"This project brings together such an incredibly gifted group of artists who generate extraordinary music. It is truly a memorable experience that GAC viewers will cherish," says Sarah Trahern, senior vice president of programming for GAC.
Among the highlights of the program is Krauss' duet with Brad Paisley on Whiskey Lullaby, which won CMA Song of the Year, Musical Event of the Year and Music Video of the Year honors in 2005. Paisley tells GAC cameras that when he first heard the song, he felt convinced that Alison Krauss had to be part of bringing it to life.
"I knew that having her on it was the magic that would make that song timeless," Paisley says. "I felt the song needed that angelic voice. When I get to heaven and I hear the angels sing, if they are anything less than Alison Krauss, well, I'm going to have to come back."
The GAC special also features the duet Lay Down Beside Me, on which Krauss teams up with British rocker John Waite; as well as her 2003 Grammy-winning collaboration with James Taylor on How's the World Treating You, a country music classic first recorded by the Louvin Brothers in 1961.
Taylor, himself a multiple Grammy-winning performer, says he jumped at the opportunity to work with Krauss on the song and on the GAC special.
"I revere the Louvin Brothers, but working with Alison on this project was the main attraction," Taylor says. "That she would put our duet on her album is really a feather in my cap."
The GAC program is set in a recording studio environment to re-create the making of many of the songs featured on Krauss' new solo album, A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection (Rounder). One of the songs featured is Krauss' new single Simple Love, written by Sarah Siskind, who also penned "Goodbye Is All We Have." Guest musicians Gordon Mote (piano) and Abraham Laboriel (bass) were able to be a part of this very special performance.
Krauss who has earned more Grammy awards -- 20 in all -- than any other female artist, talks about her successful musical career, her life's journey and what she's learned along the way.
The GAC program, Alison Krauss: A Hundred Miles or More, is produced by Nashville-based High Five Entertainment, whose co-founder, Martin Fisher, served as executive producer
GAC air times for Alison Krauss: A Hundred Miles or More:
July 14 9 p.m. ET
July 15 1 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET
About Great American Country (GAC)
Great American Country is America's main street for the widest variety of country music, its artists and the lifestyles they influence. In addition to country music videos, GAC features original programming, special musical performances and live concerts, and is the exclusive television home of the Grand Ole Opry. GAC is available in more than 48 million households and online at http://www.GACTV.com
Alison Krauss and Union Station Featured in GAC Music Special