Economic Woes Subject of New Del McCoury Release

6/25/2008 Katie Ball Country Music’s traditionalists have taken up a cause that is near and dear to many Country Music fans as well as the rest of the United States, money and the injustices faced by millions across the country. Del McCoury has put together Moneyland, an album full of bluegrass and Country artists, who talk about the economic struggles that everyone seems to be going through. Moneyland features artists like Gillian Welch and Merle Haggard. The album is due out July 8. The first and last song on the album is “Breadline Blues,” originally recorded in 1931 by Bernard “Slim” Smith during the Depression and “Breadline Blues 2008” which features McCoury, Mac Wiseman, Tim O’Brien, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. The album includes two songs from the Del McCoury Band and Merle Haggard. Haggard’s song “If We Make It Through December” was #1 on the charts in 1974. Emmylou Harris partnered with Rodney Crowell on “Mama’s Hungry Eyes” and Dan Tyminski’s “Carry Me Across The Mountain” also made the compilation. McCoury’s ambition was to open up the public’s eyes to what is going on with all of the hard-working Americans whose issues are glossed over in the media. He talks about how many people can’t stay in their hometowns and work anymore because there are no jobs left for them to take. In a statement from McCoury Music, he talks about how people need to take action now instead of waiting. “Moneyland has a message that people need to hear and think about,” McCoury said. “And, especially in an election year, take action on. This isn’t about party politics, it’s about doing what’s best for our country and everyone in it, not just a lucky few.” To hear more about the project go to www.mccourymusic.com.