Vintage

"Something more than me wrote that song. I'm convinced of that. I really had no idea where the song was coming from. There was something going through my head, which was my father."

Yoakam's country classic pays homage to the enduring spirit and authenticity of hillbilly music

In 1977, Johnny Paycheck's iconic country hit, "Take This Job and Shove It," not only topped the charts but also eerily foreshadowed the current era of the Great Resignation.

Written by Paul Overstreet, Al Gore, and Nat Stuckey, the song was a massive success, peaking at number one on both the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart.

"Skip a Rope" has also been covered by notable artists such as The Kentucky Headhunters on their 1989 debut album Pickin' on Nashville and by Charley Crockett on his 2021 album, Music City USA.

Although most people may be familiar with Alan Jackson's version, the original was actually written and recorded by Nat Stuckey in 1966.

The song's haunting melody and tragic story have made it a staple in the country music canon.

Through the use of imagery from the Book of Jonah, Lenoir expresses his struggles in the vocal & lyrical tradition of the blues.

His songs have been recorded by artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash & Hank Williams Jr.

Co-Writer Gary Gentry has said that there is a "mysterious magic" connected with this song, considering some of the coincidences or synchronicities that occurred during it's composition and performance.

As we continue to face challenges and changes it's interesting to wonder what Johnny Cash would think of the country today. What do you think he would sing about today if he were still alive?

"Good Hearted Woman" was released as a single in 1972 and was a hit, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

Despite Ray Charles' legendary status as a soul musician not too many people these days are aware of his take on this beloved song.

Notable recordings of the song include versions by Johnny Cash, Rex Allen, the Weavers, Linda Ronstadt, and Loudon Wainwright III.