Junior Sisk’s “Sweeter Than Tupelo Honey”: A Heartfelt Homecoming in Bluegrass
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Beloved bluegrass troubadour Junior Sisk has returned with a poignant ode to home and heritage, “Sweeter Than Tupelo Honey,” marking his debut release on Turnberry Records. This soul-stirring single, penned by the talented Bob Minner, paints a vivid picture of the simple joys of rural life, a world cherished by many but often left behind in the pursuit of modern aspirations.
“Sweeter Than Tupelo Honey” is a celebration of the enduring traditions that define a country upbringing. The lyrics evoke a nostalgic tapestry of “Mama’s biscuits in an iron skillet,” “Daddy’s tobacco barn,” the thrill of “running coon dogs through the holler,” and the camaraderie of “late nights picking bluegrass with old friends.” However, the song also acknowledges the bittersweet reality of a fading way of life, expressed in the poignant lines, “It’s a doggone shame today… it’s fadin’ fast away, that country kind of life I dearly love. My rural ways of raisin’ are the memories I’m tastin’…sweeter than Tupelo honey on my tongue.”
Junior Sisk’s heartfelt delivery imbues the song with a profound sense of authenticity. “When I first heard ‘Sweeter Than Tupelo Honey,’ I put a hold on it right away,” Sisk reveals. “The song just struck a chord with me—telling the story of a country boy like me trying to make it in a city somewhere. I adore my life in the country and every memory of my rural way of raising, and I can’t imagine life any other way! I really like this song, and I hope everyone else does, too.”
Sisk’s unmistakable voice, a rich and soulful instrument that echoes the legends of bluegrass, is perfectly complemented by the exceptional musicianship of his band. Heather Berry Mabe on guitar and vocals, Tony Mabe on banjo and vocals, Johnathan Dillon on mandolin, Curt Love on acoustic bass, and Stephen Burwell on fiddle create a dynamic and evocative soundscape that resonates with both country and city listeners alike.
The production, helmed by Junior Sisk and Wes Easter, ensures that the song’s emotional core remains at the forefront. Engineered, mixed, and mastered by Wes Easter at Eastwood Recording Studio in Cana, VA, the track possesses a warm and intimate quality that draws the listener into Sisk’s world.
Junior Sisk’s legacy in bluegrass is built upon a foundation of unwavering authenticity and a deep respect for the genre’s traditional roots. A native of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, he has spent his career championing the hard-driving, soulful sound that has earned him numerous IBMA and SPBGMA awards. Before fronting his own band, Sisk gained national recognition as a gifted songwriter, crafting honest and homespun lyrics that resonate with audiences on a deeply personal level.
“Sweeter Than Tupelo Honey” is more than just a song; it’s a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the enduring appeal of a simpler way of life. With his signature soulful vocals and heartfelt storytelling, Junior Sisk continues to be a cornerstone of the bluegrass community, delivering timeless music that speaks to the heart of the human experience.