Various Artists - How Great Thou Art: Gospel Favorites from the Grand Ole Opry

This CD has a great combination of artists and songs. It continues a tradition that has been around since the beginning of the Grand Ole Opry and is a must have for any true fan of country music.

For years, it was a common practice for an artist to include a Gospel cut on every album they released. Today, there are very few artists who continue this tradition. One such artist who does include a Gospel song on every album is Brad Paisley, so his participation in this project was no surprise. I will admit to being a fan of good Southern Gospel. It probably goes back to growing up in a small community where talent shows were a frequent entertainment and there was almost always a Revival happening somewhere. I'm also a big fan of country music and I loved listening to some of my favorite artists singing some of my favorite Gospel songs.

There are some legends like Charlie Daniels, Ronnie Milsap and Loretta Lynn. Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs & The Whites and Patty Loveless are all pretty close to legend status. And even the new kids on the block pack a pretty powerful talent punch. Sara Evans, Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, Dierks Bentley and Carrie Underwood are no slouches in the talent department.

Daniels was actually inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on January 20th, the night that they filmed the GAC special that ties in with this project. I was amazed he was not already a member. He performs "I'll Fly Away" with Mac Powell and no one can make a fiddle sing like Daniels.

And during Milsap's performance of "Precious Lord, Take My Hand," he involves the audience in singing along for this old favorite. Milsap has the ability to connect with his audience and make them feel like they are part of the show instead of just observers.

Jackson contributed "Blessed Assurance" and Loveless added a bluegrass sound to "Precious Memories." Ricky Skaggs, with help from The Whites, sang "Family Bible." Vince Gill lent his high, lonesome sound to "Give Me Jesus." Sara Evans was amazing on "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" and Adkins' deep baritone was perfect for "Wayfaring Stranger." Little Jimmy Dickens introduced his good friend Brad Paisley to the Opry stage to sing "The Old Rugged Cross." Dierks Bentley sang "A House of Gold" and Carrie Underwood brought the album to a fitting close with an incredible rendition of "How Great Thou Art."

From start to finish, this is a project that will bring a sense of peace and well being to the listener.

Release date - February 5, 2008 - Sony/BMG

Song List:

1. I'll Fly Away - The Charlie Daniels Band
2. Blessed Assurance - Alan Jackson
3. Precious Memories - Patty Loveless
4. Precious Lord, Take My Hand - Ronnie Milsap
5. Family Bible - Ricky Skaggs
6. Just A Closer Walk With Thee - Sara Evans
7. The Old Rugged Cross - Brad Paisley
8. Wayfaring Stranger - Trace Adkins
9. Where No One Stands Alone - Loretta Lynn
10. Give Me Jesus - Vince Gill
11. A House of Gold - Dierks Bentley
12. How Great Thou Art - Carrie Underwood

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