Ghost Hounds have released a new A-side/B-side single pairing featuring a cover of Gimme Shelter and the original track “Justified.” Proceeds from the release will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Both songs feature vocalist Chanel Haynes, known for her performances with The Rolling Stones, including their 2024 U.S. Hackney Diamonds tour. Haynes also portrayed Tina Turner in the musical Tina. Her performance adds a new dimension to the band’s version of the classic track.

The release coincides with the 57th anniversary of “Gimme Shelter,” originally written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and released in 1969. Ghost Hounds guitarist and producer Thomas Tull recorded the track using original gear from Sunset Sound Recorders, where Merry Clayton delivered the iconic backing vocals on the original recording.

Haynes spoke about working with the band, saying, “The Ghost Hounds are part of my family now. When we do that song together, it’s just really exciting. I just feel really blessed to be able to share the stage with them.”

She also reflected on performing the song with The Rolling Stones and speaking with Clayton beforehand. “Them choosing me to expose me and take me on this stage with them is one of the most generous things,” Haynes said. “It’s the most physically difficult [song]. It’s almost like you teleport. It’s such an extraordinary song that Keith and Mick created together. She just encouraged me and said, ‘You know what? I want you to sing this song the way you want to sing it, because the church is in you.’ She’s a pastor’s daughter—as am I—and she basically was saying, ‘Trust the compass, trust that compass in you,’” Haynes said. “I took that with me, and every night on stage, I was just Chanel, my most authentic, honest self.”

Ghost Hounds vocalist SAVNT added, “This release is incredibly special to us. ‘Gimme Shelter’ is one of the most powerful songs ever written, and being able to honor its legacy while collaborating with Chanel Haynes—whose voice is simply phenomenal and evocative of Merry’s rasp and uncontainable energy.”

The B-side, “Justified,” was written by Tull and highlights the band’s blend of country, rock, and roots influences. The song centers on internal conflict, with SAVNT explaining, “He’s having this internal battle within himself of, like, ‘I did the right thing, but it still feels wrong.’ That’s a war within everybody.”

Ghost Hounds recently released their fifth studio album, Almost Home, which features guest appearances from Lainey Wilson and Patty Griffin. The band has continued to build momentum with appearances at SXSW and AmericanaFest, as well as a recent debut performance at the Grand Ole Opry.

The current lineup includes SAVNT, Thomas Tull, Tyler Chiarelli, Joe Munroe, Kristin Weber, Bennett Miller, and Sydney Driver. Known for their energetic live shows, Ghost Hounds have toured with artists including The Rolling Stones, ZZ Top, Bob Seger, and Garth Brooks.