What’ll I Do If I Don’t Have You
Valerie Smith Releases Soulful New Single "What'll I Do If I Don't Have You," a Timeless Country-Bluegrass Ballad
TRACK INFORMATION
Song: What'll I Do I I Don't Have You
Artist: Valerie Smith
Release Date: 10/20/25
ISRC Code: TCAIN2439295
Written by Bob McDill and Dickey Lee
Universal Music Publishing Group, BMI
STUDIO AND MUSICIANS
Produced by Donna Ulisse
Record Label: Bell Buckle Records
Sound Engineer: Scott Vestal
Mixing Engineer: Chris Latham
Mastering Engineer: Christ Latham
Producer: Donna Ulisse
Lead Vocal: Valerie Smith
Harmony Vocals: Jerry Salley
Harmony Vocals: Donna Ulisse
Banjo: Scott Vestal
Acoustic Guitar: Cody Kilby
Upright Bass: Evan Winsor
Steel Guitar: Jeff Partin
Fiddle: Jason Carter
Mandolin: Nate Curie
About “What'll I Do”
Someret, VA – October 20, 2025 – Renowned bluegrass and roots artist Valerie Smith has just released her new single, "What'll I Do" (UPC: 859791625585, ISRC: TCAIN2440016), an intimate composition by Bob McDill and Dickey Lee (Universal Music Publishing Group, BMI). With her signature emotive vocals, Smith delivers a moving rendition that captures the raw vulnerability of love teetering on the edge of loss.
"I love the simplicity of this song’s melody and lyrics, yet it carries such powerful emotion," Smith says. "For years, I’ve wanted to record this gem."
Inspired by David Ball’s 2010 version from Sparkle City, Smith was drawn to the song’s timeless melody and deep sentimental resonance, which she infuses with her own heartfelt interpretation."What'll I Do" blends classic country and bluegrass, showcasing Smith’s ability to convey emotion through acoustic artistry and her signature sultry vocals. The song’s tender lyrics and gentle melody explore the fear of losing a loved one, with lines like, "What'll I do if I don’t have you? How will I find my way? / I’d be lost in this old town, without your love when the sun goes down." The chorus, "The stars are shinin’ bright in the midnight sky / Let’s take a walk and give our hearts one more try," offers a hopeful plea for reconciliation, resonating deeply with listeners. Produced by acclaimed artist Donna Ulisse, the track features Smith’s soulful lead vocals, complemented by harmony vocals from Jerry Salley and Ulisse. An all-star ensemble brings the song to life, including Scott Vestal (banjo, sound engineer), Cody Kilby (acoustic guitar), Evan Winsor (upright bass), Jeff Partin (steel guitar), Jason Carter (fiddle), and Nate Curie (mandolin). Mixed and mastered by Chris Latham, the recording preserves the song’s intimate, confessional essence, highlighted by melodic violin and delicate guitar work.
This release follows Smith’s recent singles, including "I Found," "Walk Right Back," "What I’ve Got Right Here,"Songbird Road" and tracks from her 2020 album Renaissance. It sets the stage for an upcoming project in January 2026, inspired by her great-grandmother’s journal (Maggie’s Journal), reflecting 13 years of musical growth as a composer, producer, and recording artist.
About Valerie Smith
With over three decades in bluegrass and roots music, Valerie Smith is a Grammy-nominated, two-time IBMA award-winning artist (Recorded Event of the Year, 2001, 2006). She has collaborated with legends like Charlie Louvin, Ralph Stanley, and Tom T. Hall, and her discography includes acclaimed albums like Renaissance (2020) and Small Town Heroes (2016) and many more albums and singles that can found in her collection of recorded material. As founder of Bell Buckle Records (36 years) and Bell Buckle Radio (10 years), Smith continues to champion authentic roots music with her band, Liberty Pike. Recent appearances on RFD-TV’s The Ronnie Reno Show and PBS’s Bluegrass Underground highlight her enduring influence.
For more information, tour dates, and exclusive content, visit www.valeriesmithonline.com.
Contact:
Bell Buckle Records
Valerie Smith
Email: bellbucklerecords@gmail.com
Phone: (931) 639-3004
http://www.theValerieSmith.Com