Shannon Slaughter has released “Child of the Mountain,” the first single from his upcoming album, Miles Between the Memories. “Child of the Mountain” celebrates mountain culture and heritage, drawing on Slaughter’s connection to the Appalachian Mountains and its traditions.
Slaughter developed the song with acclaimed songwriter Tim Stafford, a longtime friend and collaborator. According to Slaughter, the idea stemmed from his belief that mountain communities leave a lasting imprint on those who experience them.
“I have a kinship with the mountains, though I didn’t grow up in Virginia or the Carolinas, and I believe that the mountains get inside your soul and really provide a direction to your life,” Slaughter said. “I brought this idea to Tim Stafford, and he jumped on it, and being one of my favorite writers, he did what he does best.”
The recording features Slaughter on lead vocals and guitar, with Cliff Bailey on bass and harmony vocals, Trevor Watson on banjo and harmony vocals, Ron Inscore on mandolin, Michael Cleveland on fiddle, and Gary Hultman on dobro. Slaughter produced the track, while Wes Easter handled engineering, mixing, and mastering at Eastman Studios.
Slaughter has established a reputation as a songwriter, vocalist, and bandleader within the bluegrass community. He leads the Shannon Slaughter Band alongside Inscore, Bailey, and Watson, with the group known for its vocal harmonies and modern approach to traditional bluegrass.
His songwriting credits include recordings by Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Blue Highway, and Lonesome River Band. In addition, he won the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest in 2012. His gospel song “It’s So Hard to Stumble (When You’re Down on Your Knees)” later received a nomination for a GMA Dove Awards honor.
Author: World Music Central News Room
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