Willie Nelson, Chris Stapleton and More Country Artists Set to Honor Elton John on Tribute Album

Country superstars such as Miranda Lambert, Emmylou Harris, Maren Morris and many others are set to join the star-studded, cross-genre collection of artists assembled for a new set of two tribute albums dedicated to re-imagining Elton John's greatest hits. The two album are slotted for release on April 6, and will be titled Revamp and Restoration.

Revamp focuses on pop and rock superstars and will feature covers such as Lady Gaga's rendition of "Your Song" and Ed Sheeran's take on "Candle in the Wind." Country artists, meanwhile, will shine on Restoration, with "thoughtful" performances from Dierks Bentley, Rosanne Cash and Harris, Miley Cyrus, Vince Gill and Don Henley, Lambert, Willie Nelson, Little Big Town, Morris, Kacey Musgraves, Brothers Osborne, Lee Ann Womack, Rhonda Vincent and Dolly Parton, according to a press release.

Both albums center around a modern interpretation of the music of John, as well as a look back at the prolific writing partnership between John and Bernie Taupin. Taupin and John, who celebrated their 50-year anniversary as writing partners in 2017, may be the longest-lasting songwriting team in history, according to a statement from Taupin in a 2015 interview with Rolling Stone. 

"Because of our love of all kinds of music, we're not stuck in one genre," Taupin says in a press release ahead of the release of Revamp and Restoration. "From day one we borrowed everything that's good about American music -- whether it's blues, country, gospel, pop or pure rock -- everything got thrown in the mix. I think that's why our music over the years has been so varied."

That diversity -- along with a strong stake in country music -- is reflected in the artists contributing to the pair of albums. Restoration features tracks such as Little Big Town's cover of "Rocket Man," Stapleton's rendition of "I Want Love" and "Please," performed by Vincent and Parton.

"It's always a huge compliment when an artist loves your song enough to take the time and effort to re-work it," John comments in the press release. "As songwriters, Bernie and myself are thrilled when singers we admire and respect as much as those on Revamp and Restoration choose to add their own unique twist in the process. It means that our music is still relevant and ultimately that our songs continue to reach new audiences.

"We're humbled and thank them for their generosity," he goes on to say.

John will kick off his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour -- a final tour to cap off half a century of performances -- in September. In addition, CBS will air a special tribute to John's rich musical career called Elton John: I'm Still Standing -- a Grammy Salute on April 10 at 9PM ET. The special will feature a multi-genre showcase of today's biggest names in music, including country artists such as Lambert, Morris and Little Big Town.