Joey Feek’s Solo Debut, ‘If Not For You,’ To Be Released

Just over a year after the death of Joey Feek, one half of country duo Joey+Rory, Joey’s solo album debut will be released.

If Not For You will be released April 7, 2017 via Gaither Music Group/Farmhouse Recordings. The project will include a special edition featuring a 48-page booklet of photos, memories, and stories penned by Joey, as well as her husband and singing partner Rory and other family members.

Joey died in March 2016 after a battle with cancer.

Recorded in 2005 and originally titled Strong Enough To Cry, the album was previously released independently and made available at the duo’s shows and on their website. The 12-song collection was produced by Rory Feek and Bill McDermott, and includes the original rendition of “That’s Important To Me.” If Not For You also includes cameo appearances from Joey’s parents and daughter Heidi Feek, as well as a tribute to her late brother Justin, titled “See You There.”

“[The album is] filled with songs that spoke to her and, even more, spoke volumes about her. About what’s most important to her. The lyrics of this record made it clear who she was and who she wanted to be,” Rory said in the album’s booklet. “Yes, her voice might have changed a bit in time, but her character was already rock-solid.”

In the past few years, fans have followed the couple’s journey on Rory’s blog, This Life I Live, as they welcomed their daughter Indiana and Joey battled cancer. The duo first garnered attention as finalists on CMT’s Can You Duet in 2008, and went on to release eight albums, earning a Grammy last month for Best Roots Gospel Album for Hymns (Gaither Music Group/Farmhouse Recordings).

If Not For You will be exclusively distributed by Capitol Christian Distribution and Universal Music. It will be available throughout general market stores and the Christian marketplace, and through online retailers including iTunes, Amazon, Target, Walmart.com, and crackerbarrel.com. The recording will also be available at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®.