A dozen years ago, I made an album called, “Days In Avalon.” It was the first album I’d made in three years; it was the first album I ever made on my own, independently, without a label; and most profoundly, it was the first album I ever made that my father didn’t hear.
My dad died in 1997 as the result of an automobile accident. He was 73, but a very young and vibrant 73. He was the most gifted musician I’ve ever known. He was the single greatest father I have ever encountered, and I know quite a few men I consider to be great ones.
And he was my best friend.
The loss of him in my life still plagues me. It’s not the same as it was the first couple of years, although some days, even now and out of nowhere, the hurt is just as bad. I finally came to the realization a few years back that I will never really get over it. But the good news is that I still feel my dad around me…with me…and my memories of him are as beautiful and powerful as was our relationship.
I wrote a song about that not long ago called, “Through My Veins.” But the first song I wrote about my dad after his passing was this one from “Days In Avalon.” For reasons still unrevealed to my own psyche, it’s a country song. I had the great honor of having one of the most exquisitely gorgeous voices on earth, Alison Krauss, sing background vocals on it with me.
I wanted to posted it again today, for my dad, Straight From My Heart.
Happy Father’s Day to all the great dads out there.
