The Chuck Wagon Gang Signs with Sonlite Records, Begins Recording New Album

Since 1936, hope, harmony, faith and family have been at the center of the Chuck Wagon Gang's music. Today in its third generation, the group continues to uphold the historic legacy, with four-part harmony vocals and their signature guitar accompaniment.

Now, the Chuck Wagon Gang is furthering its history by signing with Sonlite Records. The group is working in the studio on their new album, produced by Jeff Collins and David Johnson, which is a tribute to The Carter Family's storied career.

"When we started thinking about this project of honoring The Carter Family's gospel music, we wanted it to be special, and we wanted it to be done right," says Shaye Smith, the group's alto singer and direct descendent of the original Chuck Wagon Gang members. "Crossroads was the first name that came to mind."

Smith says they carefully selected songs from The Carter Family's catalog that would fit with the Chuck Wagon Gang's well-known style. Everyone in the group is excited about the album's potential as they begin to record in the studio and happy to join Sonlite's roster of artists.

"We are really excited because so many of the label mates are our good friends, so there's just a huge unity that stretches throughout all of the groups," says Smith.

Crossroads executive and founder of Sonlite Records, Chris White, adds, "Before I knew much about what music even was, I knew there was a Chuck Wagon Gang. My dad played the Gang all the time when I was a child. So, after all these years, it's an honor to be part of carrying on this legendary tradition of music. We intend to preserve this 80-plus year classic sound, with the reverence it deserves!"

Be on the lookout for new music from the Chuck Wagon Gang during the summer of 2019.

About the Chuck Wagon Gang
Although the Chuck Wagon Gang has been around since 1936 - undergoing many personnel changes over the years - its sound and devotion to old-fashioned gospel has remained much the same. Their greatest significance is that the band provides an important link between country music and traditional sacred songs of the South. This music has moved Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Charlie Daniels, and generations of gospel singers and open-eared listeners. For more than 80 years, the Chuck Wagon Gang has offered hope and harmony, faith and family. Now in its third generation, the Chuck Wagon Gang features alto singer Shaye Smith, tenor singer Stan Hill, soprano singer Melissa Kemper and guitarist and bass singer Karl Smakula.

 

 

Tags : The Chuck Wagon Gang The Chuck Wagon Gang NEW ALBUM Sonlite Records