Kelleigh Bannen’s ‘Oh, Atlanta’ Cover Is a Momentary Reinvention

Kelleigh Bannen proves she's not afraid of jazz strokes and bluegrass strumming with an inspired performance of "Oh, Atlanta," a song best recognized in country circles as an Alison Krauss song.

Rockers Bad Company originally recorded the song for their 1979 Desolation Angels album, with Krauss re-approaching it in 1995. Bannen, a rising singer-songwriter and This Nashville Life podcast host, was clearly moved by the female legend's recording. This new live version of the song stands out on its own, but borrows from what Krauss laid down on the Now That I've Found You: A Collection album.

This new version of "Oh, Atlanta" will be featured during the 2019 ACM Awards Live Tailgate Show on Taste of Country's YouTube channel on Sunday (April 7). Bannen is co-hosting with ToC's Ania Hammar and will dissect red carpet fashion, the nominees and performances.

Now an independent artist, the "Church Clothes" and "Happy Birthday" singer is busy working on a new album that's a smaller step away from the sound she's been building for several years. She's still kind of grungy, but not so tough that she's closed off.

"I think you can be feminine and tough at the same time," Bannen tells ToC. "I never feel comfortable if I'm in a dress and just like real fancy. I feel comfortable when I have something feminine and flirty on but also something tough and a little edgy."

During this performance of "Oh, Atlanta," Bannen holds nothing back. She's a longtime admirer of Krauss, originally falling in love with the Now That I’ve Found You: A Collection album.

"I just think she has one of the most special voices in the world," Bannen says. "I looked up to her because she was a violin player — as was I, and she was such a great storyteller."

Keep an eye on Bannen's official website for upcoming tour dates and look for her at WE Fest in Detroit Lakes, Minn. this August.

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