Janie Fricke Revisiting Hits In A New Way

In a partnership with New Music Deals, Janie's album will be available for purchase through Ernest Tubb Record Shops, at shows and on www.janiefricke.com starting in January 2012. Fans can stop by Janie's website now to Pre-Order the album before the January release date.

America became aware of Janie Fricke's voice when she was heard throughout the nation singing jingles for United Airlines, Coca-Cola, McDonalds, and Red Lobster among others. She soon became a background vocalist on albums for musical legends such as Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Eddie Rabbitt, Crystal Gayle, Ronnie Milsap, Barbara Mandrell, Mel Tillis, Johnny Duncan, and Elvis Presley. It wasn't until 1977 that fans and industry alike took notice of Fricke as a solo artist. People were asking who sang the line "Shut out the light and lead me..." in Johnny Duncan's chart topping single "Stranger" and began recognizing her voice in duets with legends Merle Haggard and Moe Bandy among others.

Fricke's career took off in the 1980's when America truly fell in love with her ballads and Pop-Country style of singing. Throughout her career she has released 23 albums which generated 36 singles, 18 of which hitting #1 status. Her awards include two-time Country Music Association "Female Vocalist of the Year," the Academy of Country Music "Top Country Female Vocalist of the Year," The Cash Box Magazine "Top Country Female Vocalist" and several others. Her Grammy nominations include "Best Female Country Performance and "Best Duet Performance."

Never one to rest for long Fricke was approached with the idea of going into the studio and reworking a bluegrass version of several of her well-known hits. "So I came to Nashville, and they put the bluegrass pickers together. It was so much fun for me. It's a real departure from what I'm used to, because I'm used to the basic standard country versions. So it was quite a challenge," said Fricke. "Some of the songs were so far out there that I wasn't sure if I could do it or not, because they were so far from the country version."

Country Side of Bluegrass includes a much more up tempo version of the popular ballad "You Don't Know Love," and "Tell Me a Lie," originally a country heartbreaker. Fans will be excited to hear the new version of her first #1 single "Don't Worry 'Bout Me Baby," and "It Ain't Easy Bein' Easy," the top song of her career in Fricke's eyes. The album also includes classics such as Grand Ole Opry favorite "Please Help Me I'm Falling in Love with You," "Faithless Love" and the Johnny Cash smash-hit "Ring of Fire."

Track List: