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Rosie Bokay

By Bobby Osborne & C.J. Lewandowski

Turnberry Records is proud to release a new collaborative recording “Rosie Bokay” from C.J. Lewandowski and Paul Brewster.  This new rendition of the classic George Jones/Osborne Brothers track (written by Dallas Frazier and Whitey Shafer), is reimagined under the guiding spirit of bluegrass legend Bobby Osborne.

Paul Brewster recounts how “Rosie Bokay” came to be recorded by The Osborne Brothers: “Bobby and I were riding back to Nashville in my car after a show in Ohio and we were listening to a George Jones 8-track (yes, an 8-track) and when Bobby heard “Rosie Bokay” he loved it.  We (The Osborne Brothers) worked it up and recorded it on the Some Things I Want to Sing About album.”

Reflecting on the song’s journey, C.J. Lewandowski shared, “‘Rosie Bokay’ is one of my very favorite songs that Bobby and Sonny ever recorded and performed live. While in the studio with Bobby and the gang, Lincoln Hensley played the iconic kickoff to this song on Sonny’s old Granada, stirring a big grin on Bobby’s face. I told Bobby then that it was one of my favorite songs, and he replied that it was his favorite George Jones song of all time.”

What began as an impromptu recording of “Rosie Bokay” at Ben Surratt’s studio has become a treasured musical tribute to Bobby Osborne. Bobby wanted to re-sing his scratch vocal but his passing later that year left the track unfinished. Though it was initially considered to shelve “Rosie Bokay”, the suggestion of including Paul Brewster by Wyatt Ellis brought new life to the song.

“I immediately knew Paul’s voice would be a perfect fit,” said Lewandowski. “Joined by myself and John Meador on harmonies, this track turned into a dream come true for me. It’s an honor to cut Bobby’s favorite George Jones song under his guidance and direction, and I know he’d be smiling when Paul sings straight from the heart for his ‘Honky Tonk Bar Maid down at Miss Nina’s Tavern.’”

“Rosie Bokay” is the third single from the forthcoming album, C.J. and Bobby, following “Too Young to Die Old” and “Cora Is Gone”.