From Nashville to You

Untitled

From Nashville to You is the 9th studio album by American singer La Toya Jackson. The album, also released as My Country Collection and Little Misunderstood, features cover versions of country styled music from various artists (including Nancy Sinatra and Patsy Cline). It also includes a duet with Lee Greenwood.

It was originally released in 1994 by Mar-Gor Records, which was owned by producer Tommy Martin and Jackson's then manager Jack Gordon. The record label eventually shut down, and the licensing of From Nashville to You was sold to Sherman Records. The album with the original cover is still available from Martin's website. [1]

Background/Production

It was reported in various newspapers at the time that Jackson was planning to release a country album. When questioned about wheather or not Jackson planned to release such an album, her ex-husband and manager Jack Gordon said: "Yeah, we're going to turn her into the newest country heart throb."

Recording sessions for the album took place from March 20th to March 27th 1994 at Creative Recording Studios in Nashville. The tracks for the album were recorded with a live band and a team of three backing vocalists

When asked why she chose to do a country album by newsapaper Times Daily, Jackson said:

Why not? Country is something I have always liked. It's something I have always wanted to do. Actually a lot of people don't know this, but the Jacksons started with country music. My mother started singing country music to us when we were very, very young in Indiana. And it's something that kinda sticks with you, well with me it did. I've always wanted to do it, but I;ve never had the chance or the opportunity to do it. And my schedule of course wouldn't allow it, the last three years have been very, very hectic. And we had about two weeks free and this was the perfect time to come in and do this

Producer Tommy Martin recuited his friend Lee Greenwood to duet with Jackson, the result was the song "What You Don't Say." Greenwood stated of Jackson:

She is presented with a great challenge here to be accepted into the country music community. I don't think she is going to have any trouble. First of all, on these songs she is very unique. There is not a voice like hers.

Martin hoped the inclusion of Greenwood on the record would open doors for Jackson within the country music community, according to reports Martin was also hoping to get Kenny Rogers to duet with Jackson to enhance the album's chances further. [[2] ]

Release and Reception

Newspaper Times Daily received and advanced copy of the album in July 1994 and commented:

People will be pleasantly surprised when they get a chance to hear the album. Given the chance the album could be a real big hit for Jackson and Martin. [3]

From Nashville to You was released on August 13th 1994. The album was not a commercial success, failing to chart anywhere. allmusic stated of the album:

This non-riveting, bland assortment of "songs" starts off weak, and doesn't get any better. Jackson does not have the range or the versatility to cover country classics like Patsy Cline's "Crazy," and her clear misunderstanding of the genre only makes the nauseating originals worse. The heavily clichéd "I've Got to Be Bad" and drawn-out "Break a Leg" are prime sufferers of this syndrome.[4]

The album has however become a sort after item and is a favourite among most La Toya Jackson fans.

Track listing

1. "Fanfare - Intro" – 0:45
2. "Burnin' Love" – 3:15
3. "So In Love with You" – 4:18
4. "Georgia Dreamin'" – 3:48
5. "I've Got to Be Bad" – 3:32
6. "Crazy" – 2:54
7. "Trash Like You" – 3:03
8. "Another Heart" – 2:59
9. "Dance Away These Blues Tonight" – 3:10
10. "Boots" – 3:37
11. "What You Don't Say" (Duet with Lee Greenwood) – 3:20
12. "Little Misunderstood" – 2:49
13. "One Strike You're Out" – 3:04
14. "Break a Leg" – 3:49

• Re-released in 1996 as My Country Collection.

Little Misunderstood

Released under Sherman Records. Includes a bonus medley.

1. "Fanfare Intro" / "Burnin' Love" – 4:00
2. "So in Love with You" – 4:18
3. "Georgia Dreamin'" – 3:48
4. "I've Got to Be Bad to Have a Good Time" – 3:32
5. "Crazy" – 2:54
6. "Trash Like You" – 3:03
7. "Another Heart" – 2:59
8. "Dance Away These Blues Tonight" – 3:10
9. "Boots (These Boots Are Made for Walking)" – 3:37
10. "What You Don't Say" (Duet with Lee Greenwood) – 3:20
11. "Little Misunderstood" – 2:49
12. "One Strike You're Out" – 3:04
13. "Break a Leg" – 3:49
14. Medley