By BLUEGRASS JOHNSON
Rural Route Music 

BITTERSWEET, Ky. — Our roots are a hard thing to dismiss, not that we should or want to. Whether it has to do with where you were born and raised, what kind of environment you grew up in or the kind of music you first became acquainted with, your roots are your roots and something many of us return to, in the event we have ever wandered away for a while.

I say that to say this, from a musical standpoint, I have seen many a musician "born" into and exposed to a particular genre only to leave those roots behind to make a name for themselves, or explore other types of music. More often than not, they return later in life only to find their roots had remained with them all along.

Don Henley is a part of arguably the most popular, bestselling band ever – the Eagles. He has also managed to have a very successful solo career. And while most of us would look at Henley as being a rocker of sorts, if you take a look at his music carefully, you will find his country roots shining through.

Many of the Eagles biggest hits had a country vein running through them including their breakout hit Take it Easy, (listen for the banjo) and one of their last hits, How Long, which came out on their 2007 release, Long Road Out of Eden.

Henley’s latest release titled Cass County – that’s in Texas – is not only somewhat of a return home for him, but maybe it marks a return to his roots with this country-flavored meal. I’m not sure he ever left them, though.

This new album reinforces that and is sprinkled with nearly every country superstar you could imagine in one role or another.

That list includes Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride, Alison Krauss and the list goes on.

I think it says a lot about Henley to have so many big stars participate in this release. But then again, who wouldn’t want to sing with one of the Eagles!

I really like this release for two reasons; first and foremost, the music is good but to have so many great musicians join the party, it’s a musical event that happens rarely.

For those who say you can never go home, don’t believe it because you can. And often you will find, a piece of home always stayed with you. Welcome home Mr. Henley and congratulations; you get the big A from my classroom.

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of new country music each week. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.