With heartfelt admiration for Ray Price, Vince Gill and Paul Franklin set out to create an unforgettable tribute. They wanted to express their deep gratitude to the master who not only defined the genre, but also greatly influenced their own musical journeys. Country legend Bill Anderson, in the foreword, praises their efforts as sincere students honoring a revered teacher, resulting in one of the most exceptional true-country tributes of all time.

The album takes listeners on a journey through Price's extensive catalog, and will surprise even the most devoted fans with unexpected selections. Originally, the plan was to feature a mix of artists like they did on their previous Bakersfield album, which celebrated Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. However, as they dove into Price's songs, the duo found themselves enchanted by so many of his tunes that the decision became clear – they would record them themselves.

Delving into the wealth of Price's material, Gill and Franklin sought to uncover lesser-known gems, even for the most ardent fans. To achieve this, they enlisted the help of music scholar Eddie Stubbs to help seek out unfamiliar songs that would captivate both the duo and their listeners. The result was a collection of around 30 distinct and unusual tracks, many of which were unfamiliar to even Gill and Franklin.

Approaching the recording process with a fresh perspective, Gill emphasizes that Sweet Memories is not intended to replicate the original sound of Price's music. Instead, it offers a unique take on the iconic songs, allowing the duo's personalities and musical sensibilities to shine through. Gill wanted to ensure that the album remained a distinctive piece of work, reimagining the classics in a way that felt authentic to their own musical journey.

Beyond the songs themselves, the project also celebrates the incredible musicians who contributed to Price's original recordings and performances. Gill and Franklin were deeply drawn to the gifted musicians who formed the Cherokee Cowboys band, and they wanted to pay homage to these talents just as much as they wanted to honor Ray Price himself.

That said, the recording Sweet Memories called for an outstanding lineup of musicians, including Tom Bukovac on electric guitar, Dennis Crouch on bass, Stuart Duncan on fiddle, Steve Gibson on electric guitar, John Jarvis on piano, Greg Morrow on drums, Wendy Moten on harmony vocals, the late Michael Rhodes on electric bass, Jerry Roe on drums, Derek Wells on electric guitar, and Andrea Zonn on harmony vocals. Their contributions add depth and soul to the tribute, breathing new life and fresh ideas into Price's timeless music.

With Sweet Memories: The Music Of Ray Price & The Cherokee Cowboys, Vince Gill and Paul Franklin aim to expose a younger generation to Ray Price's incomparable music while honoring the man who shaped their musical journeys. The album stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Ray Price and his lasting impact on the country music genre.