God Loves Country Music

Description

God Loves Country Music is a multi-artist compilation released on Maranatha! Music in August 1981. The album was recorded by Joe Bellamy at Peace In The Valley Recording in Arleta, California; with Al Perkins producing. A follow-up album entitled Country Praise: God Loves Country Music No. 2 was released the following year.

God Loves Country Music was included in the Editors’ Choice 1981 list of CCM Magazine, a list featuring 15 albums released during 1981, before the end of November.

The album features musicians like Al Perkins, Bernie Leadon (of The Eagles fame), Richard Souther (a former member of 2nd Chapter of Act‘s touring band – “a band called David”), and David Mansfield (of Alpha Band fame), as well as Elvis Presley’s rhythm section, bassist Jeff Scheff and drummer Ron Tutt of TCB Band. Lead vocals provided by Richie Furay (of Buffalo Springfield and Poco fame), Chris Hillman (of The Byrds and the Desert Rose Band fame), George Highfill, Von Rogers (of Mike & Von Rogers), Cindy Baxter, Bruce Herring (of The Way fame), Tommy Coomes (of Love Song fame), and Terry Taylor (of Daniel Amos fame). Includes two songs written by Bill Sprouse Jr. of The Road Home fame; “God Loves Country Music” and “Psalm 5”.

> iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/gods-country-and-western/id715918020)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. George Highfill – “God Loves Country Music” – 3:59
A2. Bruce Herring and Tommy Coomes – “O Lord I Thank You” – 2:16
A3. Von Rogers – “Servant Of All” – 2:58
A4. Bruce Herring – “If We Walk In The Light (1 John 1:7)” – 1:47
A5. Cindy Baxter – “Draw Me Nearer” – 2:45
A6. George Highfill – “Freely, Freely” – 3:26

Side Two
B1. Richie Furay – “Psalm 5” – 3:22
B2. Cindy Baxter – “From The Rising Of The Sun” – 3:02
B3. George Highfill and Von Rogers – “Come Let Us Worship And Bow Down” – 3:59
B4. Chris Hillman – “Create In Me A Clean Heart (Psalm 51)” – 3:32
B5. Terry Taylor – “The Christian Life” – 2:19

Note: Simultaneously released on 8-track tape, cassette, and 12-inch vinyl LP by Maranatha! Music.

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An advertisement for Maranatha! Music’s multi-artist compilation God Loves Country Music was featured in the December 1981 issue of CCM Magazine.

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CREDITS. Produced by Al Perkins. Engineered by Joe Bellamy. Recorded at Peace In The Valley Recording. Cover Illustration by Hugh Dunnahoe. Executive-Producer: Dave Swaney.

Musicians: Al Perkins (Steel Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Resonator Guitar [Dobro]), Bernie Leadon (Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Banjo), Randy Mitchell (Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar), Don Gerber (Acoustic Guitar, Acoustic Guitar Solo – Track A2), Wayne Eames (Mandolin), David Mansfield (Acoustic Guitar, Resonator Guitar [Dobro], Mandolin, Fiddle), Cindy Baxter (Acoustic Guitar), George Highfill (Harmonica), Richard Souther (Piano), Jerry Scheff (Bass), Ron Tutt (Drums). Lead Vocals: George Highfill, Bruce Herring, Tommy Coomes, Von Rogers, Cindy Baxter, Richie Furay, Chris Hillman, Terry Taylor. Backing Vocals: Al Perkins, Joe Bellamy, Dwayne Clark, George Highfill, Von Rogers, Patty Schauer, Ron Tutt, Marty Goetz, George Highfill, Chris Hillman, Cindy Baxter.