Dee White brings Southern soul to Australia with new single ‘Sugar’

Alabama singer-songwriter Dee White is returning to Australia in January 2027, bringing his distinctive blend of country, soul and Southern storytelling to the Tamworth Country Music Festival and a string of East Coast shows, alongside his new single ‘Sugar’.

There's an unmistakable old-school charm to Dee White's music. Drawing inspiration from the great storytellers of Southern music, the Alabama singer-songwriter has developed a sound that combines heartfelt lyrics, soulful vocals and an easy-going country swagger.

His latest single, ‘Sugar’, brings those qualities together in a tale of love, longing and stubborn optimism, arriving ahead of his Australian tour in January 2027.

Written by Buzz Cason and Anthony Crawford, the song follows a lovesick man waiting at a Tennessee train station, hoping for the return of a woman who left him behind to chase the bright lights of Broadway.

With its swinging rhythm and warm, expressive vocals, ‘Sugar’ transforms a tale of heartbreak into something surprisingly uplifting. 

A longtime favourite in White's live performances, the song has now been recorded with producer Sergio Sanchez and features a guitar contribution from Daniel Donato, adding plenty of character to its infectious arrangement. 

Raised in the small Alabama community of Slapout, White grew up listening to artists including Hank Williams, Gene Watson, John Anderson, Vern Gosdin and Charlie Rich. Their influence helped shape his appreciation for songs that tell a story, while his fascination with history extends well beyond music. An avid collector of antiques and vintage guitars, White finds inspiration in old objects, forgotten stories and the people who carry them.

'I learn more from old stuff. I try to hang on to bits of it, because it's going to be gone, as we all will be', he explains. 'The hope is that maybe some other young person will come along and learn something from me that I learned from an 80-year-old object or person.'

White's musical journey began taking shape when he moved to Nashville as a teenager, encouraged by legendary record executive Harold Shedd.His 2019 debut album, Southern Gentleman, was produced by Dan Auerbach and David Ferguson and featured contributions from Alison Krauss and Ashley McBryde.

The release introduced audiences to White's distinctive voice and songwriting style, leading to touring opportunities alongside Alan Jackson, Alison Krauss and Ashley McBryde.

In 2025, he followed with his second album, Heart Talkin', produced by Grammy-winning producer Tony Brown. Recorded live with Nashville session musicians at Sound Emporium and The Castle, the album moved between lively, guitar-driven numbers and intimate ballads, highlighting White's versatility as both a singer and songwriter.

His growing reputation has since taken him to the Grand Ole Opry, AmericanaFest and Nashville's Bluebird Café, while his regular performances at Dee's Country Cocktail Lounge in Madison, Tennessee, have helped him build a dedicated following.

Now, seven years after his first Australian visit in 2019, White is preparing to reconnect with audiences Down Under. The January tour will take him through New South Wales and Victoria, with several appearances at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, including Americana in the Park on the Toyota Park main stage on 18 January.

White says his previous experience touring Australia left a lasting impression. 'I wish I could adequately express how excited I am to be returning to Australia. Ever since touring down there in 2019 I knew I had a special connection with the Aussie people', he says. 'They truly understand and appreciate my art in a capacity that fulfils me in the most thorough way. I love that country and its folks, and we are going to have an absolute blast. I can't wait to get down under.'

The tour begins at Camelot Lounge in Marrickville on 14 January, followed by Newcastle and a run of Tamworth festival appearances before continuing through Kiama and regional Victoria. With ‘Sugar’ introducing another chapter in his catalogue, White's return offers Australian audiences an opportunity to experience a performer whose warmth, musicianship and storytelling have earned him recognition on both sides of the Atlantic.

And with a song that turns a lonely Tennessee train station into an irresistible country-soul number, he's bringing plenty of Southern charm along for the ride.

Dee White – Australian tour dates 2027

14 January – Camelot Lounge, Marrickville, NSW
15 January – The Stag & Hunter, Newcastle, NSW
16 January, 5pm – Fanzone Stage, Tamworth Country Music Festival, NSW
16 January, 7.30pm – Opry Comes to Tamworth, Capitol Theatre, Tamworth, NSW
17 January, 12 noon – The Press Basement Bar, Tamworth, NSW (solo show)
18 January – Americana in the Park, Toyota Park Main Stage, Tamworth, NSW
19 January – Filmores, Kiama, NSW
21 January – Ararat Town Hall, Ararat, VIC
22 January – Martians Saloon, Deans Marsh, VIC
23 January – Lulie Tavern, Abbotsford, VIC
24 January – George Lane, St Kilda, VIC

All shows outside Tamworth are supported by Vanessa Spokes.

‘Sugar’ is being serviced to Australian radio from 2 November 2026.