LeAnn Rimes gives male country anthems the female touch

Country star Leann Rimes is giving all her favorite tunes the female touch for a new covers album after realising they were all sung by men.

The Blue singer's upcoming release, Lady & Gentlemen, will feature her interpretation of hits by grizzled veterans like George Jones, Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard.

She says, "This album was born out of the memories of when I first fell in love with country music and, in reflecting, I realized that almost all of my favorite country songs from back then were sung by men.

"I am honored to take a step back in time and sing these songs from a woman's perspective and hopefully help reintroduce them to a new audience."

The singer has also re-recorded her 1996 hit Blue for the album - to mark the song's 15th anniversary.

Lady & Gentlemen will be released in September (11).