On the Cover – Sara Evans

October/November 2007 – October/November 2007—Publisher Issue

Label: Sony BMG Nashville (RCA)
Booking: William Morris Agency
Management: Modern Management
Producers: John Shanks
Current Single: “As If”
Current Album: Sara Evans—Greatest Hits
Current Video: “As If”

Interests: Special TV/Film Appearances: Dancing with the Stars
Interesting Facts: One of seven children, Evans began singing with her family’s band when she was five years old.
Awards: 2006 ACM Top Female Vocalist, 2001 CMA Video of the Year for “Born to Fly,” 2006 Female Vocalist of the Year R&R Reader’s Poll
Hits: “You’ll Always Be My Baby,” “A Real Fine Place to Start,” “Cheatin’”
RIAA Certifications: Double Platinum—Born to Fly; Platinum—Real Fine Place, Restless; Gold—No Place That Far

Compiling a greatest hits package is often an occasion of introspection and reflection for an artist. Sara Evans compares the experience with looking back through a photo album, with each song being a snapshot which brings a flood of memories. “My first No. 1 record came when I was pregnant with Avery,” she recalls of her 1998 breakout hit “No Place That Far.” “I remember that time because it was the most amazing time in my life. I thought things could absolutely not get any better.”

Releasing a greatest hits project can also mark the close of one chapter in a career and the beginning of a new one. For this project, Evans tried a new route and teamed with acclaimed producer John Shanks (Bon Jovi, Kelly Clarkson, Keith Urban, The Wreckers) for the first time. Evans, thrilled by his unique approach, says, “He’s just amazing to work with and he was exactly what I needed for this project. He doesn’t do anything like everybody normally does. He has no formula.” Their collaboration produced four new tunes including the lead single, “As If,” a buoyant exploration of budding romance.

Sara Evans—Greatest Hits contains 10 signature songs such as “No Place That Far,” “Born to Fly,” “Suds in the Bucket,” “A Real Fine Place to Start,” and “I Could Not Ask for More.” Among the new tracks are “Love You with All My Heart” and “Pray for You,” both co-written by Evans, Shanks and Aimee Mayo; and “Some Things Never Change,” penned by Evans, Shanks, Hillary Lindsey, and Evans’ brother Matt.

Upon the release of the Greatest Hits, Evans has also reflected on the factors that contributed to her success, humbly crediting “luck, the kindness of country radio, and a good record label.” But Evans shouldn’t sell herself short. She has an innate ability to connect with the audience. Her songs resonate with listeners who relate to her as a woman and as a mother of three. As she explains, her songs come from a very honest place, “I’m just really grateful for what I have. I want my life to mean something and I want to make music that matters.”