Who First Recorded Tennessee Whiskey?
Sometimes it seems only fitting that a song as iconic as “Tennessee Whiskey” has an origin story that feels like a movie. Originally written by songwriter Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove, the track was first recorded in 1981 by George Jones and became an anthem of sorts over the next few decades. But who was the earliest recording artist to capture Tennessee Whiskey on vinyl? Let’s dive into the history of this classic tune.
The Early 80s Recording by George Jones
It’s no surprise that George Jones was the first artist to record “Tennessee Whiskey.” Country music fans everywhere know and love this man who was often called “the greatest living country singer” for his unique voice and performance style. Jones certainly put his own twist on the brand new song, and it soon became a hit on the country music charts.
The Jones/Stapleton Re-Recording
Although George Jones was the first artist to record “Tennessee Whiskey”, it wasn’t until 2015 that the song truly became an anthem. That year, Jones’ fellow country singer Chris Stapleton re-recorded the track as a recording with Jones, providing a modern-day spin on the Tennessee Whiskey classic. The two singers’ versions of the song helped to reignite the “Tennessee Whiskey” craze, becoming a viral hit on social networks and YouTube.
The Remakes by Eric Church, Chris Young & Others
The reverberations from the George Jones/Chris Stapleton version of “Tennessee Whiskey” are still being felt across the country music industry today. Over the years, many other country stars have covered the song, including Eric Church, Chris Young, Alan Jackson, and numerous others. Each interpretation of the song has been stunning in its own way, each artist adding a bit of flavor to the mix.
The Enduring Power of Tennessee Whiskey
It’s hard to believe that “Tennessee Whiskey” is so far removed from its beginnings in 1981. The song has captured the memories of millions of music fans over the years, and it still has the power to do so today. For whatever reason, this piece of music works its magic on nearly every listener, that indelible hook and George Jones’ version serving as a reminder of the pure emotion of country music.
