George Strait has accrued 60 No. 1 hits over the course of his long career. That’s more than any other artist in country music history, but it’s hard not to wonder if it could have been 61 had he recorded the classic hit “Tennessee Whiskey” instead of turning it down.
Although he didn’t write the song, Strait did have the opportunity to record it. Ultimately, he opted to pass on it, feeling that the song didn’t resonate with him.
Why Did George Strait Pass on “Tennessee Whiskey”?
“I missed it,” he said with a smile while chatting with Kacey Musgraves in a 2017 interview. The two laughed about songs that never went to No. 1 before she asked him why he didn’t take a stab at “Tennessee Whiskey.” Skip to the 2:40 mark in the video below to see the exchange.
Strait got pitched on “Tennessee Whiskey” in the 1980s.
“Wasn’t your thing?” Musgraves asked, and Strait smiled in agreement.
Who Recorded “Tennessee Whiskey” First?
Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove co-wrote “Tennessee Whiskey,” and David Allan Coe first recorded it as the title track for his album released in 1981.
George Jones took it into the studio in 1983, and his version made it to No. 2 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Singles Chart.
Most recently, Chris Stapleton included his version on his 2015 album, Traveller.
Strait has reduced his schedule dramatically in recent years, selectively releasing new music and performing only a few live dates after retiring from touring.
Most recently, he released two singles in 2019 with “Every Little Honky Tonk Bar” and “The Weight of the Badge.”
PICTURES: Look Inside George Strait’s Spectacular Mansion
George Strait has sold his one-of-a-kind mansion in Texas, and it was actually a real deal. The country legend asked $6.9 million for his 7,925-square-foot home that includes three bedrooms, four full bathrooms and two half-baths on a hilltop in a very exclusive area of San Antonio. The final selling price was not disclosed.
The house sits on 12.2 acres and includes a gourmet kitchen, separate his and her bathrooms and closets and 14 hand-sculpted masonry fireplaces. The main house is wired for surround sound throughout, and it also features outdoor living spaces including a patio with built-in grill, sink, icemaker and refrigerator. There’s also an infinity pool/spa and a sports court, a workout room with a private bathroom and sauna, and a walk-in safe room.
Gallery Credit: Sterling Whitaker
