Alan Jackson Emerges w/ Caylee Hammack to Toast Don Williams

Alan Jackson fans have been hankering for some new music for a while now since it’s been a good five years since he released his last album. Aside from the single “The Older I Get” released to coincide with his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2017, it’s been all quiet on the new music front.

Well he surprised us all this week by releasing a new version of an old song with up-and-coming Capitol Records Nashville signee Caylee Hammack. “Lord, I hope This Day Is Good” was a No. 1 song for Don Williams in the early 80’s, and has been covered by Lee Ann Womack, Keb Mo, and others. Written by Dave Hanner, the inspirational song has been inspiring Caylee Hammack through the quarantine, and she decided to cut it with a country legend.

“This song has held a special place in my heart since childhood,” says Caylee Hammack. “And, during the past few months at home, I have found myself frequently visiting songs I grew up on because of the comfort it has brought me, especially this one. It has always been a golden classic in my heart and I believe in many others; and it’s message felt much needed today.  Alan Jackson was gracious enough to bring his voice and heart to this song and made it feel like chicken noodle soup for the country music soul. I just feel very honored to be able to send our rendition out into the world!”

Ahead of Hammack’s debut record If It Wasn’t For You out August 14th, she’s also collaborated with Reba McEntire on the song “Redhead,” and another song on the album called “Mean Something” features Ashley McBryde and Tenille Townes, meaning this newcomer is getting some pretty big endorsements as she looks to launch her career.

“It’s so nice to be able to finally record one of my favorite Don Williams songs with a great message for today and to be able to sing it with another Georgia native with a sweet voice,” says Alan Jackson about “Lord, I hope This Day Is Good,” which was produced by Dave Cobb.

Hammack is originally from Ellaville, Georgia, and showed up to Nashville on a music scholarship to Belmont University, and started performing on Lower Broadway. One slightly disappointing development is the staunchly traditional Alan Jackson collaboration will not make it onto Hammack’s debut album. It’s just a standalone single. So far the singles from the record have been somewhat of a mixed bag, with the very poppy “Family Tree” leaving some to be desired, but “Small Town Hypocrite” wooing critics with its pointed, Musgraves-like attitude and lyrics.

We’ll just have to wait and see what we get with Caylee Hammack’s debut record, but her rendition of “Lord, I hope This Day Is Good” hits the spot, while she picks of some additional cred for collaborating with a bona fide country legend.

© 2023 Saving Country Music