David Francis Pickleball Anthem Release: Singer David Francis, along with John England & The Western Swingers, released a new country song called “Anna Leigh” on July 22, 2025. The track is a lively tribute to Anna Leigh Waters, the teenage pickleball sensation who continues to impress fans around the country with her dominant play.
“Anna Leigh” was recorded at The Studio Charlotte in Nashville, Tennessee. It features a blend of humor and classic country sound. The song celebrates the fast-paced energy of pickleball while shining a spotlight on one of the sport’s biggest stars. Francis hopes the song brings smiles and laughter to pickleball fans everywhere.
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Inspired by a Game-Changing Moment
David Francis said the idea for the song came during a match where Anna Leigh Waters beat a top male player. He was struck by a commentator’s comment that called the male player “another sacrificial lamb.”
“An announcer wryly dubbed him ‘another sacrificial lamb,’ and I knew right then this moment deserved a song,” said David Francis.
The song combines playful lyrics with classic country instruments. Francis sings lead vocals, with John England on guitar and background vocals. Walter Hartman plays drums, Bruce Bouton adds pedal steel, Derek Pell plays the fiddle, and Geoff Henderson handles the bass.
The style is similar to fun country hits by artists like Ray Stevens and Homer & Jethro. It’s meant to be catchy, cheerful, and easy to enjoy.
A Musical Celebration of Pickleball
David Francis believes that pickleball, with its fun and friendly vibe, needed a musical tribute. He said the sport’s fans deserved a theme song that matches their spirit.
“I believe the pickleball community, full of energy, heart, and humor, needed an anthem that matched its spirit. It had to be fun, bold, and a little outrageous—just like the game itself,” Francis explained.
He hopes to perform “Anna Leigh” and other pickleball-themed songs live at tournaments across the U.S. Francis plans to bring music and laughter to pickleball events, combining live songs with top-level play.
Bridging Music and Sport
The song “Anna Leigh” marks a growing connection between music and pickleball. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, more artists are starting to write songs about the game and its stars.
With this track, David Francis is not only celebrating Anna Leigh Waters but also offering something new for pickleball fans—a theme song that brings the fun of the court to the radio.
News in Brief: David Francis Pickleball Anthem Release
David Francis released “Anna Leigh,” a humorous country song about pickleball star Anna Leigh Waters, on July 22, 2025. Recorded in Nashville with John England & The Western Swingers, the track blends twangy sounds with playful lyrics. Francis hopes to perform the song at tournaments nationwide to entertain pickleball fans.