The 25th anniversary of Deana Carter’s memorable, five-times platinum 1996 album Did I Shave My Legs For This? will be marked with a new edition on November 5. It will include not only the remastered version of the original set but two new recordings of favorites from it featuring a wealth of country notables, such as Lauren Alaina, Martina McBride, and Ashley McBryde.
Carter made the album announcement on The Bobby Bones Show this morning (21). The additional tracks see her performing and producing 2021 versions of the CMA award-winning, double platinum hit single “Strawberry Wine,” now featuring Alaina, McBride, McBryde, Kylie Morgan, and Vince Gill on guitar; and the title track, co-starring Terri Clark, Sara Evans, McBryde, and Gill. A Digital Deluxe edition will feature an additional ten songs, seven of them available digitally for the first time.
“I am beyond blown away to see the generational connection between my first single, ‘Strawberry Wine’ and all the fans, young and seasoned,” says Carter. “Being a part of a song that has become an anthem for the 90s and beyond is such a blessing and more than I could’ve ever dreamed of. The fans have been the catalyst for the success of ‘Strawberry Wine’ and the whole Shave album because of their connection to the truth and realness behind the songs.
“They lived it – just like I did – and just like all of my collaborators did,” she continues. “It was an honor to re-record two favorites with my fellow female artists who inspire me and who I admire. These new versions are a way of raising a glass to everyone who loves these songs, and to the country radio stations still playing them, and to say thank you. I hope everyone enjoys celebrating 25 years of Did I Shave My Legs For This? as much as I’ve enjoyed putting together these very special releases.”
“Strawberry Wine,” written by Matraca Berg and Gary Harrison, won the 1997 CMA Awards for Single and Song of the Year, topped the US country charts for two weeks in November 1996. It was nominated for a Grammy for Best Country Song, the Academy of Country Music Awards Best Country Song, and the Country Music Radio Awards for Song of the Year.
Of the title track “Did I Shave My Legs for This?”, which she wrote with Rhonda Hart, Carter says: “Who knew that some girl talk would end up becoming a cultural catchphrase for decades to come? Wow! This song is proof that a genuine, heartfelt message can be delivered with a sense of humor, yet stand firm in the conviction to not settle for less in this life.
“Thanks to all the ladies who have sung this anthem at the top of their lungs and to my record label for letting me boldly title my debut album so memorably.”
Carter, the daughter of famed country singer-guitarist Fred Carter Jr., spent another two weeks atop the country listings in March 1997 with the album’s “We Danced Anyway,” co-written by Berg and Randy Scruggs, and a further week the following October with “How Do I Get There” (co-written by Carter and Chris Farren). Carter and Chuck Jones’ “Count Me In” was another Top 5 hit from the set, which itself spent exactly two years on the country chart.
Carter will add to the 25th anniversary celebrations for Did I Shave My Legs For This? by performing on the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday, October 16, as part of the Opry’s 4,998th show. Tickets can be bought here.
Pre-order the 25th anniversary editions of Did I Shave My Legs For This?, which are released on November 5.