Jerry Salley, Songwriter for Elton John, Reba & Toby Keith, Releases Bluegrass Gospel Album

Showing his bluegrass roots, and with his five-year-old granddaughter gracing the cover, "Gospel From My Grassroots" is singer and songwriter Jerry Salley's first all bluegrass gospel album. It shines with 13 original, heartfelt tunes that range from the energetic, up-tempo song "How High Is That Mountain," to the brand new finger-snapping acappella song, "Just Drink The Water."

Jerry breathes new life into these self-penned songs, most of which have been previously recorded by bluegrass and gospel greats. Guest vocalist Steven Curtis Chapman sings with Jerry on an acoustic, stripped-down translation of their co-written gospel classic, "His Strength Is Perfect," and IBMA Female Vocalist Of The Year, Dale Ann Bradley, lends her warm angelic voice to "Send The Angels Down," a song that she previously recorded. The project also includes Jerry's original versions of "It's Not What You Know" and "You Don't Have To Go Home," which have been recorded multiple times in the bluegrass and gospel worlds; and "I Want To Thank You," a #1 song for Karen Peck and New River .

Jerry Salley, the "2003 SESAC Country Music Songwriter of the Year" has had over 400 songs recorded in his multi-award winning career. From Sir Elton John's only chart single to appear on the Billboard Country Chart ("Where We Both Say Goodbye" - duet with Australian artist Catherine Britt) to a Gospel song so popular it has been included in Church Hymnals ("His Strength Is Perfect"); from songs recorded by country music legends Loretta Lynn and The Oak Ridge Boys to some of today's biggest country stars like Chris Stapleton, Reba McEntire, Toby Keith and Brad Paisley, Jerry's long list of accomplishment's speaks for itself. 

"Special thanks to all of the guest vocalists for sharing your talent with me - Steven Curtis Chapman, Dale Ann Bradley, Bradley Walker, Val Storey, Maggie Salley (my baby girl), Carl Jackson, and Larry Cordle. Also, thanks to "The Band" - Jason Roller, Troy Engle, Aaron McDarris, Rob Ickes, Kevin "Swine" Grantt, and Mike Bub - some of the best musicians in the business! Finally, I want to thank Kyle Cantrell, with SiriusXM Radio
Nashville, Tennessee, for writing these beautiful liner notes:

"When it comes to bluegrass and country music, it's not any good if it's not real. That's just my opinion, you understand, but listening to this new collection by my friend Jerry Salley reminds me of just what I love about this music--it's real.

But then, that's a natural reaction, I think, because the guy who wrote and sings these songs is the real deal. Honesty, integrity, authenticity, and faith are the attributes that order Jerry's life, and those qualities are reflected in these songs.

As I listen to this album, I'm struck by the fact that I can almost hear Jerry's life--rich with experiences that he willingly shares--play out before my ears. Whether it's the candor of "Every Scar," the testimony of "It's Who You Know," or the sincere praise of "His Strength Is Perfect," you get a good idea of just who Jerry is through these songs.

Country and bluegrass music have a treasure in Jerry Salley. There are certainly many fine songs with his name on them, but I don't think anything represents the quality of his writing and performing better that these gospel songs. What's more, just like the Subject Jerry is writing and singing about, they're real."  

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