Connie Smith, a Country Music Hall of Fame legend, takes a different approach from her critically acclaimed 2021 album, Cry Of The Heart. On Love, Prison, Wisdom And Heartaches, she revisits the works of country greats like Dottie West, Skeeter Davis, Liz Anderson, the Glaser Brothers, Loretta Lynn, Jim & Jesse, George Jones, Roy Acuff, Merle Haggard, and Dallas Frazier. However, Smith emphasizes this is not a covers album. "No. Hardly. I’m singing on behalf of my friends. Hoping to share them while passing along their songs," she explains.

Smith’s radiant and textured voice breathes new life into these classics. Her rendition of George Jones' "Beneath Still Waters" showcases her ability to make each song uniquely her own, even though it’s the 73rd Dallas Frazier-penned song she’s recorded. She deftly reinterprets Merle Haggard’s No. 1 hit “The Fugitive,” and brings fresh energy to the Glaser Brothers' “One Of These Days.” On "Country Girl," she pays homage to Dottie West, capturing the essence of classic country themes. Loretta Lynn’s lesser-known gem “World Of Forgotten People” is elevated by Smith's soaring, ageless vocals, while her rendition of the beloved hymn “End Of The World” reaches new emotional heights.

Sticking to a tried-and-true formula, Smith reunites with her longtime collaborators Gary Carter on steel guitar and the late Hargus “Pig” Robbins on piano. Robbins’ contribution to this album, his last before passing in 2022, adds a heartwarming layer to the record. Her husband and musical partner Marty Stuart, who leads the production, also brings his Fabulous Superlatives to back Smith throughout this charming collection. Stuart describes the album as "a monument to the heart, soul, and timeless beauty of traditional country music," asserting its significance in the genre.

Connie Smith, an eleven-time Grammy nominee, has been a touchstone of country music since her 1964 hit single “Once A Day,” which was selected for the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress. A Grand Ole Opry member since 1965 and a Country Music Hall of Fame inductee since 2012, Smith continues to carry the torch for traditional country music with Love, Prison, Wisdom and Heartaches.