In 2020, Jason Isbell made a promise: If Joe Biden won Georgia in the presidential election, he would record an album of covers dedicated to the Peach State. Despite President Trump’s futile attempt to “find” additional Republican votes, Democrats took
Georgia — and the White House. And Isbell made good on his pledge. He released the excellent Georgia Blue in October of 2021, which included his take on songs by Georgia artists alongside special guests Brittney Spencer, Brandi Carlile, Julien Baker, and Amanda Shires, who also designed the cover art. All proceeds went to Georgia-based charities Black Voters Matter, Stand-Up Georgia, and Fair Fight.
Now Isbell, who hails from Alabama, is pledging another set of covers, one dedicated to his home state and Democratic gubernatorial nominee Doug Jones. “We will most happily record and release an Alabama Blue album, covering our favorite Alabama artists, if Doug Jones wins the governor’s race,” Isbell posted on social media. “Easiest decision of my life.”
It’s not just lip service on Isbell’s part. He has been active on the campaign trail this year, appearing at events such as a September rally in Mobile, and the campaign’s kickoff in Birmingham. “I think he can win this,” Isbell told the crowd in Mobile. “I think he can win this race. And I think maybe more importantly…that we respect the process of doing the right thing in communion. I know a lot of folks, a lot of impressive people, but Doug might be the most impressive folk I know because he works so hard, and so tirelessly. And it’s truly because he cares about the people he wants to represent.”
If Jones wins, he will be the first Democratic governor of Alabama since Don Siegelman, who served from 1999 to 2003. Recent polls are showing a tight race, with Republican Tommy Tuberville maintaining a slight lead.
Perhaps Isbell’s promise can help urge some last minute hold-outs to make their ways to the polls today — just think of all the possibilities that an Alabama Blue LP could hold, from Hank Williams Sr. covers to Emmylou Harris, Percy Sledge, Wilson Pickett, Nat King Cole, Odetta, and endless others. With Jones’ platform, which prioritizes regulations on AI data centers and lowering the cost of living, alongside Isbell’s deep musical roots in Alabama, turning the state blue would be a win for democracy — and our ears.
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