t just looking back at their legacy; they’re actively creating meaningful new music that honors where they came from while charting their own path forward. What superstition or personal moment in your life do you think would make a great song?