Johnny Paycheck and George Strait starkly contrast each other. Not in terms of musical styles, but in terms of their general disposition and habits. Strait is a clean-cut, rule-following, fan-favorite, people pleaser, and one of the most commercial faces in country music. On the contrary, Paycheck was rough, gruff, tough, and often found himself on the wrong side of the law. Matter of fact, Paycheck’s criminal ways actually helped Strait kickstart his career.
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In 1981, George Strait released his hit song, “Unwound.” The song marked a major tipping point in Strait’s career as it became his first major hit. Following its 1981 release, “Unwound” peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. However, the song was never meant for George Strait. Rather, songwriters Dean Dillon and Frank Dycus originally wrote the track for Johnny Paycheck. Although, at the time of the song’s creation, Johnny Paycheck was in jail and unable to record the track.
How Paycheck’s Misfortune Helped Launch George Strait’s Career
Historically, Paycheck has had a lot of issues with the law. Most notably, in 1985, Paycheck shot a man in a bar in Ohio and was then convicted of aggravated assault. Subsequently, Paycheck started his seven-year prison sentence in 1989, but he only served two years, given that the Ohio governor at the time pardoned him. Prior to that, Paycheck also served two years in a military prison for assaulting a naval officer.
Needless to say, Paycheck has quite a record. However, the reasoning behind his 1981 arrest and jail sentence remains unclear. Regardless, Paycheck’s misfortune and mistake ultimately led to arguably the most successful country music career of all time. Before Strait released “Unwound” in 1981, he was not a household name. Although after he did, his name and sound graced the ears of country music fans across the country.
“Unwound” was the lead single for Strait’s debut album, Strait Country. With the help of the single, Strait Country peaked at No. 26 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA. It’s pretty crazy to believe that Paycheck’s 1981 arrest had one of the most monumental butterfly effects in the history of country music. And today, April 23, marks the 44th anniversary of the release of George Strait’s first top 10 hit, “Unwound.” Brutal for Johnny Paycheck, but beneficial for George “The King of Country Music” Strait.
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