Billy Joe Shaver gets spiritual with help of John Carter Cash

"Billy Joe Shaver is the last of his breed," said Cash. "Since I was a young child, I have known him, and now having the chance to work with him in the studio as a producer, I have learned his heart. Billy Joe is the kind of man who will go the extra mile for a friend...Give his coat when asked for his shirt. I love Billy Joe and will always treasure the memories of working with him."

The songs on "Everybody's Brother" deal with love, loss, mortality and the hereafter. "Get Thee Behind Me Satan" opens the album with John Anderson trading off on lead vocals. He also adds his harmonies to the chorus on the bluesy rocker. Anderson recently joined Shaver at a Civil War-era church in Shelbyville, Tenn. to shoot a video for the track.

The album's final track is a late 1970s duet with Johnny Cash on "You Just Can't Beat Jesus Christ." It was produced by Cowboy Jack Clement and features a 15-year-old Eddy Shaver, Billy Joe's son, playing guitar.

Native American singer/songwriter Bill Miller adds pow-wow drums, Native American cedar flute and Native vocals to the title track for a soundscape that pays tribute to America's oldest music. "It was my idea to mix cowboy and Indian music," Shaver said. "I'm Blackfoot on my father's side, and Bill's a full-blood Mohican. He did a wonderful job."

Shaver has written for Cash as well as Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, The Allman Brothers and Bobby Bare. During the past few years, his mother, wife and son Eddy all died within a year's time. Then he suffered a massive heart attack, but he recovered and was soon back on the road, his characteristic optimism intact. "I've always been lucky and I'm lucky to still be here. God gave me this gift (of songwriting), and I'll keep polishing it as long as I can," he said.

Shaver will tour throughout the U.S. to support Everybody's Brother. Some of his upcoming tour appearances include the Austin City Limits Festival, Farm Aid, New York City's Joe's Pub and the Minnesota State Fair.

A special version of the album will be distributed through Universal/EMI Christian in early October.

Songs on the disc are:
Get Thee Behind Me Satan (with John Anderson)
Rolling Stone
When I Get My Wings
If You Don't Love Jesus
Most Precious
Winning Again (with Marty Stuart)
No Earthly Good (with Kris Kristofferson)
To Be Loved By A Woman
The Tough Get Going
The Greatest Man Alive
Played The Game Too Long (with Tanya Tucker)
You'll Always Be My Best Friend
Jesus Is The Only One That Loves Us (with John Anderson)
Everybody's Brother (with Bill Miller)
You Just Can't Beat Jesus Christ (with Johnny Cash)

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