Generations in a Song (Coldwater, 2001)

Time waits for no one. One listen to Hank Locklin's first new album in 10 years, though, and you'll swear that he's exempt. Locklin's 83 years old and still singing in the same keys he did 50 years ago, back when he was first gaining national notice.

Make no mistake, Hank Locklin is a country music treasure.Thankfully, that doesn't entirely go unnoticed, as shown by duets with Vince Gill and Dolly Parton. Parton accompanies the master on a re-recording of his enduring classic, "Send Me The Pillow You Dream On" while Gill pairs perfectly with Locklin for as fine a performance of "Danny Boy" as has ever been recorded.Ably produced by son Hank Adam Locklin and accompanied by such legendary sidemen as Buddy Harmon (drums) and Weldon Myrick (steel), Locklin tackles tunes 19 tunes like "Almost Persuaded" and "Anna" (with Jan Howard) from word one.

Just one note and Locklin's tenor takes hold. Snared like a fat fish, one's ear won't wander as he revives "Ain't You Even Gonna Cry" (with his son and Jeannie Seely) and "Between the Tears." See, Locklin's not merely a legend; he's a classic country crooner who still sings with the best today has to offer.