The Chair: The Story Behind George Strait's Timeless Country Classic
George Strait's iconic song, "The Chair," is a beloved country classic that holds a special connection to Willie Nelson. Co-written by Dean Dillon and Hank Cochran, the song quickly became a chart-topping hit for Strait in 1985. The story behind the creation of "The Chair" is as charming as the song itself, with Dillon recalling how the melody was inspired by Nelson's "Crazy."
During a creative session on a boat behind Peter Pulitzer's house, Dillon and Cochran penned the lyrics for "The Chair" in record time. However, when it came to finalizing the melody for the chorus, Cochran suggested a tune that Dillon recognized from Nelson's "Crazy." Despite initial reservations, Cochran assured Dillon that the melody was in the public domain and Nelson wouldn't mind.
Strait's recording of "The Chair" on his album "Something Special" propelled the song to the top of the charts, where it remained for 22 weeks. Decades later, the song continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest country songs of all time, earning Platinum certification and amassing millions of streams on Spotify. Despite the melody's origins, "The Chair" remains a timeless masterpiece in country music history.
For more insights into the creation of George Strait's greatest hits, check out Dean Dillon's interview on the Musical Miles Podcast. And don't miss the official music video for "The Chair" to experience the magic of this classic country tune.