Today, the legendary country singer Connie Smith releases her highly anticipated 55th album Love, Prison, Wisdom and Heartaches on Fat Possum Records. On the new release, Smith takes a different approach from Cry of the Heart, her critically acclaimed 2021 effort. On Love, Prison, Wisdom and Heartaches, Connie has chosen to interpret songs that were originally sung, played or written by fellow country legends; Dottie West, Skeeter Davis, Liz Anderson, The Glaser Brothers, Loretta Lynn, Jim & Jesse, George Jones, Roy Acuff, Merle Haggard and Dallas Frazier. And while the list of songs has been in the established country canon seemingly forever, Smith’s take is more of a tribute than a recreation. When asked if this is a covers record, Smith replied, “No. Hardly. I’m singing on behalf of my friends. Hoping to share them while passing along their songs.” Listen to Love, Prison, Wisdom and Heartaches via DSPs HERE. Pre-order the physical version out May 24th HERE. An album playlist is on Youtube HERE.
Smith’s radiant, textured voice reimagines the very best songwriting and vocalists from the country catalog. Her vibrant style shines bright on “Beneath Still Waters,” made famous by George Jones. It is also the 73rd song Smith has recorded written by Hall of Fame songwriter Dallas Frazier. Smith breathes new life into “One of These Days,” originally recorded by the Glaser Brothers, and deftly redefines Merle Haggard’s #1 hit “The Fugitive.” She pays homage to Dottie West and classic country themes on “Country Girl” before taking Loretta Lynn’s obscure “World of Forgotten People” to new heights with her soaring, ageless singing. Smith’s indelible imprint radiates through the sunny “Seattle” before taking the beloved country hymn “End of the World” into an entirely new stratosphere.
And as far as Smith’s recording process goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. On Love, Prison, Wisdom and Heartaches, Smith reunites with her longtime collaborators Gary Carter on steel guitar, along with Hargus “Pig” Robbins on piano, which was his last effort with Smith before he passed in 2022. Producer (and husband) Marty Stuart again helms the production, and his Fabulous Superlatives back up Connie throughout the enthralling collection. Stuart sums up the album this way: “Love, Prison Wisdom and Heartaches is a monument to the heart, soul, and timeless beauty of traditional country music. I have no doubt that this record will serve as a North Star for those who look for the divine spark in country music.”
An eleven-time Grammy nominee, Smith has been consistently carrying the country music torch since her 1964 hit single, “Once a Day.” In March of 2021, the Library of Congress announced that “Once a Day” was one of the 2020 selections for its National Recording Registry. Connie has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1965 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2012.
Love, Prison, Wisdom and Heartaches Track Listing
1. The Other Side of You
2. Once More
3. One of These Days
4. If You Won’t Tell on Me (I Won’t Tell on You)
5. Drifting And Dreaming of You
6. Country Girl
7. World of Forgotten People
8. Seattle
9. The Fugitive
10. End of the World
11. Beneath Still Waters
12. The Wayward Wind
1. The Other Side of You
2. Once More
3. One of These Days
4. If You Won’t Tell on Me (I Won’t Tell on You)
5. Drifting And Dreaming of You
6. Country Girl
7. World of Forgotten People
8. Seattle
9. The Fugitive
10. End of the World
11. Beneath Still Waters
12. The Wayward Wind