Marlon Hoffman revives 1981 song 'Seahawk' with Davey Johnstone and Stephen Ferrone

Americana singer-songwriter Marlon Hoffman has released “Seahawk,” a song he first wrote in 1981 and recorded in 2026 with longtime Elton John guitarist Davey Johnstone and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers drummer Stephen Ferrone. The single ties Hoffman’s early rock roots to his current Americana sound and is out worldwide now.

Why it matters: - Marlon Hoffman is turning a 45-year-old song into a current release, showing how older material can gain new meaning with new production and players. - The single pairs Hoffman with two high-profile session veterans: Davey Johnstone and Stephen Ferrone. - The release extends the momentum from Hoffman's album Holy Matters and adds to an active period of recording and live performance.

What happened: - Marlon Hoffman released the single “Seahawk” on Aug. 24, 2026. - Hoffman first wrote “Seahawk” in St. Louis in 1981 with his band The Clones. - The 2026 recording was made at Kenrose Studio in Calabasas, California. - The track features Hoffman on lead vocal and rhythm guitar, Davey Johnstone on lead guitar, piano and bass, and Stephen Ferrone on drums. - “Seahawk” is available worldwide through Symphonic Distribution on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music and other major streaming platforms. - Listen to “Seahawk”.

The details: - Davey Johnstone is known as longtime guitarist for Elton John. - Stephen Ferrone is known as drummer for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. - Hoffman says the song stayed with him for more than four decades. - Hoffman said, “Some songs don't leave you. They wait for you. Seahawk waited more than forty years for me to come back to it.” - The release connects Hoffman’s early rock & roll roots with the Americana and roots-rock songwriting that defines his work today. - The new version reworks an old song rather than presenting it as archival nostalgia. - Holy Matters, Hoffman’s previous album, was co-produced with Johnstone.

Between the lines: - Releasing a long-dormant song can signal both artistic continuity and confidence that older material still resonates. - Bringing in Johnstone and Ferrone gives the single a pedigree that may help it reach listeners beyond Hoffman’s core Americana audience. - The collaboration suggests Hoffman is leaning on deep musical relationships as he builds his current phase as a recording artist.

What's next: - Hoffman is in an active period of recording and live performance in Los Angeles. - The release of “Seahawk” points to more material or performances that may continue the blend of roots-rock history and present-day songwriting.

The bottom line: - “Seahawk” is both a reunion with Hoffman’s past and a fresh statement of his current sound.