Honoring a Legacy: The Return of ‘From Where I Stand’

In a monumental collaboration between the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum and Warner Music Nashville, the iconic box set “From Where I Stand: The Black Experience in Country Music” is set to make a triumphant return after over 25 years since its original release.

Rooted in History: The Genesis of “From Where I Stand”

Originally launched in 1998, this visionary project was spearheaded by Black country recording artist Cleve Francis and American Baptist College executive Nelson Wilson. Recognizing a significant gap in music history, they championed the creation of a collection that would honor the profound influence of Black musicians on country music—a heritage too long obscured.

A Fresh Perspective: Expanding the Narrative

Now, with renewed vigor and purpose, the museum and Warner Music Nashville are unveiling an expanded and redesigned version of “From Where I Stand.” This updated edition boasts 82 tracks spanning a century of music, with a special focus on “Reclaiming the Heritage,” a fourth disc showcasing a new wave of Black artists in country and Americana music, extending up to 2020.

Inclusive Design: The Visual Journey

Embracing the spirit of inclusivity and artistic expression, the CD set is adorned with traditional quilt designs from the Gee’s Bend community of Alabama, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the music within. Each era of music is complemented by a quilt from the corresponding time period, adding a visual dimension to the auditory journey.

Exploring Online: The Immersive Experience

Accompanying the release is the launch of “From Where I Stand: The Online Experience” on May 31, offering free access to all the music, insightful essays, archival photographs, and historical track notes featured in the box set. Supplemental resources for educators and additional content will enrich the online platform, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of Black contributions to country music.

From Where I Stand Track List

Disc 1 – The Stringband Era

1. DeFord Bailey – “Pan American Blues”
2. DeFord Bailey – “Muscle Shoals Blues”
3. Taylor’s Kentucky Boys – “Gray Eagle”
4. Georgia Yellow Hammers – “G Rag”
5. Andrew & Jim Baxter – “K. C. Railroad Blues”
6. The Dallas String Band – “Dallas Rag”
7. James Cole String Band – “Bill Cheatem”
8. Peg Leg Howell & Eddie Anthony – “Turkey Buzzard Blues”
9. Charlie McCoy & Bo Chatmon – “Corrine Corrina”
10. Mississippi Sheiks – “Sitting on Top of the World”
11. Mississippi Sheiks – “Yodeling Fiddling Blues”
12. Memphis Sheiks – “He’s in the Jailhouse Now”
13. Mississippi Mud Steppers – “Morning Glory Waltz”
14. Lead Belly – “The Midnight Special”
15. Lead Belly – “Rock Island Line”
16. Nathan Frazier & Frank Patterson – “Eighth of January”
17. Murph Gribble, John Lusk & Albert York – “Apple Blossom”
18. DeFord Bailey – “Fox Chase”

Disc 2 – Soul Country

1. Wynonie Harris – “Bloodshot Eyes”
2. The Orioles – “Crying in the Chapel”
3. Big Al Downing – “Down on the Farm”
4. Ivory Joe Hunter – “City Lights”
5. Ray Charles – “I’m Movin’ On”
6. Ray Charles – “I Can’t Stop Loving You”
7. Bobby Hebb – “Night Train to Memphis”
8. Solomon Burke – “Just Out of Reach”
9. Fats Domino – “You Win Again”
10. Esther Phillips – “Release Me”
11. Joe Hinton – “Funny How Time Slips Away”
12. Arthur Alexander – “Detroit City”
13. The Supremes – “It Makes No Difference Now”
14. Bobby Hebb – “A Satisfied Mind”
15. The Staple Singers – “Will the Circle Be Unbroken”
16. Joe Tex – “Half a Mind”
17. Etta James – “Almost Persuaded”
18. Joe Simon – “The Chokin’ Kind”
19. Ivory Joe Hunter – “He’ll Never Love You”
20. Dorothy Moore – “Misty Blue”

Disc 3 – Forward with Pride

1. Charley Pride – “The Snakes Crawl at Night”
2. Charley Pride – “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone”
3. Charley Pride – “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'”
4. Linda Martell – “Color Him Father”
5. Otis Williams & the Midnight Cowboys – “How I Got to Memphis”
6. La Melle Prince – “The Man That Made a Woman Out of Me”
7. Stoney Edwards – “She’s My Rock”
8. Stoney Edwards – “Hank and Lefty Raised My Country Soul”
9. Stoney Edwards – “Pickin’ Wildflowers”
10. O. B. McClinton – “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You”
11. Jo Ann Sweeney – “I’ll Take It”
12. The Pointer Sisters – “Fairytale”
13. Ruby Falls – “Show Me Where”
14. Lenora Ross – “Lonely Together”
15. Big Al Downing – “Touch Me (I’ll Be Your Fool Once More)”
16. Professor Longhair – “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)”
17. Dobie Gray – “From Where I Stand”
18. Cleve Francis – “Love Light”
19. Aaron Neville – “The Grand Tour”
20. Barrence Whitfield – “Irma Jackson”
21. Ted Hawkins – “There Stands the Glass”
22. Herb Jeffries – “I’m a Happy Cowboy”

Disc 4 – Reclaiming the Heritage

1. Carolina Chocolate Drops – “Ruby, Are You Mad at Your Man?”
2. Rhiannon Giddens – “At the Purchaser’s Option”
3. Darius Rucker – “Wagon Wheel”
4. Darius Rucker – “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It”
5. Valerie June – “Workin’ Woman Blues”
6. Our Native Daughters – “Black Myself”
7. Mavis Staples – “Touch My Heart”
8. Tony Jackson – “I Didn’t Wake Up This Morning”
9. Rissi Palmer – “Country Girl”
10. Miko Marks – “It Feels Good”
11. Kane Brown – “Heaven”
12. Kane Brown – “Worldwide Beautiful”
13. Yola – “Ride Out in the Country”
14. Allison Russell – “Nightflyer”
15. Wendy Moten – “‘Til I Get It Right”
16. Cowboy Troy – “I Play Chicken with the Train”
17. Blanco Brown – “The Git Up”
18. BRELAND – “Cross Country”
19. Brittney Spencer – “Bigger Than the Song”
20. Mickey Guyton – “Black Like Me”
21. Keb’ Mo’ – “Loving Arms”
22. The War And Treaty – “A Lesson in Leavin'”