Jim Lauderdale joined legendary rocker Elvis Costello on stage at this year's Merlefest in Wilkesboro, NC this past weekend. The all star band included Sam Bush, Byron House, Jerry Douglas and Larry Campbell. The band played tunes by Costello, Lauderdale and Robert Hunter. The fellas then jammed on good-time covers hot enough to burn rubber down at the nearby legendary racetrack. Thrown in the mix was Lauderdale's "High Timberline" written with Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter, a cover of the Dead's "Friend of the Devil," Costello's "Little Palaces" and finally the rollicking Junior Parker classic "Mystery Train."

Still beaming from the experience, Lauderdale commented, "Elvis called me a while back and asked me if I would sing some harmonies with him at Merlefest. Of course I jumped at the chance. I've been a fan since I heard his duet with George Jones ("Stranger in the House")." Some americana purists thought Costello an odd choice for the hardcore roots and bluegrass festival but Lauderdale says it was a dovetail fit. "Elvis is just a huge music fan. He loves Graham Parsons and George [Jones] and his influences are a lot more traditional than people might realize. He's always played this music. We really connected on that level." "This will always rank up there with the best musical experiences of my career."

Earlier this year Lauderdale was nominated for a Grammy for his Yep Roc Records album Bluegrass. Jim has been in awe of Merlefest since his first appearance. His appearances at the festival have led to countless collaborations for Nashville's premier songwriter, including his work with Ralph Stanley, the Grammy-nominated I Feel Like Singing Today and the Grammy-winning Lost in the Lonesome Pines. This kind of creative stimulation and cross-pollination has resulted in a deep rooted affection for the festival. "I love playing Merlefest every year. I'll keep coming back until they stop inviting me!"

Jim Lauderdale's hilarious new video for "Who's Leavin' Who" is now in rotation on Country Music Television's cmt.com and the Great American Country television show The Edge of Country (gac.com).

Click below to stream the video on YepRoc.com