https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7buuz_DYFCM
Living legend Tanya Tucker and like-minded collaborator Brandi Carlile's rendition of "Delta Dawn" during the June 5 broadcast of the 2019 CMT Music Awards turned into a multi-generational choir of defiant women's voices.
As Tucker's rendition of the song, co-written by rockabilly pioneer Larry Collins and popularized by Bette Midler and Helen Reddy, hit its crescendo, the stage filled with talents from the '90s and today: RaeLynn, Lauren Alaina, Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, Deana Carter and Carly Pearce. Together, this makeshift supergroup welcomed Tucker back into the mainstream fold as she begins the promotional cycle for her first album in 17 years, While I'm Livin'.
Read More: Country Classics Revisited: Tanya Tucker's Breakout Hit, 'Delta Dawn'
Whatever condescending notions persisted in 1972, the year 13-year-old Tucker took a song with mature subject matter to the top 10, hardly apply in 2019. Nowadays, Tucker probably knows more than a few sophisticated Southern belles and former Texas debutantes with bitter memories of past suitors—not that anyone from any decade had to live their songs. Carlile can write a compelling song about folks from seemingly any walk of life, making her Tucker's ideal duet partner.
Carlile co-produced Tucker's new album with Shooter Jennings and wrote most of the songs alongside her twin bandmates Tim and Phil Hanseroth. The covers selection includes a take on Miranda Lambert hit "The House That Built Me" and a new version of "Delta Dawn." The latter only appears on a Target exclusive CD release. The album arrives in all formats on Aug. 23.
The 2019 CMT Music Awards were held in Nashville on Wednesday, June 5. Carrie Underwood, Ashley McBryde and more took home trophies. See a full list of winners here.
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