For his latest single with Billy Blue Records, guitarist and songwriter Bob Minner has chosen to cover one of Keith Whitley’s big songs, Kentucky Bluebird. And to sing the lead vocal, Bob has enlisted his boss, country artist Tim McGraw, with whom he has toured for many years.
During his time on the road with McGraw, Bob had many opportunities to play this song, as it was a favorite for Tim to sing during sound check. He says that the two shared a love for bluegrass-turned-country star Keith Whitley.
“This is one of those songs that never lets go of you. One of the things Tim and I had in common from the beginning was our love and appreciation for Keith Whitley. Tim was more familiar with Keith’s country work, and I, being a bluegrass kid, knew Keith’s work with JD Crowe, and his time with Ricky Skaggs when both were playing as teenagers with Ralph Stanley.
When it came time to do my album for Billy Blue Records, Tim offered to record one for it. It made sense to do a Keith song, so we agreed on the classic, Kentucky Bluebird, from the 1991 posthumous Keith Whitley record of the same name. Tim delivers it with such honesty and raw emotion, and having the amazing Lori McKenna sing harmony was the cherry on top.
Our take on this classic is a full-circle moment for me, and a way to pay musical respect to a legend gone way too soon.”
Of course they turn in a fully-acoustic, bluegrass-tinged version, one that Keith would surely have appreciated.
McGraw also shared his appreciation for Whitley’s music.
“Keith Whitley was a big influence on me. I moved to Nashville the day he died.
Bob has played acoustic guitar for me for 33 years, and we’ve played Kentucky Bluebird more times than I can remember before a show. When he asked me to sing it on his record, I was happy to help out.
And having Lori McKenna singing harmony makes it even more special.”
Have a listen to their tribute.
Kentucky Bluebird is available now from popular download and streaming services online, and to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct.
