"Ashes by Now" is a song written by Rodney Crowell. It has since been recorded several times by various musical artists in the country music format. The song was first recorded by Crowell himself, eventually releasing it as a single in 1980.

Rodney Crowell version Crowell originally recorded "Ashes by Now" in January 1978 in Los Angeles, California. The recording session featured musician Ricky Skaggs playing the fiddle, among other prominent session musicians of the period.

Before its release as a single, it served as the b-side to his 1978 single "Elvira." The song was later re-released in April 1980 as the A-side single via Warner Bros. Records becoming a minor chart hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles and Hot 100 that year. The song was included on Crowell's 1980 studio album But What Will the Neighbors Think.

The song was covered by Crowell's frequent collaborator Emmylou Harris on her 1981 album Evangeline.

Chart performance Chart (1980)PeakpositionUS Hot Country Singles (Billboard)78US Billboard Hot 10037

Lee Ann Womack version

It was notably covered by Lee Ann Womack in 2000 and her version became the most commercially successful after also being issued as a single. Womack's rendition of the song was released on October 9, 2000 as the second single from her third studio album, I Hope You Dance (2000). This version peaked at number 4 on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, becoming her last top ten single until "I May Hate Myself in the Morning" (2004). It also hit number 45 on the US Billboard Hot 100.Whitburn, p. 473 Bekka Bramlett notably provides background vocals on the track.

Critical reception Editors at The Toronto Sun wrote, "A thorough makeover of the Rodney Crowell classic, from one of the exceedingly rare albums with the power to unite staunch old-timers and New Country types alike."The Toronto Sun DE LA SOUL'S DONE WITH FOOLIN' (June 7, 2000) Editors at Billboard wrote, "The inventive percussion that opens this terrific single is just the beginning of the magic that producer Mark Wright and Lee Ann Womack weave. One listen to this great single and it's obvious the song is sure to throw fuel on the fire."Billboard COUNTRY: LEE ANN WOMACK, JO DEE MESSINA, KEITH URBAN (October 14, 2000)

Music video A music video directed by Gregg Horne was created for Lee Ann Womack's version of the song.Stark, Phyllis. Billboard Nashville Scene (September 8, 2001)

Personnel Credits adapted from I Hope You Dance liner notes.

Bekka Bramlett — backing vocals Mark Casstevens — acoustic guitar Lisa Cochran — backing vocals Eric Darken — percussion Tabitha Fair — backing vocals Pat Flynn — acoustic guitar Larry Franklin — fiddle Paul Franklin — pedal steel guitar Marabeth Jordan — backing vocals Brent Mason — electric guitar Steve Nathan — keyboards Michael Omartian — accordion Glenn Worf — bass Lonnie Wilson — drums Lee Ann Womack — lead vocals

Charts In the October 21, 2000 issue of Billboard, "Ashes by Now" debuted at number 49, becoming Womack's then-highest debut on the chart; it would be surpassed when "Finding My Way Back Home" debuted at number 46 in August 2006.Jessen, Wade. "LABEL CHANGE PUTS WOMACK IN FAST LANE." Billboard 118.33 (2006): 51. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 6 June 2011. The song would reach a peak of number 4 on March 3, 2001, becoming her penultimate top-ten single. A slip in its chart performance was attributed by Wade Jessen of Billboard to be due to the death of Dale Earnhardt.Jessen, Wade. Billboard Country Corner (March 10, 2001)

Chart (2000–2001)Peakposition

Year-end charts Chart (2001)Position US Country Songs (Billboard) 23

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