Though his sister, Hannah, is generating most of the family headlines these days, Dalton Harper has big news of his own this week. A new single from Billy Blue Records features him on lead vocals.
If you’ve been following American Idol this season, you already know that Dalton and Hannah grew up in a musical family, performing with their parents in their bluegrass band, The Harper Family. But there’s no career competition between these two, as they support each other any way they can. In fact Dalton was Hannah’s accompanist when she auditioned for the show, and could just as easily be headed towards winning this year’s singing contest.
While Hannah was occupied raising her young family, Dalton turned heads as guitarist and vocalist with Cedar Hill, and as leader of his own band, sharing the songs he has written and his deep, resonant voice with bluegrass lovers everywhere.
Released today is Hard, Hard Work, an upcoming project based on the songs of Rick Lang, a prolific bluegrass songwriter signed with Billy Blue Records..
Its subject is something Dalton knows a bit about, which he referenced lightheartedly.
“Busted knuckles and calloused hands built this country. Thank you to all you blue collar boys that make the world go round!
White collar boys? Hope you enjoy your air conditioning and mocha lattes. LOL.”
Harper uses all of his low vocal register to growl this one out, something producer Jerry Salley with Billy Blue Records says influenced his choosing Harper for this cut.
“The first time I heard Dalton Harper sing, I was immediately drawn to his rich baritone vocal. And, as the son of a paper mill worker, the first time I heard the song, Hard, Hard Work (co-written by my dear friends Rick Lang and Jack Shannon) I related to the lyric, as America was built on the backs of the hard-working men and women all across our country.
It only seemed natural to combine Dalton’s gritty, identifiable voice with this new blue-collar anthem.
We hope everyone enjoys Dalton’s performance on this ode to the people who do all of the ‘Hard, Hard Work’ for all of us.”
Salley assembled an all-star group in the studio to cut the track. Jason Roller plays guitar and fiddle, with Matt Menefee on banjo, Justin Moses on mandolin and reso-guitar, and Mark Burchfield on bass. Dalton and Jerry added harmony vocals.
It’s a mighty strong release. Have a listen.
Hard, Hard Work is available today from popular download and streaming services online.
And look for Dalton Harper to follow in his sister’s footsteps to wider recognition.
