Country songs are passed around—especially in decades past. A good song is a good song, and strong material has no expiration date. Countless artists have covered the three country songs below. So many covers, in fact, that few people know the original singer.
Videos by American Songwriter
“Tennessee Whiskey”
“Tennessee Whiskey” is undisputedly Chris Stapleton‘s song, thanks to his 2015 cover. While many people know he isn’t the original singer, his runaway hit gave him ownership over this ballad. Factually, David Allan Coe was the first artist to put his spin on “Tennessee Whiskey,” back in 1981. Coe’s version is less bluesy than Stapleton’s. It is lacking the agile runs on You’re as smooth as Tennessee whiskey / You’re as sweet as strawberry wine, but there is a simplicity to Coe’s rendition that gives the listener a dose of nostalgia. Coe’s rendition is all but obscured in many country fans’ minds, but it doesn’t erase the part he played in getting this song out to the masses.
“Always on My Mind”
When you hear the title “Always on My Mind,” odds are you think of either Willie Nelson or Elvis Presley. Those two men have delivered the most famous versions of this love song, but it was originally sung by a woman: Brenda Lee. The famed balladeer’s version is less country than Nelson’s, but has the same heartstring-tugging sentiment. Maybe I didn’t hold you / All those lonely, lonely times / And I guess I never told you / I’m so happy that you’re mine, she sings with her warm vocals. Nelson’s cover forever brought this song into the country fold, giving it a new legacy that endures today.
“Amarillo By Morning”
“Amarillo By Morning” is intrinsically tied to George Strait. It’s hard to imagine anyone else singing the words Amarillo by mornin’ / Up from San Antone / Everything that I got / Is just what I’ve got on. His cover helped not only bring this song back around, but also earned him name recognition. However, we have to give credit where it’s due. Terry Stafford was the first artist to record this country classic—a decade before Strait. Nowadays, no one really talks about Stafford’s version, but it certainly influenced Strait. We likely wouldn’t have been privy to Strait’s career if it weren’t for this well-timed cover.
(Photo by Rich Fury/ACMA2019/Getty Images for ACM)
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