We were all inspired by Daniel and his work and wanted to include a song about peace in the project. Lynn Wilbanks and Tom McBride wrote a great song called "A Bridge Across." Samantha wrote the music for the narrative intro, Dolly Parton narrated and sang the lyrics, then we went to New York and recorded Marc O’ Connor playing the Daniel Pearl violin. When we heard the track I said, "We’d better add the Nashville Symphony." I also wanted the symphony on the opening ("Voices") and the part about the Native Americans.

HN: So that’s how the Nashville Symphony and the Fisk Jubilee Singers became involved?

DH: They were invited. We explained the concept and they said, "Sure, let’s do it," which was really going out on a limb. They didn’t know how the project was going to turn out, and no one wants to be associated with a bad product.

HN: Listening to these three CDs gives the feeling of watching an epic movie. How did your film experience influence this musical project?

DH: Having that background, I was able to articulate to the writers what was required. I was really able to bond with the songwriters, and I think my background helped me to communicate the visuals of these songs to them. I asked them to think of Missouri, for example, and how it must have looked as a wilderness to Lewis and Clark.

HN: This is My America is being called the most expensive recording project ever to come out of Nashville, but historically, concept albums have not sold well. Why were you willing to take such a risk?

DH: We don’t expect this to sell like a new release from an established star who already has a fan base. We’re like the pioneers in the covered wagons. We expect it to grow from word of mouth over time as people hear the songs and tell others about them.

When we finished the project, I met with the writers. Last year I’d found an eagle feather on our ranch, so I wrapped it in hide and did a typical native sort of dressing on it and took it to Nashville with me (after procuring a special export permit from Alberta Province to bring the feather across the border). After working with Native Americans in Canada, I knew about the importance of the sharing circle ceremony to them. I explained to the writers that this has special value to me, and I wanted to share something with them. Whoever is holding the eagle feather is the only one permitted to talk, because that person is speaking from the heart. As the feather passed among them, each one had a different story. Trust me, when you’re holding that eagle feather, you know you have a responsibility to speak the truth and to speak from the heart. Thomas Cain was the last to speak; he said a little prayer. Then I got the feather, and I said this feather had once lifted an eagle to great heights and I hope it will lift this project to great heights, too.

HN: Are you receiving airplay for any of the songs?

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