Grammy-winning artist Alison Krauss joined fellow Grammy winner Dan Tyminski and the rest of Union Station for a memorable performance of “Man of Constant Sorrow” from the soundtrack of the 2000 satirical comedy-drama film O Brother, Where Art Thou.
“Man of Constant Sorrow” was first published in the early 1900s by a blind fiddler named Richard Burnett. Since then, it has been covered by numerous artists, including popular versions by The Stanley Brothers, Bob Dylan, Waylon Jennings, and Dwight Yoakam. But what skyrocketed it to the mainstream was the fictional folk/bluegrass trio The Soggy Bottom Boys from O Brother, Where Art Thou, starring George Clooney.
The trio’s vocals were led by Union Station’s guitar and mandolin player Dan Tyminski, along with Harley Allen and Pat Enright. The song was an on-screen hit, and the same success extended off-screen. Their soundtrack rendition earned a CMA for Best Single, a Grammy for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals, and was named by the International Bluegrass Music Association as Song of the Year in 2001. It also charted, peaking at number 35 on the Hot Country Songs.
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Because of its popularity, Tyminski often performed the song at his shows along with Alison Krauss and the Union Station. And it’s undeniable to everyone who had the chance to hear it live that it was a treat to the ears.
Tyminski took center stage as the lead vocal, and Krauss, who was the band’s designated lead vocal, stepped aside to give way to him. Instead, she accompanied him on the fiddle. They’re also joined by the rest of the band who featured their instrumental talent — Larry Atamanuik on the drums, Ron Block on the guitar and banjo, Barry Bales on bass, and Jerry Douglas on the dobro. It was an impressive showcase of country music that everyone should watch.
Catch Alison Krauss and the Union Station play a chilling performance of “Man of Constant Sorrow” in the video below.
