Album Notes

DAWN ANITA'S vocals on this country/gospel album are sure to delight any listener. Her clear, pure tones ring true and distinct with a genuine warmth that will sooth your soul. DAWN ANITA will captivate you with her country rendition of these old classic gospel songs as though each song had been written especially for her. As you listen, you will realize that through her own individual style she is able to create a mood on each and every song that is sure to please.

The instrumentation on these songs is some of the finest "pickin" I have ever heard and has a strong bluegrass influence with a touch of Appalachian flavor thrown in for good measure. The instruments and vocals blend beautifully as DAWN ANITA takes you down memory lane with songs that you have heard all of your life, but you will be moved by her new and fresh approach to your favorite old time gospel songs. She also includes four original songs that are sure to tug at your heartstrings.

The depth of emotion that DAWN ANITA portrays in her delivery of each of these songs will take your breath away. She adapted Vince Gill's "Go Rest High on that Mountain" as a dedication to her father, the original Joe Diffie, who passed away in 2000, and her son sang this song at his service. I'm certain Vince would be touched and honored by her rendition of this beautiful and touching song. You will be tapping your toes as you listen to the old standard written by Hank Williams' "I Saw the Light", and you will feel warm and comforted with her version of "How Great Thou Art".

There are few artists with the range that DAWN ANITA has, and this will be clear when you hear that last note on the all time favorite "I Believe". As you listen to her portrayal of "Precious Memories", you'll feel you are listening to a "new standard" as her style on this particular song and the arrangement is completely different from anyone else. One of DAWN ANITA'S favorite songs has always been "One Day at a Time", and one her most memorable standing ovations she ever received was when she decided to sing this tune in a nightclub in Ft. Worth, Texas, and no one can sing this song like she does.

DAWN ANITA'S children, Jerry Don and Priscilla, (better known as The Plumlees) join her on their rendition of "Will the Circle Be Unbroken". Her daughter, Priscilla's (also known as "Punkin") lead vocals on the second verse is sweet, tender and precious and gives you insight as to her personality. This was her first attempt at lead vocals, and she certainly brings them home. Her son, Jerry Don, has had the privilege of completing an album with his mom, and he has the ability to portray a song with great character. His strong, resonant baritone voice comes through with clarity on his lead vocals on the third verse. Harmonies have always been a favorite of DAWN ANITA, and she was extremely pleased with the blend that can only be achieved by family members. No one (not even Jerry Don) realized that he could hit a low "C" bass note until he sang bass on this song, and they were clapping with delight when he put his bass part down. Punkin's low melodic voice rang true as she laid down the low harmony on the tracks, and they were all pleased with the sound that came through when DAWN ANITA put down her high harmony.

The four original songs on this cd are sure winners, and you will find yourself listening to them over and over so that you will be able to sing along. "We Just Called Him Pa" is a song that DAWN ANITA and her sister, Priscilla, wrote about their grandfather, and as you listen to the lyrics, you will understand what a truly wonderful, caring, "devoted to man-kind" person he was and why they were inspired to write a song dedicated to his memory.

The last song on the cd "Raisin' Hell in Heaven" is an original tune that DAWN ANITA was inspired to write when a longtime songwriting buddy of hers, Benny Day, gave her the title while they were visiting on the phone one day. She wrote the lyrics and her son, Jerry Don, helped her put the finishing touches on the lyrics and the tempo to make it come "alive". It was not intended to be a "gospel" song per se, but is rather a song that is a dedication to the memory of Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings; however DAWN ANITA wanted to include it on the album because it has overtones that might lend itself to be in the gospel genre in a playful sort of way.

DAWN ANITA has received many awards and special recognition during her career, such as "Female Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year" at the Oklahoma Opry, was selected two years in a row to perform at Fan Fair in Nashville on the IFCO show and has three national chart records to her credit, but one of her greatest accomplishments.... one that she is the proudest of is this country/gospel cd. The response from all has been without a doubt some of the most complimentary and positive feedback she has ever received. Many of her longtime musician friends have told her, "We've always loved your voice, but you have definitely found your niche".

You will spend many pleasurable hours listening to this cd and basking in DAWN ANITA'S beautiful tones as you are wrapped in the emotion that she is able to capture on each song. Perhaps you will find yourself playing this cd when you are feeling a bit "blue" or a little melancholy because the mood set by the music on this cd is sure to "lift your spirit". DAWN ANITA states, "if the music on my country/gospel cd has a positive effect on any of my listeners, then I will feel that my endeavor into the gospel music field has all been worthwhile".