BR5-49, Lawrence's hometown hillbilly band, is among the acts included in the soundtrack for the feature film "Happy, Texas." The CD will be released Tuesday; BR5-49 performs "Honky Tonk Song," written Buck Peddy and Mel Tillis.
The movie, starring Jeremy Northam, Steve Zahn, William H. Macy, Ron Perlman, Ally Walker and Illena Douglas, premiered at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival. Arista/Nashville became aware of the film when BR5-49, one of the label's bands, was included in the soundtrack at Sundance and was asked to play at a celebration there for the cast, crew and special guests.
According to a news release, Arista/Nashville President Tim DuBois enjoyed the film so much he made a commitment to move forward with the soundtrack's production.
Members of BR5-49 are Chuck Mead, vocals and electric guitar; Garry Bennett, vocals and acoustic guitar; Don Herron, steel guitar and fiddle; Smilin' Jay McDowell, upright bass; and "Hawk" Shaw Wilson, drums.
Also appearing on the soundtrack are Randy Scruggs, Joan Osborne, Kim Richey, Lee Roy Parnell, Keb Mo, Emmylou Harris, Flaco Jimenez, Pam Tillis, Brad Paisley, Alison Krauss, Robert Earl Keen, Abra Moore, Shannon Brown, Yma Sumac and The Road Kings.
The film is about two escaped prisoners whose only hope to evade the law is to assume the identity of two beauty pageant directors about to set up shop in Happy, a tiny Texas town. The prisoners realize the town's bank is ripe for robbing and two of its most eligible women are ready for some excitement.
If you can't wait for the soundtrack or the movie to come to town, you can see BR5-49 live this weekend, if you're up for a short drive. The band will be playing at 7:30 p.m. today at Ottawa Municipal Auditorium, Third and Hickory.
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