When Brian Walton moved to Nashville in 1983 to work for Capitol Records, he picked up a gig playing keyboard for J.J. Cale‘s band and hit the road for a US tour. When they made it to Texas for a show at Gilly’s, Brian met Stewart Harris, who was on tour with Jerry Reed at the time, and the two immediately hit it off. After the show, they met back at Stewart’s hotel room for drinks and jams, and that’s when they came up with Strange Sensation.
Jill Colucci and Stewart later put their spin on a variation of the song and wrote “No One Else on Earth” for Wynonna Judd, which, of course, went on to become a top ten Billboard country hit. Brian recorded his variation of the song for his landmark album “Made in the Shade,” but it was later cut from the final release; however, it did end up on the “Made in the Shade Live!” album.
Flash forward to 2019, when Brian first heard Joanna Leaton belting out Wynnona songs at a karaoke bar. He thought she was the perfect voice to bring the Strange Sensation to life, so he invited her into the studio, where he rewrote the lyrics to fit her style, laid down the instruments, and Viola! The two had created a crossover hit!
Composed by Brian Walton and Stewart Harris. Lyrics by Brian Walton (ASCAP). All instruments performed by Brian Walton. Vocals by Joanna Leaton. Recorded at Musty Dungeon Studios, Challis, Idaho. Mastered at Capitol Studios, Hollywood. Brian Walton appears courtesy of K&P Enterprises and Sony Entertainment. ℗© 1981-2026 Walton International Business Group dba Musty Dungeon Studios.
