Country newcomer and Arkansas native Denny Stricklandsalutes icon Kris Kristofferson with his acoustic video of "Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do Again)."
The video, part of "The Cellar Sessions" (Strickland's latest efforts with Producer/Director Brian Harstine), was filmed at The Sutler in Nashville.
Close-ups and low-level lighting set an intimate scene within the speakeasy lounge.
Strickland's signature black hat and smooth vocals make a striking focal point, while rich fabrics and background details serve to hold the viewer's attention.
Kristofferson released "Loving Her Was Easier" on his album "THE SILVER TONGUED DEVIL AND I" in 1971.
Roger Miller, Tompall & The Glaser Brothers, Waylon Jennings and Mark Chesnutt also recorded the song.
Denny met Kristofferson at the Johnny Cash Music Festival in Jonesboro, Arkansas in 2011, and felt an immediate camaraderie.
"My longtime manager Marshall Grant was in the hospital and I was on my own at the festival," Strickland said. "It was a pivotal day in my career. When it came time to choose the songs for 'The Cellar Sessions,' this was an easy choice and a nice way to pay tribute to Kris. He has had a huge influence on my life."
Denny and Harstine shot three classic Country covers for "The Cellar Sessions."
These video performances comprise a sequel to Strickland's popular "Dive Sessions," which generated two hit European radio singles: "I'd Love To Lay You Down" (#1 for four weeks) and the Top 10 "Run."
Harstine (Dolly Parton, Ke$ha) chose The Sutler for a classier edge.
"I wanted to follow the same style and tone while building the new series, but definitely wanted to update the look," Brian said. "From the beginning of filming, the new visuals brought a real vibrancy to the screen. Modern camera work set Denny apart and drew focus to the intensity of the songs and performances."
It's a look Denny's fans are sure to appreciate; luxurious yet simple, a throw-back vibe that resonates and thrums with subdued energy.
Currently Denny is writing songs for his upcoming CD.
Media features on Strickland can be found on: AXS.com, Digital Rodeo, Examiner.com, Country Music Matters and Roughstock.
ABOUT DENNY STRICKLAND
Denny's early career was guided by The Statler Brothers' longtime manager (and Bass player for Johnny Cash), Marshall Grant. Strickland soon found himself sharing the stage with legends Kris Kristofferson, Rosanne Cashand George Jones. With Grant's passing in 2011, he took a brief hiatus; regrouping and refocusing his efforts. He launched his music career with two MusicRow CountryBreakout™ Chart hits: "Swerve On" and "How Far You Wanna Go." He has hosted the internationally-syndicated television show COUNTRY FIX and opened for The Kentucky Headhunters and 3 Doors Down. He is an accomplished guitarist, keyboardist and American Quarter Horse Association horseman.
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