Willie Nelson photo by David McClister, courtesy of Lost Highway.
Sept. 25, 2008 — The Imus Ranch Record — a benefit album that collects 13 remakes from the likes of Willie Nelson, Randy Travis and Dwight Yoakam — had a great first week, landing at No. 59 on The Billboard 200 all-genres album chart and finishing at No. 3 on the magazine’s Internet sales list.
Overseen by controversial media figure Don Imus, the project’s proceeds are earmarked for a working ranch that provides life-enriching opportunities to children with cancer and blood-related diseases. Patty Loveless, Raul Malo and Vince Gill are among the artists who covered songs by such wide-ranging acts as soul-pop legend Dinah Washington, rap pioneers the Beastie Boys and country traditionalist Webb Pierce.
"I've been amazed at Imus's diligence to help those in need with this project," Big Kenny, of Big & Rich, says. "It was quite fun to cover such a song as ‘Fight For Your Right To Party,’ and I think [it] also fittingly represents some children's fight with cancer. Together we can beat this disease."
"Don always had a very keen ear for good music, and the collaboration of his choice of songs and artists proves that," Vince suggests.
The complete track list for The Imus Ranch Record (as well as the artists who made the definitive version of each song) follows:
• "Silver Springs," Patty Loveless (best-known version: Fleetwood Mac)
• "Lay Down Sally," Delbert McClinton (Eric Clapton)
• "Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys," Lucinda Williams (Waylon & Willie)
• "You Better Move On," Levon Helm (Arthur Alexander)
• "Life Has Its Little Ups And Downs," Raul Malo (Charlie Rich)
• "I Ain’t Never," Little Richard (Webb Pierce)
• "I Don’t See Me In Your Eyes Anymore," Randy Travis (Charlie Rich)
• "(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party!)," Big & Rich (Beastie Boys)
• "What A Difference A Day Makes," Willie Nelson (Dinah Washington)
• "Give Back The Key To My Heart," Dwight Yoakam (Doug Sahm)
• "What Happened," Bekka Bramlett (Gretchen Wilson)
• "Welfare Music," John Hiatt (Bottle Rockets)
• "A Satisfied Mind," Vince Gill (Porter Wagoner)