Honoring one of country music’s all-time greats.
Sam Williams, the son of Hank Williams Jr. and grandson of Hank Williams, released a reimagined version of Tammy Wynette’s classic hit “‘Til I Can Make It On My Own” as a duet with Carter Faith today.
It was one of Tammy’s favorite songs she ever had a hand in writing, and after being released in 1975, it became her 15th #1 hit when it peaked at the top spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart the following year in 1976.
A co-write with pianist George Richey and her producer Billy Sherrill, Tammy and George first came up with the idea for it at a recording session. Billy brought up how a person coming out of a divorce might gradually become more independent, and seeing as Tammy had just ended her marriage to George Jones, deeply resonated with the idea.
You can read more about the incredible story behind it HERE, but it obviously became a fan-favorite and one of her most beloved songs.
Williams says recording this was the “cherry on top” of his new album, adding that it was an honor to “reinvent her beautiful words.” And in terms of their personal connection, Wynette lived in the home of his grandparents, Hank and Audrey, for many years, which is a neat piece of country music history in and of itself:
“This release is simply surreal in several ways. My new album was completed when this idea came about and this record became the cherry on top. Tammy Wynette being the legend she is, it was an honor to reinvent her beautiful words.
It’s also very heartwarming to know she lived in Hank and Audrey, my grandparents’, home for a long time. Tammy purchased their home on Franklin Road after Audrey passed.
History seems to tip its hat at me nowadays and I embrace the nod. I am so excited for everyone to hear what comes this year.”
Having Carter Faith sing with him and turn this song into a duet adds a neat, almost haunting, element to the song, and she sounds incredible.
They also released a cool new music video to accompany the single, which you can check out below:
This always brings the chills…
