If you’re a country music fan, you’ve likely heard George Strait’s classic hit “The Chair.” Released in 1985, this song has become a staple of the genre and has been covered by countless artists since its release. But who wrote this iconic tune that has stood the test of time? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the writers behind “The Chair.”
Hank Cochran
Hank Cochran was a prolific country songwriter, penning hits for artists such as Patsy Cline, Eddy Arnold, and Ray Price. Born in 1935 in Mississippi, Cochran began his professional career as a performer, but soon found greater success as a songwriter. He moved to Nashville in the early 1960s and began working with Pamper Music, a publishing company owned by Ray Price.
Cochran’s talent for songwriting was evident from the start, and he quickly became a go-to writer for many of Nashville’s biggest stars. His hits include “I Fall to Pieces” for Patsy Cline, “Make the World Go Away” for Eddy Arnold, and “Don’t Touch Me” for Jeannie Seely. Cochran’s ability to craft emotional, relatable lyrics made him one of the most sought-after writers in Nashville.
Dean Dillon
Dean Dillon is another celebrated country songwriter, known for his work with George Strait and other artists. Born in 1955 in Missouri, Dillon moved to Nashville in the late 1970s and began writing songs for various publishing companies. His breakthrough came in 1981 when he wrote “Lying Eyes” for The Eagles, which became a massive hit.
Dillon’s collaborations with George Strait yielded some of the biggest hits of both men’s careers, including “The Chair,” “Ocean Front Property,” and “Easy Come, Easy Go.” Dillon’s ability to craft catchy, upbeat country tunes made him a popular choice for many of Nashville’s top performers.
The Story Behind “The Chair”
“The Chair” was born out of a writing session between Cochran and Dillon in the early 1980s. The two writers were looking to create a lighthearted, playful song that would showcase George Strait’s smooth vocals. The resulting tune tells the story of a man attempting to woo a woman in a bar, using a chair as a metaphor for their budding relationship.
The song’s simple, catchy melody and clever lyrics struck a chord with audiences, and it quickly became a hit for George Strait. The track’s playful tone and romantic overtones made it a favorite of fans and critics alike, and it remains one of Strait’s most beloved songs to this day.
The Legacy of “The Chair”
“The Chair” has become a classic of the country genre, and its influence can be heard in countless songs that have followed in its wake. The tune’s simple melody and timeless lyrics make it a favorite of both fans and performers, and it has been covered by artists ranging from Miranda Lambert to Brad Paisley.
The song’s lasting popularity is a testament to the talents of Hank Cochran and Dean Dillon, two of Nashville’s most gifted songwriters. Their ability to craft a tune that perfectly captures the essence of country music has cemented their place in music history, and “The Chair” stands as a shining example of their talents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “The Chair” is a classic country hit written by two of Nashville’s most celebrated songwriters. Hank Cochran’s emotional, relatable lyrics combined with Dean Dillon’s knack for catchy melodies created a tune that has stood the test of time. If you’re a fan of country music, chances are you’ll be singing along every time you hear George Strait croon the famous lines, “Well excuse me, but I think you’ve got my chair.”
FAQ
Who writes most of George Strait songs?
When it comes to country music, one name that will certainly come to mind is George Strait. Known as the “King of Country” music, George Strait has been a prominent figure in the industry since the early 1980s. With his unmatched talent for singing, Strait has continued to win over audiences, and produce chart-topping hits throughout his impressive career. However, Strait is not solely responsible for the creation of his music. It takes a team of talented songwriters to craft the lyrics and melodies that resonate so well with his fans.
One of the most notable songwriters that has contributed to George Strait’s music is Dean Dillon. Dillon has been working with Strait from the early days of his career, penning some of the most beloved songs in the country music industry. In fact, Dillon has co-written more than 70 of the songs recorded by George Strait. Some of the most famous songs that Dillon has written for Strait include “The Chair,” “Easy Come, Easy Go,” “Marina Del Rey,” and “Ocean Front Property.”
Dillon’s collaboration with Strait began when the two met in Nashville in the early 1970s. Dillon recognized Strait’s talent as a singer and offered to write him a song. This led to a long-standing partnership between the two artists that would launch both of their careers to new heights. As time went on, Dillon’s partnership with Strait would become one of the most fruitful and successful in the industry.
While Dillon is credited with writing the bulk of George Strait’s songs, he’s not the only talented songwriter that has contributed to Strait’s success. There are many other talented songwriters that have contributed to Strait’s discography, including Jim Lauderdale, Aaron Barker, and Tony Brown, among others.
Dean Dillon is one of the most influential songwriters in the country music industry, largely due to his partnership with George Strait. His impressive collaboration with Strait has contributed greatly to George Strait’s success, cementing both of their names in the annals of country music history. With no signs of slowing down, it’s clear that Dillon’s and Strait’s partnership will continue to produce music that will captivate fans for years to come.
How many songs did Dean Dillon wrote for George Strait?
Dean Dillon is a highly renowned and respected songwriter who has made a notable impact in the country music industry. He is widely known for his collaborations with George Strait, a country music icon who has made a name for himself with his unique sound and timeless hits. It is often said that Dean Dillon has been instrumental in shaping and defining George Strait’s musical legacy.
Over the years, Dean Dillon has written more than 60 songs that have been recorded by George Strait. These include some of the singer’s biggest and most popular hits, such as “Unwound,” “The Chair,” “Nobody in His Right Mind Would Have Left Her,” “Ocean Front Property,” and “Here for a Good Time.” These songs have gone on to become classics in the country music canon and have helped cement George Strait’s status as one of the most beloved and successful artists in the genre.
What makes Dean Dillon such a sought-after songwriter is his ability to craft songs that are both timeless and authentic. He is known for his ability to tell stories that resonate with listeners, using simple yet powerful language and imagery to convey complex emotions and ideas. He is equally skilled at writing upbeat, catchy songs that get audiences on their feet, as well as more introspective ballads that touch the heart and soul.
Dean Dillon’s contributions to George Strait’s musical career have been significant and enduring. Not only has he provided the singer with some of his biggest hits, but he has also helped shape the sound and style that have made George Strait one of the most beloved figures in country music. Dean Dillon’s legacy as a songwriter is secure and his impact on the genre will be felt for many years to come.
Did George Strait ever write any of his songs?
George Strait is best known for his distinctive style of music and his impressive collection of country hits. He has been a major figure in the genre since the 1980s, and over the course of his career, he has released dozens of hit singles and albums. Strait’s music is known for its traditional country sound, and his songs have touched the hearts of millions of fans around the world.
When it comes to songwriting, Strait has not been as prolific as some other artists in the genre. While he is primarily known as a performer, Strait has written some of his own songs over the years. In fact, before he became a successful solo artist, Strait wrote much of the material for his Ace in the Hole Band, including “That Don’t Change The Way I Feel About You,” and “I Can’t Go On Dying Like This,” which were released on the Houston-based D Records label.
However, the vast majority of Strait’s hits were written by other songwriters. Strait has always been selective about the songs he records, and he has worked with some of the best writers in the business. His early hits were written by legends like Dean Dillon and Hank Cochran, and he has continued to rely on top-notch songwriters throughout his career.
Despite not writing many of his own songs, Strait has always been closely involved in the song selection process. He carefully chooses material that fits his style and speaks to his fans, and his ability to interpret songs has made him one of the most beloved performers in country music.
George Strait has written some of his own songs, but the majority of his hits were written by other songwriters. While he may not be as prolific of a songwriter as some others in the genre, his ability to interpret songs and his careful selection of material have made him one of the most respected and beloved artists in country music history.
Where is Dean Dillon from?
Dean Dillon, whose real name is Larry Dean Flynn, was born on March 26, 1955, in Lake City, a small town in East Tennessee. However, Dean’s childhood was not an easy one as his father left the family when he was born, leaving his mother to raise him on her own. Dean was uprooted multiple times during his childhood and moved to different places to live with different family members. He spent time in Michigan, Virginia, and again in Tennessee.
Despite the challenges he faced growing up, Dean developed a love for music, and at the age of seven, he learned to play the guitar. Throughout his teenage years, he played in various bands and performed at local venues. However, it was not until he moved to Nashville in the 1970s that he began to make a name for himself as a songwriter.
In Nashville, Dean signed his first publishing deal and began writing songs for various artists. He quickly gained a reputation as one of the best songwriters in town and began working with top artists such as George Strait, Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, and Brooks & Dunn. Over the years, Dean has written numerous hit songs, including “Tennessee Whiskey,” “The Chair,” and “Ocean Front Property.”
Despite his success as a songwriter, Dean has never forgotten his roots in East Tennessee. He often incorporates his experiences growing up in his songwriting and has said that his upbringing played a significant role in shaping his music. Today, Dean Dillon is considered one of the greatest songwriters in country music history and continues to write chart-topping hits for today’s biggest stars.
