Gordon Lightfoot Book, Music and More!

The lead singer from Grammy winners Carolina Chocolate Drops makes a stunning solo debut, giving new life to songs as old as blueswoman Geeshie Wiley’s “Last Kind Words” and gospel legend Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s “Up Above My Head.” Rhiannon also lends her soulful voice to country classics, covering Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton.

It’s been quite a ride for Osmond, from making his TV debut at age five to his current Las Vegas residency with sister Marie. To celebrate 50 years in show business, Osmond has recorded a series of personally meaningful songs. It opens with Stevie Wonder’s “My Cherie Amour,” the first record he ever bought, on which Stevie plays harmonica. He then performs a tender rendition of Elton John’s “Your Song,” which he heard Elton perform when he realized he was going marry his wife. The album closes with the Beatles’ “The Long and Winding Road,” which neatly summarizes the talented artist’s personal and professional journey.

Next month’s Grammy Awards will be wildly diverse, judging by these 21 tracks. From Ed Sheeran’s “Sing” and Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” to Sia’s “Chandelier” and Ariana Grande’s “Problem,” it’s an eclectic collection, topped off by Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me” and Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off,” both strong Song of the Year contenders.