Grammy-nominated bluegrass, folk, Americana artist Valerie Smith has released her long-awaited, career-defining project on January 1. An album that has been 12 years in the making, Maggie’s Journal (Bell Buckle Records) is more than a record—it is a monumental act of remembrance and artistic devotion. This profound 30-track musical narrative breathes life into the raw, emotional story of Margaret Attebury Brooks-McCamis, the great-grandmother of Smith, whose voice and vision illuminate one woman’s extraordinary resilience in post–Civil War America.
A true labor of love, Maggie’s Journal seamlessly blends bluegrass, Americana, and roots traditions into a vivid sonic tapestry. Original songs intertwine with spoken-word excerpts taken directly from Maggie’s handwritten journal—discovered decades after her death by Smith’s cousins, Kathy Jones Eads and Fonda Wells, tucked away inside a “Car Load Tablet” buried in an attic trunk.
What emerged from those pages is the gripping, unvarnished truth of a woman married young to a violent man, carving out survival in rural Missouri while hiding a gentle spirit behind a hardened exterior. Her words reveal a life shaped by hardship yet defined by strength, offering powerful insights into American history, women’s and children’s rights, education, and the enduring human spirit.
Crafted with deep reverence, Maggie’s Journal stands as a unique collaboration between Smith and the ancestor she never met. The album’s emotional range spans the haunting reflection of “That Was A Long Time Ago,” the tender hopefulness of “Alva’s Lullaby,” and the gripping narrative of “Jim O’Dell, Straight From Hell.” Each track channels Maggie’s story with authenticity, dignity, and grace.
Smith’s evocative lead vocals—described by NPR’s Dave Higgs as “sassy, sultry, siren-like”—anchor the project with emotional authority. She is joined by an exceptional cast of harmony vocalists including Donna Ulisse, Josie Smith, Mike Rogers, Rosa Vestal, and Aaron Vestal, whose voices enrich the album’s cinematic storytelling.
The instrumental core features world-class musicians Cody Kilby (acoustic guitar, mandolin), Stephen Burwell (violin), Evan Winsor (upright bass), and Scott Vestal (banjo), whose performances breathe life and movement into Maggie’s world.
Produced by acclaimed songwriter and vocalist Donna Ulisse, Maggie’s Journal draws its lyrical depth from the writing partnership of Ulisse, Smith, Daniel Crabtree, and Ann Miller. Recorded at Tim Carter’s Tree House Studio in Ridgetop, TN, and Scott Vestal’s Digital Underground in Greenbrier, TN, the project was engineered with exceptional care by Carter and Vestal.
Chris Latham’s masterful mixing and mastering provide a polished yet soulful finish, while David Lynch’s stunning CD design and John Murray’s breathtaking artwork visually mirror the album’s emotional core—bringing Maggie’s story to a global audience with the reverence it deserves.
With over three decades in music, Smith has earned Grammy, IBMA, and Dove Award nominations and collaborated with icons like Tom T. Hall and Ralph Stanley. Maggie’s Journal stands among her most personal and ambitious works—an album that honors family, uplifts forgotten stories, and bridges generations through the power of music.
“Maggie told her truth in a voice both plain and powerful,” said Smith. “My mission was to honor her courage and give life to the history she never had the chance to share.”
Margaret Attebury Brooks-McCamis’ story—once hidden in an attic—now lives on as a stirring, unforgettable tribute to resilience, memory, and the ties that bind us across time.
