Aug. 27, 2008 — Alan Jackson, Sara Evans, Brad Paisley and Brooks & Dunn are among the artists who will populate the soundtrack to Billy: The Early Years, an independent movie set for release in selected cities in October. Also on the movie album is Josh Turner, who makes his acting debut in the picture, portraying iconic gospel singer George Beverly Shea.
"It was an easy decision to make, accepting the part of George Beverly Shea," Josh says. "Billy Graham and everyone that took part in making those crusades happen — going all across the world, the people they’ve influenced — it’s just unbelievable what they have accomplished."
Josh turns in a version of the gospel standard "Almost Persuaded," one of several hymns that appears in the project. Brad covers "What A Friend We Have In Jesus," and Billy Graham’s altar-call theme, "Just As I Am," gets revamped by new bluegrass singer Sierra Hull with a chorus of significant Nashville vocalists: bluegrass musicians Ronnie Bowman and Ronnie McCoury; Harry Stinson, of Marty Stuart’s Fabulous Superlatives; ex-New Grass Revival member John Cowan and session singer John Wesley Ryles, who’s contributed background vocals to hits by Tracy Lawrence, Toby Keith and Clint Black.
Patty Griffin sings "Ruth’s Prayer," comprised of lyrics written by Billy’s late wife, Ruth, with music penned by Alan Jackson. Alan also sings "Look At Me." Sara’s performance of "Low" will be released as a single in late September.
The message of "Low" is "actually the opposite of what the title says," Sara observes in explaining her enthusiasm for the picture. "Billy Graham is an icon. He’s one of my all-time idols, and he’s an amazing man. I’m so proud to be part of this project that celebrates that and tells the story of Billy; his wife, Ruth; their love; and his early years."
The CD’s opening track provides a full-circle musical moment. Ronnie Dunn, of Brooks & Dunn, was a family friend of Billy Graham pal Johnny Cash. Brooks & Dunn cover the Man in Black’s song "Over The Next Hill" in a collaboration with Mac Powell, lead singer of the current Christian act Third Day.
The CD will be released Oct. 7 with the movie debuting in theaters Oct. 10.
The track listing for Billy: The Early Years follows:
• Brooks & Dunn/Mac Powell, "Over the Next Hill"
• Sara Evans, "Low"
• Alan Jackson, "Look at Me"
• China Edelman featuring Sam Bush on mandolin, "Shelter Me"
• Patty Griffin, "Ruth’s Prayer"
• Brandon Heath, "Heavenly Day"
• Gregory Page, "The Great Wild Beyond"
• Michael W. Smith with Melinda Doolittle, "Amazing Love"
• Roy Orbison, "In Dreams"
• Brad Paisley, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus"
• Josh Turner, "Almost Persuaded"
• Sierra Hull with All-Star choir featuring John Cowan, Harry Stinson, Ronnie Bowman, Ronnie McCoury, and John Wesley Ryles, "Just as I Am"
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