Jaelee Roberts Delivers a Heart-Wrenching Masterpiece with “Heavy as a Stone in Her Heart”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Following the vibrant 80s-infused bluegrass of “Looking for Yourself” and the deeply traditional gospel strains of “He’s Gone,” Jaelee Roberts, the reigning IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year, unveils a profound shift in tone with her latest single, the somber and emotionally resonant ballad, “Heavy as a Stone in Her Heart.” Produced with keen sensitivity by the esteemed bassist Byron House (renowned for his work with Robert Plant, Nickel Creek, and Sandra McCracken), the track places an unwavering focus on Roberts’ haunting vocal delivery and her deeply felt interpretation. This new offering further underscores the remarkable musical maturity of an artist who, despite being barely out of college, has already established herself as an acclaimed and seasoned performer.
“The first time I heard the demo,” Roberts recalls with palpable emotion, “I was absolutely floored by the lyrics, melody, and raw emotion, and I knew without a doubt that I had to record it. Slow, sad songs that tell a story always speak to me most, and this one absolutely stole my heart and broke it, too. ‘Heavy as a Stone in Her Heart’ is extra special to me because it was written by two of my favorite songwriters and singers, who are also my mentors — Tim Stafford and Steve Gulley. I have looked up to Tim and Steve my entire life, and I feel so grateful that this song made its way to me!”
The track boasts a stellar lineup of musicians, featuring House on bass, the exceptional guitar work of Cody Kilby (of The Travelin’ McCourys) and Ron Block (from Alison Krauss & Union Station), the intricate mandolin stylings of Andy Leftwich, and the subtle yet effective percussion of John Gardner. Roberts describes the recording process as seamless and deeply collaborative. “It came together so beautifully in the studio,” she adds, “with a very stripped-down arrangement and without harmony vocals — all with the intention of focusing on the depth and feeling of the lyrics. I hope that it resonates with all of you the way it does with me.”
“Heavy as a Stone in Her Heart” is built around the delicate interplay of the two guitars, with only the most restrained touches of ornamentation added, creating a powerful and intimate atmosphere. The song stands as a testament to the masterful songwriting of Blue Highway’s Tim Stafford and the late, deeply missed Steve Gulley. Their poignant lyrics paint a vivid portrait of a woman unable to release the grip of a past love:
And he pops up in her head for the hundredth time today
She knows it ain’t right, but it happens anyway
She can’t stop this yearning, even if they’re worlds apart
He just lays there heavy
Heavy as a stone in her heart
Tim Stafford himself expresses his profound satisfaction with Roberts’ rendition. “I’m SO glad that Jaelee Roberts is releasing ‘Heavy as A Stone in Her Heart’!” he exclaims. “Steve Gulley and I wrote this song back in 2007, and I know Steve would be absolutely thrilled at the news and to hear the song done so beautifully. Jaelee is a special talent, and I can’t think of anyone who could have done a better job with this song.”
The weight of Gulley’s absence is deeply felt by Roberts, who adds, “I so wish that Steve was still here with us, but I know he’s listening from Heaven. This song is dedicated to him and his musical legacy.”
About Jaelee Roberts
Despite being only in her early twenties, Music City native Jaelee Roberts, the reigning IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year, possesses a familiarity with the music industry that belies her age. Born into a family deeply entrenched in the world of professional music, she spent her formative years backstage at the legendary Grand Ole Opry, amidst rehearsals, business meetings, and recording sessions, as well as countless festivals and concerts. Roberts’ musical journey began early, singing in church at a very young age. She embarked on her instrumental path at the age of four with fiddle lessons, subsequently adding guitar, mandolin, and piano to her impressive musical arsenal.
Throughout her childhood and early teens, Jaelee participated in and won numerous music and dance competitions. However, as she entered her teenage years, her focus shifted from competition to the pure joy of performance. Her rich vocal tone and exceptional interpretative abilities soon garnered attention. She found herself recording not only with her father, Danny Roberts of The Grascals, but also with the Tom T. and Dixie Hall-backed Daughters of Bluegrass.
By the time she graduated high school, Jaelee had been selected in two consecutive years as a vocal track participant in the prestigious GRAMMY Camp, an industry-leading program for aspiring young musicians. In 2019, she was an official Bluegrass Ramble Showcase artist at IBMA’s World of Bluegrass, and in 2020, she was recognized as an IBMA Songwriter Showcase artist.
A significant turning point in her burgeoning career came in 2021 when Jaelee signed with Mountain Home Music Company. That same year, she was invited to join the multi-award-winning, all-female supergroup Sister Sadie, contributing her talents on guitar and vocals. Her exceptional talent was further recognized with the IBMA Momentum Vocalist of the Year and IBMA Vocal Group of the Year awards.
In 2022, Jaelee released her debut full-length album, Something You Didn’t Count On, which achieved immediate commercial and critical success. The album debuted in the Top Ten on the Billboard Bluegrass Album chart and peaked at an impressive #2 on the Bluegrass Unlimited album chart. The album’s widespread acclaim culminated in winning the 2023 Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America (SPBGMA) Album of the Year award, and Jaelee herself was honored with the SPBGMA Female Vocalist of the Year award. Adding another significant milestone to her already remarkable journey, Jaelee Roberts made her solo debut at the hallowed Grand Ole Opry in September of 2023. With “Heavy as a Stone in Her Heart,” she continues to solidify her position as one of the most compelling and emotionally resonant voices in contemporary bluegrass.