CD Review- Julianne Hough Holiday Collection 2008

In conjunction with NBC and Universal Music, Julianne Hough has released a CD of Christmas songs called Sounds of the Season - The Julianne Hough Holiday Collection. It is available only at Target stores. And at the attractive price of only $6.99, this is a great little holiday stocking stuffer music collection addition.

The CD (actually an EP, running a shade over 21 minutes) shares much with her debut album released earlier this year. Producer David Malloy oversees many of the same veteran studio musicians, including the rock-solid rhythm section of Lonnie Wilson (drums) and Spady Brannan (bass), as well as Jerry McPherson (guitar), and Jimmy Nichols (keyboards). Mickey Jack Cones handled the re-mixing (as well as background vocals). And, front and center, is a very fresh, new-to-the-business Julianne Hough, brimming with optimism and bubbly personality.

"Sound of Christmas" is the first track. It is a short instrumental; it sounds like an introduction to a piece that never materializes. Very curious -- but it is a pleasant melody. And it's notable for being co-written by one "J. Hough" making it Julianne’s first songwriting credit.

The second track, "Jingle Bell Rock" is the most up-tempo song on the album, with a driving, powerful beat and heavy bass line unlike anything Julianne has released yet. Her voice is rich and supple, relaxed and playful. The music is lean, almost spare, with no wasted notes -- the vocals keep it from sounding impersonal.

"It Wasn't His Child / Mary Did You Know?" is the centerpiece of the album, and the only track that focuses on the "reason for the season.” It is a duet with Phil Vassar; a medley of two Christmas songs which had some country radio airplay in the 1990's ("It Wasn't His Child" by Trisha Yearwood; "Mary Did You Know" by Wynonna and Kenny Rogers). Julianne starts off with "It Wasn't His Child"- sounding sincere and breathy. When Phil Vassar begins to sing "Mary Did You Know?", his booming baritone and her fluttery voice make it through with soaring harmonies, and by the end of the song, prove to be a dramatic and potent duo.

"Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" is another variation on a popular theme; a nice party song, not particularly memorable but not meant to be, either. They can't all be showstoppers, tearjerkers or tours de force! Plus, it's obviously one of Julianne's favorites!

"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" showcases Julianne's sweet, pure voice in fine style. She never seems to strain, or even break a sweat. And she doesn't try to shake the rafters. She just sings, and sings very well.

The CD is short, sweet and inexpensive- think of it as a candy cane treat for the ears. It’s not, nor is it intended to be a rich dessert, just a quick sampling of more to come from the beautiful blonde down the road.

CD Review- Mary Chapin Carpenter- Come Darkness, Come Light

Finally, a Christmas album worth listening to all year long. When Mary Chapin Carpenter set out to create Come Darkness, Come Light, she took a far different approach to recording a holiday album than most artists do. As she has been known to do, she has followed a road less traveled. Rather than simply lending her voice to time-worn and ear-worn Christmas standards, Mary Chapin wrote her own set of heartfelt songs and recorded some not-so-covered covers. Each song explore the many meanings and emotions that Christmas evokes in each of us.

Truly, this is an album that works as well in December as it does in June. These are not merely holiday songs, they are simply great Mary Chapin Carpenter songs, both warm and intimate. And while they artfully capture the spirit of the season, this is a rare Christmas album that doesn't feel like it needs to be kept on the shelf between New Year's and Thanksgiving.

Come Darkness, Come Light: Twelve Songs Of Christmas may well be the best Christmas album of the holiday season.

Mary Chapin Carpenter became a country sensation in the 1990s with her multi-million selling album, Come On, Come On. The album placed seven different tracks on the country charts. “Down At The Twist and Shout”, “I Feel Lucky,” and “Passionate Kisses” would all fly to the top end of the charts. She received the Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance four years in a row (1992-1995).

During the last decade her songs have become more socially oriented- her style much more reserved and leaning more towards a contemporary folk style. The style extends over this Christmas release, the songs are mostly just acoustic guitar and piano. It gives the album a gentle, beautiful, simple and intimate feel to it. The songs go from modern day hymns like the title track to more upbeat tunes like “Hot Buttered Rum.” What Carpenter does best, a feat remarkably accomplished on every single track of the album, is creating personal and resonating lyrics that draw in the listener. They’re so meaningful and touching, that you can’t help but stop what you’re doing and listen carefully, worried that you might miss something important. (Something that recreating “Have A Holly Jolly Christmas” would have never done in a million years.) The lyrics driver this musical journey of Christmas.

If you’re going to buy a single holiday CD this year, make it this one- Mary Chapin Carpenter’s Come Darkness Come Light is essential listening this holiday season.

Free Luke Bryan Single With Miller Lite Beer

Thanks to the Nashville Gab for pointing out our all important beer/music news of the week...

Luke Bryan has signed a sponsorship deal with Miller Lite that includes on-pack product placement, touring, contesting and downloads to cross promote him and the beer brand in Wal-Mart stores nationwide. The initial on-pack promotion will include a physical copy of his hit single, "All My Friends Say." 12 beers and a cool party song- life doesn’t get much cooler than that…

Free Melissa Etheridge & Billy Bob Thorton Holiday Songs On i-Tunes

i-Tunes is highlighting some of their current artists lists and giving away a handful of free Christmas songs.

The first is Christmas In America by Melissa Etheridge. Taken from her new album, A New Thought For Christmas, there's No ringing sleigh bells on this one, this is pure feeling in that earthy, Nashvillian & rocking style that Melissa Etheridge does best. Click HERE to download the new song for free through i-Tunes.

The second album is a special one featuring a Hollywood star. Alongside members J.D. Andrew and Michael Wayne Butler, Oscar-winning actor Billy Bob Thornton makes up the trio known as The Boxmasters. With a touch of honky-tonk, a touch Brit-loving southern rock, and a fair amount of holiday spirit, the Boxmasters bring us an original holiday tune Click HERE to download their new tune, Slower Than Christmas.

Michael Peterson Receives Prestigious 'Spirit of Hope' Award

Award-winning country artist Michael Peterson was announced as the recipient of the Bob Hope 'Spirit of Hope' Award for his dedication and continued contributions to the troops of the United States Armed Forces.

Originally commissioned by the USO in 1997, the award is given to individuals that have "demonstrated tireless dedication to our country and to U.S. troops, both in times of peace and war." The award was recently given to Peterson at a ceremony held at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Past winners of the award include U.S. Senators Strom Thurmond and Daniel K. Inouye, CBS news anchor Walter Cronkite, the Country Music Association and former astronaut John Glenn.

"The men and women in uniform who serve our nation selflessly with honor and integrity are inspiring to be around," says Peterson. "For decades, Bob Hope saluted them with entertainment and encouragement from home. Because of Mr. Hope's sacrifice and service, today's entertainers have the same opportunity. I am grateful for this recognition and the privilege of being associated with his legacy."

Peterson completed the U.S. Army sponsored 'My Real Life - Strong For America Tour' earlier this year. In addition to performing, the singer introduced various programs and services at each stop of the tour that empowered students to make great choices and provided civic leaders and businesses with new strategies for contributing to their local communities. A live concert headlined by Peterson concluded each week's events.

The former collegiate football star continues his support of the troops with a series of overseas dates during the holidays. He will also perform for U.S. Army Chief Of Staff General George W. Casey Jr. in Pennsylvania Dec. 5 at the Union League of Philadelphia, prior to the annual Army-Navy football game.

Peterson first arrived on the country music scene with the success of his hits, "Drink, Swear, Steal & Lie" and "From Here To Eternity." His self-titled debut went Gold, producing five hit singles and a Billboard Top New Artist Award. His career has produced multiple #1 hits in both gospel and country music.

The Million Dollar Quartet- 52 Years Ago Today

The Million Dollar Quartet is the name given to recordings made on Tuesday December 4, 1956 in the Sun Record Studios in Memphis, Tennessee. The recordings were of an impromptu jam session between Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. The jam session seems to have happened by pure chance. Perkins, who by this time had already met success with "Blue Suede Shoes," had come into the studios that day, accompanied by his brothers Clayton and Jay and by drummer W.S. Holland, their aim being to cut some new material, including a revamped version of an old blues song, "Matchbox." Sam Phillips, the owner of Sun Records, who wished to try to fatten this sparse rockabilly instrumentation, had brought in his latest acquisition, singer and piano man extraordinaire, Jerry Lee Lewis, still unknown outside Memphis, to play the piano on the Perkins session.

Sometime in the early afternoon, Elvis Presley, a former Sun artist himself, but now at RCA, dropped in to pay a casual visit accompanied by a girlfriend, Marilyn Evans.[2] He was, at the time, the biggest name in show business, having hit the top of the singles charts five times, and topping the album charts twice in the preceding 12 month period. Less than four months earlier, he had appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, pulling an unheard-of 83% of the television audience, which was estimated at 55 million, the largest in history, up to that time. After chatting with Philips in the control room, Presley listened to the playback of the Perkins’ session, which he pronounced to be good. Then he went into the studio and some time later the jam session began. Phillips left the tapes running in order to "capture the moment" as a souvenir and for posterity. At some point during the session, Sun artist Johnny Cash, who had also enjoyed a few hits on the country charts, popped in (Cash noted in his autobiography Cash that it was he who was the first to arrive at Sun Studio that day). As Jerry Lee pounded away on the piano, Elvis and his girlfriend at some point slipped out. Cash claims in Cash that "no one wanted to follow Jerry Lee, not even Elvis"

The following day, an article, written by Memphis newspaperman Bob Johnson about the session, was published in the Memphis Press-Scimitar under the title, "Million Dollar Quartet." The article contained the now well known photograph of Elvis Presley seated at the piano surrounded by Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash.

Grammy Award Nominations Came Out Tonight

Nominations for the 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards were announced tonight by The Recording Academy and reflected one of the most diverse years ever. The 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on "GRAMMY Sunday," Feb. 8, 2009, at Staples Center in Los Angeles and once again will be broadcast live in high-definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on CBS from 8–11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

Here's the Country Categories & Nominees:

Best Female Country Vocal Performance
For These Times-Martina McBride-Track from: Waking Up Laughing-[RCA Nashville]
What I Cannot Change-LeAnn Rimes-Track from: Family-[Curb Records]
Last Name-Carrie Underwood-Track from: Carnival Ride-[19/Arista/Arista Nashville]
Last Call-Lee Ann Womack-[MCA Nashville]
This Is Me You're Talking To-Trisha Yearwood-Track from: Heaven, Heartache And The Power Of Love-[Big Machine]

Best Male Country Vocal Performance
You're Gonna Miss This-Trace Adkins-Track from: American Man, Greatest Hits Volume II-[Capitol Records Nashville]
In Color-Jamey Johnson-[MCA Nashville]
Just Got Started Lovin' You-James Otto-Track from: Sunset Man-[Raybaw]
Letter To Me-Brad Paisley-Track from: 5th Gear-[Arista Nashville]
Troubadour-George Strait-Track from: Troubadour-[MCA Nashville]

Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals
God Must Be Busy-Brooks & Dunn-Track from: Cowboy Town-[Arista Nashville]
Love Don't Live Here-Lady Antebellum-Track from: Lady Antebellum-[Capitol Records Nashville]
Every Day-Rascal Flatts-Track from: Still Feels Good-[Lyric Street Records]
Blue Side Of The Mountain-The SteelDrivers-Track from: The SteelDrivers-[Rounder]
Stay-Sugarland-Track from: Enjoy The Ride-[Mercury Records]

Best Country Collaboration With Vocals
Shiftwork-Kenny Chesney & George Strait-Track from: Just Who I Am: Poets And Pirates-[BNA Records]
Killing The Blues-Robert Plant & Alison Krauss-Track from: Raising Sand-[Rounder]
House Of Cash-George Strait & Patty Loveless-Track from: Troubadour-[MCA Nashville]
Life In A Northern Town-Sugarland, Jake Owen & Little Big Town-Track from: Love On The Inside- [Deluxe Fan Edition][Mercury Records]
Let The Wind Chase You-Trisha Yearwood & Keith Urban-Track from: Heaven, Heartache And The Power Of Love-[Big Machine]

Best Country Instrumental Performance
Sumatra-Cherryholmes-Track from: Cherryholmes III: Don't Believe-[Skaggs Family Records]
Two Small Cars In Rome-Jerry Douglas & Lloyd- GreenTrack from: Glide-[Koch]
Sleigh RideBéla- Fleck & The Flecktones-Track from: Jingle All The Way-[Rounder]
Is This America? (Katrina 2005)-Charlie Haden, Pat Metheny, Jerry Douglas & Bruce Hornsby-Track from: Family & Friends — Rambling Boy-[Decca Records]
Cluster Pluck-Brad Paisley, James Burton, Vince Gill, John Jorgenson, Albert Lee, Brent Mason, Redd Volkaert & Steve Wariner-[Arista Nashville]

Best Country Song (A Songwriter(s) Award.
Dig Two Graves-Ashley Gorley & Bob Regan, songwriters (Randy Travis)-Track from: Around The Bend[Warner Bros.; Publishers: Songs of Combustion Music, Music of Windswept/Famous Music, Mt. Tallac Music]
I Saw God Today-Rodney Clawson, Monty Criswell & Wade Kirby, songwriters (George Strait)-Track from: Troubadour[MCA Nashville; Publishers: Big Red Toe/Extremely Loud Music, Steel Wheels Music, Steel Wheels Music/Blind Mule Music]
In Color-Jamey Johnson, Lee Thomas Miller & James Otto, songwriters (Jamey Johnson)-Track from: That Lonesome Song[Mercury Records; Publishers: EMI Blackwood Music/Big Gassed Hitties, EMI Blackwood Music/New Songs of Sea Gayle/Noah's Little Boat Music, Eldorotto Music Publishing/Lucky Thumb Music]
Stay-Jennifer Nettles, songwriter (Sugarland)-Track from: Enjoy The Ride-[Mercury Records; Publisher: Jennifer Nettles Publishing]
You're Gonna Miss This-Ashley Gorley & Lee Thomas Miller, songwriters (Trace Adkins)-Track from: American Man, Greatest Hits Volume II-[Capitol Records Nashville; Publishers: EMI Blackwood/New Songs of Sea Gayle/Noah's Little Boat Music/Songs of Combustion Music]

Best Country Album (Vocal or Instrumental.)
That Lonesome Song-Jamey Johnson-[Mercury Records]
Sleepless Nights-Patty Loveless-[Saguaro Road]
Troubadour-George Strait-[MCA Nashville]
Around The Bend-Randy Travis-[Warner Bros.]
Heaven, Heartache And The Power Of Love-Trisha Yearwood-[Big Machine]

Best Bluegrass Album (Vocal or Instrumental.)
Cherryholmes III: Don't Believe-Cherryholmes-[Skaggs Family Records]
Del McCoury Band — Live At The 2008 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival-Del McCoury Band-[MunckMix]
The Ultimate Collection / Live At The Ryman-Earl Scruggs With Family & Friends-[Rounder Records]
Honoring The Fathers Of Bluegrass: Tribute To 1946 And 1947-Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder-[Skaggs Family Records]
Wheels-Dan Tyminski-[Rounder]

Listen To New Jamie O'Neal Song That Hit Radio Yesterday

Jamie O’Neal today released a song yesterday to radio and to iTunes through her new label home, 1720 Entertainment. “Like A Woman” is her first single for the Atlanta based company. You can listen to the brand new song HERE.

O'Neal exploded onto the music scene in 2000 with the release of her first album, Shiver on Mercury Records. The first single, "There Is No Arizona" went to #1 on the charts and set a high standard for herself as both singer and songwriter. Her second release, the self-penned "When I Think About Angels" also went to #1 securing her spot as one of the industry's most sought after performers. Both titles earned her Grammy nominations as a songwriter for Country Song of the Year. In addition, "Arizona" brought a third Grammy nod for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. The Academy of Country Music named her the Top New Female Vocalist; Radio & Records awarded her with the #1 Most Valuable Female Country Artist and #1 Most Valuable New Country Artist. She has also taken honors for Billboard's Top New Country Artist and Gavin's Top Country Artist.

Stream Dan Tyminski and Roseanne Cash Live On Your Computer

National Public Radio hosts live sets from some of America's biggest stars and two of country's most respected artists stepped onto The NPR Mountain Stage. You can stream both concerts live from your computer and listen to them at your leisure.

Listen to Dan Tyminski

Listen to Roseanne Cash

Dan Tyminski visits Mountain Stage for the first time with his own band to perform songs from his second solo release, Wheels. Since 1994, Tyminski has been a guitarist and vocalist with the highly praised bluegrass crossover band Alison Krauss and Union Station. With that group on hiatus this year, Tyminski re-formed his own project, featuring longtime Union Station collaborator Barry Bales on bass, award-winning mandolin player Adam Steffey (who wrote the blazing instrumental "Knock Knock!" included here), Ron Stewart on banjo and fiddle/dobro player Justin Moses. The set concludes with "Man of Constant Sorrow," the bluegrass standard that helped spark the resurgence of roots music in 2000, when Tyminski's voice was lip-synced by actor George Clooney in the Coen Brothers' film O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Recorded at New York City's historic Town Hall, and just down the road from her home, singer and songwriter Rosanne Cash performs an acoustic set for her third appearance on Mountain Stage. She begins the set with two songs from her critically acclaimed Black Cadillac, accompanied by her husband John Leventhal on guitar and Jeff Allen on bass. She also enlisted a special guest for one song, asking her ex-husband and fellow songwriter Rodney Crowell (also a guest this week on Mountain Stage) to join her on Crowell's song "No Memories Hanging Around." The song was originally included on her 1979 debut CD, Right or Wrong, as a duet with Bobby Bare. Cash is currently working on a record that will feature a selection chosen from a list of 100 essential songs her father, Johnny Cash, gave to her some time ago. Included here, from that list, is Hal David and Paul Hampton's "Sea of Heartbreak," followed by a song Cash says might be added, Townes Van Zandt's "Two Girls."

Some Fun Dolly Parton Christmas Videos

A Smoky Mountain Christmas came out way back out in 1986, but it has some great tunes by the legendary Dolly Parton. Check them out below or click here:

A Great Charity Gift Idea For The Holidays- Reba's Ranch House

The holidays aren't just about gifts from Santa. They're also about the little reminders that this is the time to be thankful for all the blessings in our lives and give back- pay it forward. It was with this mantra in mind that I present a thought for you about raising some money this Christmas for a great cause started by one of Reba McEntire's most passionate fans.

Secret of Giving was started by founder, Ms. Rhonda Goss, who works very closely with Reba's Ranch House- started by country superstar Reba McEntire. They have raised $1,918.44 from everyday fans by simply word of mouth.

Reba's Ranch House is a home-away-from-home for families of critically ill patients hospitalized at Texoma Medical Center. The Ranch House was built in 1992 with proceeds from five years of Memorial Day concerts by superstar Reba McEntire. Over 23,000 guests representing 8,400 families have found the comforts of home at the Ranch House during their time of need. Guests may stay at the Ranch House for a minimal cost of $15 per night, or free, depending on their ability to pay. Community organizations and churches often donate meals for Ranch House guests.In 1992, Reba cut the ribbon to open Reba's Ranch House, a home-away-from-home for families and loved ones of critically ill patients at Texoma Medical Center. The place that has provided comfort to over 23,000 people.

This is directly from their website:

First, let me explain why I started this challenge. Reba has always gone the EXTRA mile to entertain her fans by sharing her family, music, and acting talent. In addition, she is wonderful role model for both old and new fans. Some fans would say she is" our safe place". Recently on CMT "Crossroads", Reba said, "Watch what you say and do because little eyes are watching you." That comment made me think about my own two young children. My two young children love Reba as much as I do, and at their age, it is easier to get them to understand giving to a charity project if the project has a face they know. What better face than " REBA". So I have created a challenge for all her fans to make a donation, no matter how large or small, to Reba's Ranch House in Denison, TX. All you Reba fans, it's time for us to go beyond buying her music and movies and go the extra mile for her. By being a part of this challenge, we can show Reba how much we care on a more personal note.

No good deed goes un-noticed whether it's from the good Lord above or just the satisfaction of helping people in need. Everyone knows Reba and all that she does for others. By being a part of this challenge, it shows Reba we care and support a charity which she started. It is a rewarding challenge all the way around because Reba will know it comes from her fans. So all you REBA FANS out there, join this challenge and show Reba how much she truly means to us.

For all donations please send and make checks payable to the address below:

Reba's Ranch House Endowment
C/O Secret of Giving

305 West Woodard Suite 220

Denison, TX 75020

Free Holiday Jessica Simpson Perfume Offer

Country music and tabloid fodder star Jessica Simpson has a brand new perfume and thanks to the magazine Elle (& Nashville Narc for pointing it out to us), you can order a free sample for yourself (or that special lady in your life.)

Jessica released her first country album Do You Know back in September and the album debuted #1 on the Billboard Top Country Hits chart in both the US and Canada giving Simpson her first #1 album of her career.

Click HERE to go register for your free sample of Jessica's Fancy...

Up and Coming New Nashville- Stephanie Willis (With Exclusive Interview)

Almost every week, That Nashville Sound highlights a yet starbound singer/songwriter that we have high hopes for. This week is no exception with the introduction of the lovely Stephanie Willis.

Stephanie Willis moved to Nashville from a tiny little hole in the woods outside of Asheville, NC in 2003. She's both a singer and a songwriter. The stage is her comfort zone. She is currently in a brand new vocal group called The Delilah's. Alongside Anna Owens, Sheri Miller and Ricki Trudeau, they just signed a development deal with Sony Records and have producer Marcus Hummon on board (writer of Bless The Broken Road, Born To Fly, Cowboy Take Me Away.)

Stephanie was also recently asked to join a tour called "Women On Fire". It's a group of women who have stories to tell and songs to sing that we hope will encourage women around the country! The stories will make you laugh, cry, but most importantly, inspire you! Leah Shafer and Deanna Johnston put this together after a stint together in Canada this summer (6 Chix).

Her mySpace page has a beautiful song on it called Roses In December and a brand new one added called Sleep Tonight that are definitely worth listening to. She'll be tackling the nation's stages soon. We had a chance to sit down with her and ask her a few questions recently and this is what she had to say:

TNS- What brought you to Nashville?

SW- This is one is pretty predictable - music! Wishing and dreaming was not enough for me anymore, so in 2003 I left my Western NC home and moved to Nashville. Luckily, I had already met a well known artist manager prior to moving here that wanted to work with me. That always helps!

TNS- Looking over your career thus far, what do you rank as a couple of the highlights?

SW- I was part of a show last summer in Canada called 6 Chix. Reba McEntire (my hero) was at the same venue playing 2 shows while we were rehearsing for ours. I had the opportunity to meet her. She is my inspiration and the very reason I decided at a young age that I wanted to be a performer. Another big highlight is certainly signing a development deal with Sony which happened only a month ago. I'm part of an all girl harmony group much like Crosby, Stills, and Nash, but country!

TNS- What might people be suprised to find out about you?

SW- I take over a hundred vitamins a day!

TNS- What kind of music are you listening to? What's in your iPod?

SW- Reba always! I'm also listening to Rascal Flatts, Jordin Sparks, and Britney Spears. Wide variety huh?

TNS- If you had a crystal ball and looked forward ten years, what do you see for yourself?

SW- Happiness! That's all!

CD Review- Don Williams- The Journey

In a career spanning more than fifty years, Don Williams has had 52 top-40 country hits (including 17 that went to #1), has released 28 original albums, a variety of greatest hits compilations and three video collections. He continues to release music, his last studio album called My Heart To You off of the Intersound Records label.

November 18th marked the release of a compilation album called The Journey- released on Aspirion Records.

This album brought back many memories as I sat and listened to it all the way through for the first time. Here are songs I have listened to from the time I was a child, and now I'm still listening to them as I raise my own children. I sat and listened to many of these songs while sitting in the back of an old Lincoln as my mother drove "Mom Taxi."

The Journey is all of the great hits that Don Williams penned himself, and as a result it misses some of the big hits like “Tulsa Time” and “I Believe In You” that are on other compilation Greatest Hits. It does, however, reveal that great songwriter that is within this country legend. With a deep rich voice and a simple approach with meaningful lyrics, Williams brings a memorable performance to nearly every track on the album.

The highlight of the album is the last song penned, the 1998 “I Sing For Joy.” It’s a richly orchestrated song about how “this good ole boy sings for joy for the smiles that it brings.” It so seems prophetic over a career that has brought so many listeners pleasure for so long.
This album is a must have for Don Williams fans but I think would be loved by any fan of classic country music. It has all the stuff many of us have grown up listening to. Even people that may not have listened to country music history will recognize some and like many these songs. The "Gentle Giant" has given us a great compilation of music on one album to enjoy.