Ricky Skaggs’ ‘Music to My Ears’ Album Details Revealed

As he prepares for one of the biggest nights of his career -- his induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame -- Ricky Skaggs is giving fans reason to rejoice as he announces a new album, Music to My Ears. Releasing Sept. 25 on Ricky's own Skaggs Family Records, the project will feature a collaboration with Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees and a tribute to the late Doc Watson.

"This album is 'Music to My Ears' and I hope to yours, as well," says the iconic musician. "We've flavored it with all of my favorite sounds and I'm excited to have teamed up with some of the best musicians in the business to create this new record."

Ricky co-produced the new 11-song collection with Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Gordon Kennedy, who helmed his acclaimed 2010 album Mosaic. "I fell in love with his songwriting," Ricky has said of his initial attraction to working with Gordon. "He has so many people that respect him for his music."

Music to My Ears is a blend of new tunes and classics. The title track is an original as is "New Jerusalem," an instrumental written by Ricky. "You Can't Hurt Ham," penned by Ricky and Gordon, was inspired by a favored saying of the late Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass. The album also features "Tennessee Stud," performed as a tribute to the late Doc Watson.

Ricky sings with Barry Gibb on "Soldier's Son," a tune written by the legendary member of the Bee Gees to be recorded as a duet on Ricky's album. Barry and Ricky's worlds collided recently when Barry made his debut performance on the Grand Ole Opry.

With 12 No. 1 singles, 14 Grammy Awards, eight CMA Awards (including Entertainer of the Year), eight ACM Awards, eleven International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards, two Dove Awards and nine Inspirational Country Music (ICM) Awards, the legendary singer shows no sign of slowing down to rest on his considerable laurels. "I feel like have a lot of music left to cut in my life," says Ricky, who will receive the Pioneer Award from the Academy of Country Music on September 24. "I don't feel like I've nearly got to the place where I'm ready to even slow down. I love the band that I have right now. These guys can play anything. I just love the fact that we're getting a lot of opportunities to play with different people. I just want to keep playing music and keep recording. I feel like my best days are ahead."

Pre-order Music to My Ears here.