Three of the finest female vocalists of their generation have come together for Dale Ann Bradley’s new single, an updated, smoothgrass take on the country and bluegrass hit, Making Plans.
To sing this one with her, Dale Ann has enlisted Laurie Lewis and Kathy Kallick, both doyennes of the west coast bluegrass scene.
Making Plans was written by veteran Nashville scribes Johnny Russell and Voni Morrison, and though it was first recorded by The Wilburn Brothers in 1964, it probably got its widest circulation as sung by Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner. The Osborne Brothers brought it to bluegrass in 1966, leaving an indelible mark with the Sonny, Bobby, and Benny Birchfield trio.
Since that time, recordings of the song have been made by people on either side of the bluegrass/country divide, with memorable cuts by Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris as “The Trio” (1987), and Darin & Brooke Aldridge (2012), plus ones by Conway Twitty, Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius, David Grisman (Here Today), and even football legend Terry Bradshaw!
Dale Ann says that it is a thrill for her to present this new version.
“This song is an epitome of a great recording that has stood the test of time, written by two of the most prolific songwriters to ever write country music. So many bluegrass artists have performed this song as well, and it was one of the very first songs I ever learned to play and sing. The fact that two of the greatest singers and musicians in bluegrass (Kathy Kallick and Laurie Lewis) graced this tune with their gorgeous harmonies is a blessing, and one more bucket list dream that I’m so happy to have fulfilled.”
Bradley, Lewis, and Kallick handle the singing, and Tony Wray plays all the instruments.
It’ a mighty good’n. Have a listen.
Making Plans is available now from Pinecastle Records at popular download and streaming services online, and to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct.
