Sylvia Re-Imagines ‘Drifter’ for New Hits Album [Exclusive Premiere]

In early June, Sylvia will release an album featuring re-imagined versions of some of her 1980s country hits, but she's giving The Boot's readers an exclusive first listen to the new version of her song "Drifter." Press play below to hear it.

"Drifter" became Sylvia's first No. 1 on the Billboard country charts, in 1981; it was co-written by Archie Jordan and Don Pfrimmer and comes from her album of the same name, also released in 1981. The song was Sylvia's fourth single release, and fourth Top 40 song; it's one of two No. 1 hits she achieved.

“Believe it or not, "Drifter" was originally written as a ballad ... But, in the recording studio, the song morphed into an uptempo, Western-sounding production with disco overtones," Sylvia tells The Boot. "My co-producer John Mock and I wanted to keep the spirit of the original recording minus the disco drum feel."

The original version of "Drifter" features Jim Glaser, of Tompall & the Glaser Brothers, and the Jordanaires. Glaser reprises his role on the new version of the song, singing with Harry Stinson and Keith Sewell.

Originally from Indiana, Sylvia was signed to RCA Records in 1979. She logged a string of country chart hits throughout the '80s, and found crossover success with her song "Nobody," which hit No. 1 on the country charts and landed in the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. She is an ACM Female Vocalist of the Year winner and a Grammy Awards nominee.

Near the end of the 1980s, Sylvia turned her focus away from recording and touring and toward songwriting. In the '90s and early 2000s, she released a few albums on her own label, Red Pony Records. This new version of "Drifter" appears on Second Bloom: The Hits Re-Imagined, which features 10 songs and is due out on June 8.

To stay up to date on Sylvia's goings-on, visit SylviaMusic.com.

Listen to Sylvia, "Drifter":