Iris Dement, the versatile country, folk, and gospel singer-songwriter from Paragould, Arkansas, turns 53 today. She has the voice of a country angel who brings us home to familiar places and times in this journey we call life.
Writers for a National Public Radio "Soundstage" appearance in March 2013 had this to say about her:
DeMent grew up in rural Arkansas with 14 brothers and sisters, immersed in gospel music and traditional country. Not surprisingly, her voice sounds as if it comes from the previous century, but her songwriting often has as much in common with Randy Newman and Joni Mitchell as Hank Williams.
Merle Haggard once called DeMent "the best singer I ever heard," and her rendition of "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" was featured in the closing credits of the Coen Brothers' remake of True Grit.
Here is a sample of Dement's songwriting and singing magic:
We are listening to someone on a journey over many paths. I trust she will find "the way."
Photo: NPR
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