Sam Williams and Carter Faith Deliver a Modern Take On An Iconic Tammy Wynette Tune

Rising stars Sam Williams and Carter Faith have teamed up to deliver a haunting cover of “’Til I Can Make It On My Own,” a classic country track that was first made famous by late musical icon Tammy Wynette.

A Haunting Duet

Out Friday (Feb. 9) via Mercury Records Nashville, the new rendition of the famed tune offers a modern twist on a painful love story as Williams and Faith pay homage to Wynette’s raw portrayal of the end of a relationship. Over the years, fans have speculated that the story and personal emotions were inspired by Wynette’s divorce from fellow country singer George Jones at the time, however, the artist herself never confirmed this theory.

The song, which Wynette deemed her favorite composition she ever had a hand in writing, originally dropped in January 1976 and went on to become her 15th No. 1 song at Country Radio, staying on the charts for 11 weeks.

Williams and Faith make the tune their own as their stunning harmonies dance around the desperate desires of a partner asking their now ex love interest to spare them a bit more time to help them get through the end of their relationship. While reflecting on the significance of recording this track, Williams explains it was the “cheer on top” that made his new album complete. Plus, bringing Faith in on the recording allowed the rural Paris, TN native to reconnect with his small-town roots and admire the similar paths they both took to achieve their dreams. 

“I have always adored Carter Faith, from her music to her style and free-spirited personality. As we became closer, it was clear we should make some music together. I think we are very much cut from similar cloth,” Williams said of his duet partner. “We’re from small towns and had big dreams that led us to a city that’s hard to cut through. I believe we’re making our mark now.” 

He went on to explain that his connection to Wynette hits close to home, as she spent a period of time residing in the home of his late grandparents – Hank Williams and Audrey Williams. 

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“Tammy Wynette being the legend she is, it was an honor to reinvent her beautiful words,” he continued. “It’s also very heartwarming to know she lived in Hank and Audrey, my grandparents’, home for a long time. Tammy purchased their home on Franklin Road after Audrey passed. History seems to tip its hat at me nowadays and I embrace the nod. I am so excited for everyone to hear what comes this year.”

The Artists Hoped To Make Tammy Wynette Proud

“Recording ‘Til I Can Make It On My Own’ with Sam Williams was one of the most special moments of all time to me,”Faith added of their collaboration. “Tammy Wynette is a musical hero of mine and a major influence, and when my dear friend Sam—whose voice just hits me all the way to the heart every time I hear it—asked me to sing on a new version of this song, I was so honored and excited. I have always adored the honesty that Tammy wrote with and this song is such a beautiful example of that, heartbreaking and hopeful at the very same time.”

The songstress then shared that one of her favorite parts of the recording process came during a moment of downtime when she and Williams had the chance to sit down and discuss how important the fan-favorite song is to both of them. 

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“More than anything, I just hope we made Tammy proud,” Faith said in conclusion. 

The new version of “’Til I Can Make It On My Own,” was also paired with an accompanying music video that takes listeners back in time to a 70s-inspired home setting. Here, Williams and Faith put their acting skills on display as they bring the storyline to life while mixing in a more modern flair.  

They Performed The Song At The Grand Ole Opry

Following its Friday release, the pair of artists got to perform the song on the stage of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry.

The new song is set to appear on Sam Williams’ upcoming project expected later this year.