Talk about an epic collaboration. Alabama is joined by The Oak Ridge Boys for “Jesus and John Wayne,” out now. The song is part of the forthcoming, star-studded new record, Gaither Tribute: Honoring the Songs of Bill & Gloria Gaither, available on August 26.
Alabama and The Oak Ridge Boys join an impressive list of artists on the project, including Ronnie Dunn, Reba McEntire, Josh Turner, Jamey Johnson, Ronnie Milsap, Lee Ann Womack, The SteelDrivers, Hillary Scott & The Scott Family and CeCe Winans.
“This recording is a special one for all involved,” says Paul Sizelove, President of Gaither Music Group. “Each of these artists selected a song from Bill and Gloria’s renowned catalog and created new renditions of these classics. Tony worked with them to create a collection that truly represents the heart and style of each of these talented artists. We are so proud of the art they have created, and what an honor to the Gaither legacy to have these heartfelt recordings from these highly-respected performers.”
The release of “Jesus and Jesse James” comes only a few weeks after Alabama celebrated the return of June Jam, their all-day musical event, which took place on June 3, marking the first time it occurred since 1997. Alabama, who followed that event by appearing at CMA Fest, where they received the prestigious Pinnacle Award, also had a public memorial service for founding member Jeff Cook. Cook passed away on November 7, after a lengthy bout with Parkinson’s disease.
Photo Credit: Cooper Smith
This year’s June Jam raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, adding to the more than 20 million dollars the iconic group has raised for charity over the years. The money will go towards future grants for disaster relief.
“It was great to see the local community excited about the Jam again,” Alabama’s Teddy Gentry says. “It was a great event to bring back, once again, to help a few charities as well.”
Dunn previously released “Because He Lives” from Gaither Tribute: Honoring the Songs of Bill & Gloria Gaither, which is available to lsiten to here. See a track list for the album below. Find all of the Gaither’s music at Gaither.com.
Gaither Tribute Track Listing:
1. Jesus and John Wayne – Alabama featuring The Oak Ridge Boys
2. He Touched Me / Something Beautiful – Reba & Susie McEntire with Sonya & Becky Isaacs
3. Going Home – Josh Turner
4. It Won’t Rain Always – Jamey Johnson featuring Alison Krauss on strings
5. Because He Lives – Ronnie Dunn
6. I Just Feel Like Something Good Is About to Happen – Ronnie Milsap
7. Gentle Shepherd – Lee Ann Womack
8. I Believe in a Hill Called Mount Calvary – The SteelDrivers
9. There’s Something About That Name – Hillary Scott & The Scott Family
10. The Center of My Joy – CeCe Winans
Photo Credit: Courtesy of CMA/Nick Zimmer
