Jody Miller "Wayfaring Stranger--The Final Recordings"

 

Written by Jennifer Anne McMullen

 

 

After the trying events of 2020, Jody relished the opportunity to return to Brady, Texas, that October to record some songs that really meant something to her. This collection, produced by Justin Trevino, was birthed by those sessions.

Jody's love for good storytelling and strong melodies around which she could wrap her richly expressive voice first drew her to folk music in the 1960's, so it is only fitting that she finally recorded "Wayfaring Stranger," a spiritual song she'd been singing since her early folk days.

On "Blessed Are the Believers," written by her good friend Bonnie Shannon, Jody teams up with an artist she'd long admired, the ACM Award winning Tony Booth. Jody was thrilled to find that she and Tony shared a common faith in Christ.

Jody's love for Gospel, Country and Storytelling are melded into her moving version of "Tramp on the Street," which she recalled first hearing as a recording by the Maddox Brothers and Rose. Next up, the song "I Can't Even Walk Without You Holding My Hand" seems a deeply moving metaphor for Jody's life's journey. Her daughter, singer/songwriter Robin Brooks, describes it as "a very touching performance by Mom."

Jody's delivery demonstrates a certain beauty, dignity, and humility that can only be communicated with the wisdom and experience gained by the passing of time. To lighten the mood, a spirited single track "Your Exes," recorded in March 2017 at Heart of Texas, is included, as well as the 55th Anniversary version of Jody's Grammy Award winning hit "Queen of the House" (a special request from Heart of Texas Records President Tracy Pitcox), which was originally released in 1965. Once again, Jody nails it.

Although Jody has since gone to rest in the Lord since she approved the final mixes in September 2022, she was delighted that the project was finally coming to fruition. Jody loved these special recordings, and I believe you will, too.

Jody Miller & her daughter Robin Brooks

Finally, on a personal note, I want to say what a pleasure and honor it has been to call sweet Jody Miller (or dear Myrna Joy Brooks, as friends and family knew her back home in Blanchard, Oklahoma) my dear friend. Our families grew to know and love each other, and she was a precious mentor and confidante to me. Her life and career, both worth exploring, are so full that I do not have the space to cover them here, but I salute Jody, and I shall never forget her...until we meet again in the presence of the Lord.

Jody Miller & Jennifer Anne McMullen

This CD is very special as it presents in a Scrapbook form and it includes Jody's "farewell" letter to her many listeners. I think you already know this, but it is worth repeating. There is a direct link to ordering the CD at jodymillermusic.com, or folks may go look for it via Heart of Texas Records at hillbillyhits.com.