According to a New West Records representative (Buddy Miller’s label), Robert Plant and Buddy Miller recorded “What You Gonna Do Leroy” in a dressing room in Toronto. Miller, of course was one of the musicians on the Raising Sand tour. The song was presented to the label as a rough mix for songs to appear on Miller’s upcoming album.

The song is a Lefty Frizzell single. Frizzell was a leading player in the Honky Tonk Style of country music in the 50s and 60s. Frizzell is also known for his recording of “Long Black Veil” in 1959. The song went on to become a genre-crossing classic and was recorded by numerous artists including The Chieftains (with Mick Jagger on Vocals), Johnny Cash, The Stranglers, Bob Dylan, Marianne Faithfull, and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

At the Americana Awards in September 2008, Robert and Buddy performed “What You Gonna Do Leroy” tune for attendees. It’s a honky tonk number that features a smooth fiddle background along side a plodding drum. Robert’s vocal is sort of a honky tonk Elvisy Eddie Cochran.

Christi Marsico of Smoky Mountain News (North Carolina) writes about a recent interview with comedian Ron White. White is perhaps best known for his stint on the Blue Collar Comedy tour with Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall and Larry the Cable Guy. White’s most popular routine is “Tater Salad”, and part of his stage persona includes drinking (presumably scotch) and smoking a cigar.

White confessed to being moved during a Robert Plant/Alison Krauss show: Marsico wrote:

The comedian makes it a goal to find live music after his performances, adding he “likes to support the arts.” White claims there is not a lot of polka in his personal music selection, but he was recently “misted up” by a Robert Plant and Alison Krauss concert. His CD collection includes AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Allman Brothers, The Doors and Dwight Yoakam.

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