Various Artists - Divided & United: The Songs of the Civil War

ATO Records and music supervisor Randall Poster (MOONRISE KINGDOM, BOARDWALK EMPIRE) have joined forces to release DIVIDED & UNITED, a two-disc set of Civil War songs brought to life through fresh interpretations by the pioneers, Hall of Famers and rising young stars of country, bluegrass, folk and beyond.

The collection celebrates music deeply vital to the history and spirit of America in tribute to the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Each song offers a unique window on the past, with themes exploring race, identity and reconciliation in a manner that echoes profoundly today. ATO will release the album in Fall 2013. The tremendous talents on DIVIDED & UNITED span several generations and genres: Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton (on a duet with Stuart Duncan), Vince Gill, Lee Ann Womack, Ralph Stanley, AA Bondy, Jamey Johnson, Chris Thile, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Taj Mahal, Shovels & Rope, Cowboy Jack Clement, John Doe, Karen Elson and many more. Combined they have won close to 200 GRAMMY Awards, numerous Country Music Awards and include Rock And Roll Hall of Famers, Country Music Hall of Famers and Bluegrass Hall of Famers.

DIVIDED & UNITED also features an essay by noted musician, filmmaker and historian John Cohen, who writes: "This record aspires to erase the legacy of segregation and through music seeks reconciliation instead, in order to celebrate a great musical heritage of America, born in pain, war and prejudice."