IN his autobiography George Jones cited Connie Smith as his favourite female singer.

Elvis had a whole collection of her albums at his Graceland home.

Such was the popularity of the lady with one of the cleanest, purest voices to come out of Nashville that, despite an absence of 15 years, there will be strong interest in her new album, which is only her second since 1978.

Its UK release is August 22 and will be a welcome addition to the collections of her fans.

Containing a mix of songs from lost love, through heartache to happiness, the 12 tracks cover all the aspects of traditional country music.

The album, produced by husband Marty Stuart, was recorded in the world famous RCA Victor Studio B in Nashville where she recorded most of her hits.

In her the early years she had an accident and was given a guitar to play while recuperating. Smith has stood the test of time and is a force to be reckoned with on the modern-day conveyor belt of contemporary country music.

Her voice and choice of music are still as good as ever, and, hopefully, this is the first of many more albums.

An exclusive prerelease play can be heard this Saturday on The American Connection on euvue.co.uk