Garth Brooks’ Biggest Song Was Originally Supposed To Be Recorded By George Strait

Takin’ a little trip down memory lane..

Back in 1989, “Friends In Low Places,” written by Earl Bud Lee and Dewayne Blackwell, was originally intended to be a George Strait song.

Arguably the biggest hit of Garth Brooks‘ career, the track was sent to him before he had ever released an album with the intention of being recorded as a demo for George Strait. Fast forward a year later, and the King never decided to cut it.

“The reason they asked me to do the demo was because I wanted to be George Strait for years, so I do a pretty good impersonation of him. ‘Friends in Low Places’ was the last demo session I ever did as a singer. I sang the session out in Hendersonville, and for the next two weeks, the chorus to this song kept running through my head…

I asked Bud Lee and Dewayne if I could hold on to it and, without a blink of an eye, they both said yes. Putting that kind of faith in an unknown artist is unheard of. Thanks Dewayne and Bud for believing in me.”

The song went on to become the lead-single for Brooks’ second album, “No Fences,” which is now certified 18X Diamond. It also went on to win Single Of The Year at both the ACM’s and CMA’s in 1990 and is now, a go-to song for many cover bands and drunk karaoke singers.

As of now, it isn’t known if Strait actually heard the song and passed on recording it himself, or if someone on his team listened and decided it wasn’t meant for him. Regardless, he wasn’t hurtin’ for hits.

Oh, and while I’m at it….put your damn music on all streaming platforms already, Garth.

– Sincerely, everyone.