Austin wrote this song in honor of the great Joe Sun (1943-2019). The two were good friends and collaborators for many years. On Joe’s autobiography, I Can See The Sunshine Through The Rain, Austin has this to say:
Joe Sun was Honky Tonk royalty. His rhythm guitar was a keeper on every track, as it went down along with his vocal that would chill and captivate. A major poet on the country scene, Joe knew where he was and STAYED there, in the COUNTRY, proud and strong!
The recording, featuring instrumentals by Nilsen’s Southern Harmony, was produced in Oslo, Norway by Bjørn Nilsen at Coastal Sounds Studio, and Ernst Nikolaisen at WH Studio. Bjørn also produced the video, with footage provided by Joe Hamaker, Christine Reilly and Jimmy Jensen.
“My Friend Joe”
words and music by
Austin Church
Churchman Music (BMI)
© 2020 All Rights Reserved
Released November 6, 2020
© 2020 Coastal Sounds
Video © 2021 Coastal Sounds
“My Friend Joe” is the lead track on the album A Tribute to Joe Sun, available at these music services:
Spotify
Apple Music
Deezer
Tidal