NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Ten-time GRAMMY nominee Jamey Johnson and International Bluegrass Association Hall of Famer Doyle Lawson join Melonie Cannon for a cover of Vern Gosdin's "Way Down Deep." Available today, "Way Down Deep" is the second track to be released from Melonie's upcoming album, A Tribute to Vern Gosdin. The album, which honors "The Voice," will be released on CD, digital and vinyl May 26 via My My My Music, LLC. and BFD/AUDIUM Nashville.
Pre-order A Tribute to Vern Gosdin and instantly receive "Is It Rainin' at Your House" and "Way Down Deep," followed by the full album on May 26, HERE.
A Tribute to Vern Gosdin also includes special collaborations with Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, Cody Jinks and more of Melonie's peers and friends. Additionally, Vern's longtime electric guitar player, Mike Baker, and his harmony singer, Curtis Wright, add a sense of the multi-CMA and ACM award winner's live shows.
Produced by Buddy Cannon, Melonie's father and Vern's writing partner, with co-producer, Butch Carr, the album pays tribute to the man that encouraged Buddy to pay attention to his daughter's voice. Vern took a teenage Melonie under his musical wing, teaching her to sing harmony and encouraging her to take the lead at times.
Vern also had a hand in orchestrating this version of "Way Down Deep" as he introduced Buddy and Doyle several years ago at the Station Inn. The pair have remained friends since that day. Buddy also came up with the idea to have Jamey join the collaboration. Melonie, whose trademark harmonies have been heard by millions both on records and on the road, currently tours with Jamey.
"When we were picking out songs to record, 'Way Down Deep' was at the top of the list. I think I was around 10 years old when I first heard this song. This is one of those songs that epitomize Vern’s sound. Part of his magic was the subtle changes he would make in melodies that change the direction of the harmony parts as a song goes along. The listener may not even realize the movements… but us singers sure do," shared Melonie.
"Way Down Deep," which was released 40 years ago this June and reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles and Tracks chart, follows Melonie's cover of "Is It Rainin' at Your House." Holler exclusively premiered a first listen to the album opener, written by Vern, Hank Cochran and Dean Dillon. "Taking on any Vern Gosdin song was always going to be an act of bravery in itself, but covering ‘Is It Rainin' at Your House’ feels like an especially bold move. Luckily for Melonie Cannon, she has a voice that’s more than up to the challenge, capable of lifting you up and completely tearing you apart in the turn of a phrase," praised Holler's Jof Owen.
The Cannon kitchen table often saw Buddy, Vern and Melonie harmonizing on bluegrass, gospel and contemporary hits, and A Tribute to Vern Gosdin is a reflection of those sessions that they shared in their Kingston Springs neighborhood. Melonie grew up to be an in-demand session singer, adding harmonies on recordings with George Jones, Reba McEntire, Sammy Kershaw, John Michael Montgomery and Craig Morgan, among others. She also sang lead on demo sessions for writers like Dean Dillon and Hank Cochran. Melonie continues to sing on releases and perform live with artists including Willie Nelson. A Tribute to Vern Gosdin follows her two solo albums, 2004’s self-titled CD on Skaggs Family Records and 2008’s And The Wheels Turn on Rural Rhythm Records.
Visit MelonieCannon.com for more information.
A TRIBUTE TO VERN GOSDIN TRACK LISTING
1. Is It Rainin’ at Your House
Vern Gosdin, Hank Cochran, Dean Dillon
2. Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (And Loud, Loud Music) with Jim Lauderdale
Joe Maphis, Rose Lee Maphis
3. Right in the Wrong Direction
Vern Gosdin, Hank Cochran, Mack Vickery
4. If You’re Gonna Do Me Wrong (Do It Right) with Vince Gill
Vern Gosdin, Max D. Barnes
5. Way Down Deep with Doyle Lawson & Jamey Johnson
Max D. Barnes, Max T. Barnes
6. Do You Believe Me Now
Vern Gosdon, Max D. Barnes
7. Dream of Me
Buddy Cannon, Raleigh Squires, Jimmy Darrell
8. Till the End with Willie Nelson
Cathy Gosdin
9. I Know the Way to You By Heart with Alison Krauss & Sidney Cox
Tony Laiolo
10. I’m Still Crazy
Vern Gosdin, Buddy Cannon, Steve Gosdin
11. I Guess I Had Your Leavin’ Comin’
Vern Gosdin, Buddy Cannon, Dean Dillon
12. Set ‘Em Up Joe with Cody Jinks
Vern Gosdin, Buddy Cannon, Dean Dillon, Hank Cochran
13. Is It That Time Again
Vern Gosdin, Buddy Cannon, Dean Dillon
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