Billy:The Early Years- Soundtrack
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Billy The Early Years- Soundtrack
Links Official Movie Site for Billy:The Early Years
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Some of the most respected artists from the genres of gospel, contemporary Christian, bluegrass, and country contribute to Billy: The Early Years, the original motion picture soundtrack to the film of the same name, which opens nationally in theatres on October 10. From a country-tinged opening track to the familiar altar call hymn, “Just as I Am” , the soundtrack is as diverse as the artists.
Country music powerhouses Brooks & Dunn collaborate with Third Day’s Mac Powell on a remake of Johnny Cash’s “Over the Next Hill” to kick off the movie and the album. Powell’s strong vocals blend well with the familiar twang of the pair that has been a 19-time recipient of the Country Music Association’s Duo of the Year award.
Sara Evans’ “Low”, the first single from the collection, released to country radio stations in September. Despite the title, the song is one of inspiration – “Just like Jesus they couldn’t keep him down…you can’t keep me low”. The bluegrass influenced intro leads into a lively acoustic backdrop for Evans’ commendable vocal performance.
The highlight of the album is undoubtedly Alan Jackson’s “Look at Me”, a romantic ballad sung as if from Billy to future wife Ruth during their initial courtship. Jackson’s smooth crooning pulls you into the story – emulating emotions the young Graham surely felt for the woman who would share more than 63 years of his life. Women – prepare to swoon!
Jackson also shares writing credits on the CD for “Ruth’s Prayer”. Originally a poem written by Ruth Bell Graham, Jackson gave it a melody after reading it in Billy Graham’s biography. It’s sung by Patty Griffin.
Josh Turner (Long Black Train) takes on the formidable task of making his film debut playing Gospel Music Hall of Fame member and long-time Graham team partner, George Beverly Shea. Having had the privilege of hearing Mr. Shea sing in person as recently as 2007, at the age of 99, I was a bit skeptical that even Turner’s strong baritone could pull it off. I was pleasantly surprised as I listened to Turner’s rendition of the Shea standard “Almost Persuaded”. His vocal inflections are deep and realistically reminiscent of a young Shea.
The remaining tracks include “Amazing Love”, a duet featuring American idol finalist Melinda Doolittle and Christian music legend Michael W. Smith. The Gospel Music Association’s New Artist of the Year Brandon Heath singing “Heavenly Day”. Roy Orbison’s 1963 classic “In Dreams” is featured, as is an instrumental arrangement of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” by country star Brad Paisley.
Sixteen-year old Sierra Hull, who portrays Graham’s sister Catherine in the movie, leads an all-star choir of John Cowan, Harry Stinson, Ronnie Bowman, Ronnie McCoury, and John Wesley Ryles on the closing track of the album, “Just as I Am”. Fitting, as anyone who has attended a Graham crusade has undoubtedly heard Cliff Barrows close the event by leading the choir in this hymn.Released by Arista Nashville and Essential Records, Billy: The Early Years was helmed by album producer and Nashville Star judge Anastasia Brown. Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash’s son, John Carter Cash, produced four of the tracks.
Full track listing: “Low” – Sara Evans “Look at Me” – Alan Jackson “Shelter Me” – China Edelman featuring Sam Bush on mandolin “Ruth’s Prayer” – Patty Griffin “Heavenly Day” – Brandon Heath “The Great Wild Beyond” – Gregory Page “Amazing Love” – Michael W. Smith with Melinda Doolittle “In Dreams” – Roy Orbison “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” – Brad Paisley (Instrumental) “Almost Persuaded” – Josh Turner “Just as I Am” – Sierra Hull featuring John Cowan, Harry Stinson, Ronnie Bowman, Ronnie McCoury, and John Wesley Ryles
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