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In session is award winning Nashville songwriter and recording artist Gretchen Peters, who is about to release her ninth studio album 'Hello Cruel World'.

In session tonight is award winning Nashville songwriter and recording artist Gretchen Peters, who is about to release her 9th studio album 'Hello Cruel World'.
A much-covered songwriter Gretchen Peters' songs have been recorded by artists including Trisha Yearwood, George Strait, Bryan Adams and Martina McBride, who covered Gretchen's CMA song of the year 'Independence Day' in 1992 - her powerful anthem about a woman who fights back against an abusive husband. She released her debut album 'Secret of Life' in 1996. She is a frequent visitor to the UK as a solo artist and as part of the 'Wine Women and Song' trio featuring her close friends Suzy Bogguss and Matraca Berg Her best known songs include 'When You Are Old', 'On A Bus To St Cloud' and 'Tomorrow Morning'.
Her new album 'Hello Cruel World' was recorded in 2010 which was a challenging year for Gretchen.
"In 2010 the universe threw its best and its worst at me. Some of it was personal, some global. All of it seemed to demand that I redefine my ideas of permanence and re-evaluate what I believe in, to literally rethink what is real."
Events that influenced her writing included the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, the suicide of a close friend, followed quickly by the worst flood in the history of her adopted hometown of Nashville, her marriage to her longtime pianist and partner Barry Walsh and the revelation by Gretchen's child that he was transgender. "I see his transition as beautiful and triumphant," Peters says. "My son's bravery and honesty inspire me every day. But it's profoundly disorienting to re-order your thoughts about your own child's gender. Ultimately, it re-orders your thoughts about everything."
She talks to Bob about the stories behind the new album and plays live in the studio.

57 minutes

Last on

Thu 26 Jan 2012 19:00

Music Played

  • Faith Hill

    the Secret of Life

    • Love Will Always Win.
    • Warners.
    • 936247-3312.
  • Will Hoge

    Nothing to Lose

    • Number Seven.
    • Rykodisc.
    • RCD 11116.
  • The Jayhawks

    She Walks In So Many Ways

    • Mockingbird Time.
    • Rounder.
    • Pre Release.
  • The Band Perry

    Independence

    • Band Perry.
    • REPUBLIC.
    • 1-1.
  • The Chicks

    Taking the Long Way Around

    • Taking the Long Way.
    • Open Wide.
    • 8287680-7392.
  • Gretchen Peters and Barry Walsh on Bob Harris Country Recorded on 17th January 2012

    • Barry Walsh

      Saint Francis

      Artist: Gretchen Peters

    • Barry Walsh

      The Matador

      Artist: Gretchen Peters

  • Gretchen Peters

    Dark Angel

    • Hello Cruel World.
    • Scarlett Letter.
    • 626570617648.
  • Johnny Cash

    Tears in Holston River

    • Will The Circle Be Unbroken.
    • Capitol.
    • 724354017704.
  • Arrested Development

    Mr Wendal

    • Arrested Development - Greatest Hits.
    • Emi Gold.

Broadcast

  • Thu 26 Jan 2012 19:00