Sunny Sweeney and Jamie Lin Wilson Share Charismatic Cover of Emmylou Harris’ ‘Red Dirt Girl’

Two of Texas’ most celebrated Americana artists, Sunny Sweeney and Jamie Lin Wilson, have released a special rendition of Emmylou Harris’ iconic track, ‘Red Dirt Girl’.

Although only certain parts of the Lonestar state is home to red-tinted clay, it's a song that has touched Sweeney and Lin Wilson's lives since they started their musical journeys.

Speaking ahead of the release, Sunny Sweeney outlined why ‘Red Dirt Girl’ means so much to her, “I see myself in this song. I grew up in east Texas where the dirt is red and I know these characters”.

To add to the emotional gravitas of the track, the duo were able to get Emmylou Harris herself to perform harmonies throughout. ‘Red Dirt Girl’ was first released back in 2000 as part of Harris’ album of the same name.

The project is still widely revered due to Harris’ involvement in the composition of all but one of the songs.

Sweeney emphasised what an honour it was to have Emmylou Harris appear on the new release, “The crowning blow was getting Emmylou to come in and sing harmonies. Buddy Miller was the conduit for that happening and I owe him everything”.

Today's ‘Red Dirt Girl’ cover offers fans the first taste of new music from Sunny Sweeney since her acclaimed 2022 album, Married Alone, which featured high-profile collaborations with Vince Gill and Paul Cauthen.

Shortly after releasing ‘Red Dirt Girl’, Sunny Sweeney is set to perform at Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame on Saturday, March 11, in celebration of its new American Currents exhibit, which features a range of Sunny Sweeney memorabilia, including her bedazzled guitar.

For more on Sunny Sweeney, see below: