Songwriter Paul Kennerley Unearths Raw Work Tapes On New ‘Demos 1979-2005’ Double CD

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Songwriter Paul Kennerley has released a new double CD of his original recordings, Paul Kennerley Demos 1979-2005.

The 30-song collection features Kennerley’s homemade versions of demos that went on to be recorded by artists such as Emmylou Harris, to whom he dedicates the project (Kennerley and Harris were married from 1985-1991 and still share a 45-year friendship).

Other artists of note who have recorded Kennerley’s songs include Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, The Judds (who recorded seven of his songs, including four No. 1 singles), Marty Stuart, Glen Campbell, Ray Charles and many more. Several of these became No.1 and top 5 singles on the Billboard Country charts, ultimately garnering over 16 million plays.

Kennerley was BMI’s 1989 Songwriter of the Year and has won 22 BMI awards throughout his career. On the collection fans will discover how Marty Stuart’s “Hillbilly Rock” found its vibe and groove, which is also the case for Patty Loveless’s “The Blue Side of Town” and for the four singles by The Judds, whose music was very acoustic driven. Kennerley’s music is still being celebrated and performed, with Ringo Starr recently performing “Time on My Hands” (co-written by Kennerley, Daniel Tashian and T-Bone Burnett) from Starr’s 2025 country album, Look Up, on the Ryman and Grand Ole Opry stages.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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