Leah Marlene performs “Prairie Fire”

In March of 2023, singer Leah Marlene met five-time Grammy-nominated songwriter/producer Graham Edwards and songwriter John Pennell at The Doghouse Studio in Nashville to record what would become the theme song for Illinois Public Media's reboot of the show "Prairie Fire," which was a fan favorite from the early 90's to the mid-2000s.  Marlene, a native of Normal, IL, was already well-known nationally as a sensation on season 20 of "American Idol." After her third-place finish, Marlene hit the ground running as a songwriter and artist in her own right; blending her unique tone with her love of folk, rock and pop flavors. "Prairie Fire" host Sarah Edwards approached her about recording the theme song in the early stages of the development of the show, and Marlene agreed immediately.

" I had in mind a song that kind of captured the spirit of the people of Illinois and the Midwest," Edwards says.  "They're tough, creative, resilient, loving people, and I think the title 'Prairie Fire' captures that kind of spirit. Graham and John managed to write a song that puts that concept into lyrical poetry. And Leah's ethereal, unforgettable tone captured it all perfectly."

For the debut of season two of "Prairie Fire," Marlene stopped by Illinois Public Media's studio as she wrapped up her 2024 summer tour to sing some of her new music -- and the theme song --- in front of an intimate studio audience of fans, friends and public media supporters.  Look for more songs from this performance in a future episode of "Prairie Fire!"