Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle to sing David Olney's poetic songs on new Tribute Album

New tribute David Olney's album leaves the late songwriter's poetic lyrics in the hands of artists such as Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams and Mary Gauthier. Can't Steal My Fire: The Songs of David Olney will be released on October 18 via New West Records.

Ahead of the album's release, two songs are available now: a rare live recording of Townes Van Zandt, who ranked Olney alongside Mozart, Lightnin' Hopkins and Bob Dylan, singing “Illegal Cargo” and his version of ” If My” by Steeldrivers Eyes Were Blind.”

Born in Rhode Island in 1948, Olney moved to Nashville in the early 70s and, inspired by a Van Zandt concert, pursued a career as a songwriter and composer. Oleny's songs touched folk, country and roots rock and in 1986 he released his first solo album, Eye of the Storm. The LPs Deeper well, Roses, When the deal falls apartand Don't try to fight it All followed, culminating in his latest album in 2018 This side or the other.

Olney died in 2020 of an apparent heart attack following a performance at the 30A Songwriters festival in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. It was 71.

Other artists on the upcoming double album include Janis Ian, Jimmy Dale Gilmore, The McCrary Sisters, Dave Alvin, Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale.

Can't Steal My Fire: The Songs of David Olney track list:
1. “Deeper Well,” Lucinda Williams
2. “Sister Angelina”, Steve Earle
3. “Voices on the Water,” The McCrary Sisters
4. “Jerusalem Tomorrow”, Buddy Miller
5. “If My Eyes Were Blind”, The Steeldrivers
6. “Women Cross the River”, Willis Alan Ramsey
7. “1917”, Mary Gauthier
8. “Away the Stranger”, RB Morris
9. “If It Wasn't for the Wind,” Jimmie Dale Gilmore
10. “Running From Love”, Anana Kaye
11. “This Is My Story,” Greg Brown
12. “Sonnet #40,” David Olney
13. “Titanic”, Afton Wolff
14. “Steal My Thunder,” Dave Alvin with the Rick Holmstrom Trio
15. “Delta Blue”, Jim Lauderdale
16. “She's Alone Tonight,” Janis Ian
17. “Illegal Cargo”, Townes Van Zandt