This is the second time he’s on this list, (White Horse #34) seems fitting as his influence has been tremendous over the past 10 years. You may or may not know this is a remake of an old George Jones classic, but has nothing in common with it. It was written by a great song writer named Dean Dillon – legend says – at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. He wrote a ton of big country songs, that includes a whole lot of George Strait hits, as in a WHOLE LOT. If he only knew how big this song would be over 40 years. This was originally recorded by David Allen Coe, but didn’t find traction on the charts, but is loved. Then Jones went to #2 with this in the early 80’s. But this version has its own story to tell. This adaptation of this song was totally reinvented as all good remakes are. This longer, bluesy version found a tremendous audience, and to me is rocket that propelled Stapleton to superstardom. To date, Stapleton’s various recordings of this song (and there are multiple) have been certified 17 times Platinum, which is simply staggering. This is proof positive that a great written song in the right hands can be reinvented and interpreted many ways. What a hit song – with a great history.
George Jones Version (1983)
David Allen Coe – (1981)
