Author, songwriter, and former CCM Magazine Rock News Editor John J. Thompson released his first new single in several years on July 24, titled "Sweet Marianne."
The song comes from the pages of Thompson's latest book, a "rock and soul fable" called The Ballad of the Lost Dogs of East Nashville. It features legendary guitarist Phil Keaggy on electric guitar and backing vocals, Jeff Taylor (known for his work with Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, and Amy Grant) on accordion, and Steve Hindalong of The Choir on percussion. Thompson's wife and longtime musical partner, Michelle Lynn Thompson of The Wayside, contributes backing vocals.
"I never stopped making my own music," Thompson said, "but I have been very busy for many years helping other artists and writers get their work out."
Thompson spent nearly a decade working on the novel and wrote several songs within its story, including "Sweet Marianne," which began as a lullaby and evolves throughout the book into a prayer for reconciliation and hope.
To mark the single's release, Thompson performed at Hope Church Nashville alongside Scout and The Saints and Grable Howie, also lending support to organizers of a new festival called Holy Mountain. His group with his wife, The Wayside, is set to play its first official Nashville show in years on August 16 at Sacrament Church in East Nashville.
"Sweet Marianne" is available now on all major streaming platforms. More information can be found at JohnJThompson.com.
