C.J. Lewandowski “Sweetheart You Done Me Wrong”
Americana Highways is hosting this premiere of C. J. Lewandowski (The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys) and Bobby Osborne’s version of “Sweetheart You Done Me Wrong” (written by Lester Flats & Bill Monroe) featuring Molly Tuttle and The Osborne Boys. C.J. Lewandowski is releasing Keep On Keepin’ On via Turnberry Records on Aug. 22, an album of the final recordings he made with his mentor, friend, and bluegrass legend, Bobby Osborne before Osborne’s passing in 2023.
This album was produced by C.J; recorded and mixed by Ben Surratt with recording and editing by Dave Maggard. It was mastered by Dave Polster at Well Made Music and features graphic design by Rebekah Speer and the executive producer was Keith Barnacastle.
“Sweetheart You Done Me Wrong” is Bobby Osborne on vocals and mandolin; Molly Tuttle on vocals; C.J. Lewandowski on mandolin; Wyatt Ellis on mandolin; Robby Osborne on drums; Wynn Osborne on banjo; Bobby Osborne Jr. on bass; Aynsley Porchak on fiddles; Avery Welter on guitar; and Scotty Sanders on steel guitar.
As C.J. recounts: “‘Sweetheart’ is a classic staple, but Bobby puts his own twist on it, alongside Molly Tuttle. The female voice was extremely important on this song for one reason — Bobby’s mother, Daisy. When Bobby went off to war, his mother was heartbroken. She seemed to think her oldest boy had betrayed her by leaving the family to fight for our country with the potential of never coming back home, even though Bobby had no choice in being drafted in November 1951. To cope with her sorrow, Daisy played Bill Monroe’s 78rpm record of “Sweetheart You Done Me Wrong” every day until her boy came back home in November 1953. This story was told by Sonny. I asked Bobby if he would like to cut this song, and he was hesitant on it with the original being so good to his ear. We told him we wanted to honor his mother, and he had no idea what we were talking about. After telling him Sonny’s account of Bobby’s time away from home, Bobby’s exact words were “I’ve lived 91 years and never knew that until today…. let’s do it for my mother.” This one is for Daisy Osborne, whom Bobby is now resting right down the way from. Another piece of history, this is the last song he ever recorded mandolin on.”
The vocals are incredibly timeless and pastoral, the gritty vibration of the harmonies together is purely old-timey, and the instruments are rustic and true. It’s a classic version by classy, talented players, and a poignant tribute both to Bobby Osborne and his mom.
Pre-save and add the song here (available July 25): https://sc.lnk.to/bo.cj-SYDMW
Follow C. J. here: http://www.ozarkmandolin.com
Enjoy our previous coverage here: REVIEW: The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys “Never Slow Down”