Tim McGraw Pays Tribute to Outlaw Country Legend Billy Joe Shaver with 'Old Chunk of Coal' Cover

Tim McGraw Pays Tribute to Outlaw Country Legend Billy Joe Shaver with 'Old Chunk of Coal' Cover

Tim McGraw has solidified his place in the Country Music Hall of Fame over the past 30 years. With 26 No. 1 singles, successful acting roles, and massive tours, McGraw has proven his versatility. While known for his smooth voice and hit songs, a video from 2011 showcases a different side of him. In the clip, McGraw and his band perform an acoustic version of “I’m Just an Old Chunk of Coal (But I’m Gonna Be a Diamond Some Day),” originally written by outlaw country legend Billy Joe Shaver.

The performance highlights McGraw’s ability to channel Shaver’s Texas twang and showcases the band’s infectious energy. Shaver, a key figure in the outlaw country movement, influenced artists like Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash. Despite not achieving mainstream success, Shaver’s legacy lives on through his timeless music. The fact that McGraw and his band chose to cover “Old Chunk of Coal” as a warm-up tune speaks volumes about the enduring impact of Shaver’s work.

In a genre dominated by chart-topping hits and awards, the homage paid to Billy Joe Shaver by Tim McGraw and his band underscores the lasting influence of the outlaw country legend. Shaver’s uncompromising spirit and raw talent continue to inspire generations of country artists, ensuring that his legacy remains alive in the hearts of fans and musicians alike.