“After I Walk The Line, my last country show,” writes Lynnea, “I wanted to go deeper into the origins of American country and folk music. Sacred music, both a capella and instrumentally accompanied, is at the heart of the tradition. In the modern era, gospel and spirituals have a heavier influence on modern popular music than most people realize. It permeates country and R&B with rock music also heavily influenced. Singers ranging from Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Emmylou Harris, Gillian Welch and more often included covers of gospel songs in their repertoire. Much of this music depicts the confidence of seeing a loved one again after they have passed, or the deprivation of life’s struggles. Which for me, I feel is very relatable to anyone regardless of their spiritual beliefs. Music speaks to us all personally and evokes emotions that form connections one would feel when sharing any musical experience. This is what makes music so remarkable and amazing. There is something about Southern roots, and gospel that’s uplifting and hopeful – something we all could use more of these days.