After decades of shaping hits for some of music’s biggest artists, Pebe Sebert is finally getting her moment in the light. Kesha Records has announced the release of Sebert’s long-awaited self-titled debut album, a project that sat hidden for more than 40 years before being remastered for today’s listeners. The album arrives digitally and on limited 180-gram vinyl on Friday, December 12.
Fans who only know Sebert as the pen behind classics for Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus, and her daughter Kesha are about to hear a whole different side of her artistry. These sessions were originally recorded in the early 1980s with producer Guy Roche, whose credits include Christina Aguilera and Celine Dion. The tapes were recently restored by Daniël Rios Mol and Jeffrey Wahl, giving the songs a crisp new life without losing their original grit.
In other words, the album is part time capsule and part revelation. It features the new single “City’s Burning” along with “Vampire” and “Hard Times Ahead,” which longtime fans have been replaying since their earlier releases. Now, listeners can finally experience them as Sebert intended.
Kesha shared her excitement about the release on Twitter/X, calling the project a window into her mother’s creative world. “I grew up in the studio, watching my mom turn her life into songs. These moments became stories. These stories are her life,” she wrote. She went on to say that the album was finished before she was born but remained unreleased while Sebert focused on raising her children and writing music for others. “I’m so proud to finally release my mom’s debut album on Kesha Records,” she added.
Sebert’s own story is one of persistence, instinct, and undeniable talent. A graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy, she spent her youth singing in bands and performing solo across the US and Europe. Her breakthrough arrived in 1980 when Dolly Parton turned “Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle to You” into a number one hit. From there, she wrote for legends like Johnny Cash, June Carter, Crystal Gayle, and Kathy Mattea, while later helping craft global smashes such as “Your Love Is My Drug” and Pitbull’s chart-dominating “Timber.”
The rediscovery of her forgotten master tapes in 2021 added a new chapter to her career. Tucked away in a dusty box in her basement, the recordings were both haunting and deeply personal. Once restored, songs like “Vampire” earned praise from publications including Rolling Stone, PAPER, and NYLON. What makes this moment special is that listeners now get to hear the full body of work that sparked that early praise.
Beyond her musical legacy, Sebert has spent years advocating for animal welfare through her nonprofit, The Magic Mission. Her creative and humanitarian work has earned her everything from a BMI Pop Award to Platinum certifications worldwide.
Now, with the long-overdue release of her debut album, Pebe Sebert finally steps into her own spotlight. The voice behind so many iconic songs is ready for the recognition she has always deserved.
