Country music legends Vince Gill and steel guitarist Paul Franklin are celebrating a Grammy nomination for their album, “Sweet Memories: The Music of Ray Price & The Cherokee Cowboys.” The nomination is for the song “Kissing Your Picture (Is So Cold),” a 65-year-old classic originally released by Ray Price in 1958. Gill and Franklin collaborated on this album as a tribute to Price and his influential career.
The album, their second collaboration following 2013’s “Bakersfield,” showcases their musical chemistry and shared love for traditional country music. It features 11 tracks, including “Danny Boy,” a song that surprised Gill himself with the emotional depth it brought out in his singing. Gill and Franklin aimed to explore lesser-known gems from Price’s catalog, diving deep into the country icon’s extensive musical history.
The duo enlisted the help of country music expert Eddie Stubbs to discover hidden gems in Price’s repertoire. The selected songs span 20 years of Price’s career, highlighting the traditional sound that both Gill and Franklin hold dear. Gill, known for his sweet tenor, and Franklin, praised for his skillful steel guitar playing, created an album that captures the essence of Price’s music.
Gill and Franklin approached the project with a sense of fun and mutual respect, choosing songs that allowed each other to shine. “Danny Boy” was included to showcase Franklin’s steel guitar talents, reminiscent of Price’s iconic “Night Life.” The result is a more intimate rendition of the century-old song, emphasizing the spiritual connection between the musicians during the recording.
Despite their busy schedules, Gill touring with the Eagles and Franklin contributing to various projects, the duo plans to continue their collaboration. They envision turning their tribute albums into a series, with future editions dedicated to artists like George Jones, Conway Twitty, and Little Jimmy Dickens. Their deep connection and genuine love for honoring country music legends drive their creative endeavors.