Unveiling the Untold Saga: George Jones and Merle Haggard‘s Journey Behind the Legendary Anthem “A Taste of Yesterday’s Wine”
In a remarkable twist of fate, a fabled melody emerged from the depths of country music’s archives. This is the untold story of George Jones and Merle Haggard, the maestros who breathed life into the timeless ballad, “A Taste of Yesterday’s Wine.”
It all began on a scorching July day in 1982 when New York City’s esteemed country station, WHN-AM, dared to unveil a bootlegged copy of the resounding tune. Little did they know that they were igniting a wildfire that would engulf the airwaves. The irresistible charm of “Yesterday’s Wine” captured hearts, earning it a well-deserved spot at the top of the charts.
However, the origins of this country masterpiece trace back to an earlier time, when Willie Nelson‘s creative genius penned the lyrics more than a decade prior. The enchanting interplay between Haggard and Jones breathed new life into Nelson’s creation, as their harmonies intertwined, creating a sonic tapestry that left listeners spellbound.
But the journey to musical bliss was not without its challenges. Haggard, fresh from recording a duet album with Nelson, found himself confronted with a predicament. His collaboration with the iconic Nelson had produced a treasure trove of music, but the album was put on hold due to an abundance of Nelson’s existing releases. Nevertheless, Nelson’s indelible mark as the songwriter of “Yesterday’s Wine” remained, a testament to his enduring talent.
The genesis of the song can be traced back to a serendipitous moment in Bandera, Texas. Nelson and his road band found themselves idly wandering the scenic landscapes, their days filled with leisurely rounds of golf. Fate intervened when Felton Jarvis, Nelson’s trusted producer at RCA, reached out, summoning the enigmatic troubadour to Nashville for an impromptu recording session. With the first session looming the next morning, Nelson was faced with a sleepless night and a daunting challenge.
Fuelled by sheer inspiration, Willie Nelson stayed awake through the night, his mind and pen dancing in perfect harmony. In a remarkable display of creative prowess, he conjured up nine songs for the two-day endeavor, with seven of them pouring forth on that very first night. It was an extraordinary display of spontaneous brilliance, with Nelson penning his thoughts as they flowed effortlessly from his soul. In addition to his new creations, Nelson polished a gem from his previous repertoire: “Family Bible.”
Nelson’s Nashville adventure would birth the groundbreaking “Yesterday’s Wine” album—a pioneering masterpiece that defied conventional boundaries. Brimming with personal introspection, Nelson’s songs served as heartfelt prayers and profound reflections on mortality, encapsulating the essence of the imperfect human experience. However, the innovative concept proved to be a perplexing enigma for RCA’s promotions department, leaving them bewildered about how to market the record. Consequently, the album failed to make an appearance on Billboard’s country album chart, much to the disappointment of RCA’s executives who panned the project. It was a bittersweet turning point in Nelson’s relationship with RCA Records.
Despite the initial setbacks, fate intervened once again, this time in the form of Merle Haggard. Recognizing the timeless allure of “Yesterday’s Wine” during his collaboration with Nelson on the “Pancho And Lefty” album, Haggard embraced the song’s significance. When he embarked on his duet project with George Jones, Haggard seized the opportunity, including the resplendent tune among the album’s repertoire.
Under the watchful guidance of renowned producer Billy Sherrill, Haggard and Jones breathed new life into “Yesterday’s Wine.” The album became a masterpiece of collaboration, with Haggard taking the lead in selecting the material to record. To Jones and Sherrill, it mattered not what the songs were—they embraced each melody with equal fervor.
The album’s success soared to unprecedented heights. “Yesterday’s Wine” was released as the lead single, soaring to the top of Billboard’s chart on October 9, 1982, securing its place in country music history. The resonant ballad struck a chord with fans worldwide, captivating their souls with its poignant lyrics and emotive melodies. Building upon this triumph, the duo released “C. C. Waterback,” a spirited anthem that climbed to number ten on the charts. Haggard’s celebratory gesture, purchasing thousands of C. C. Waterbacks, became a legendary tale in its own right, a testament to the indomitable spirit of country music.
As the album continued to captivate hearts, another gem emerged from its depths. “No Show Jones,” a lighthearted composition co-written by Jones and Glenn Martin, regaled listeners with tales of the Possum’s unpredictable track record for live performances. While considered for release as a third single, “No Show Jones” never received its moment in the spotlight.
Thus, the legacy of “A Taste of Yesterday’s Wine” became etched in the annals of country music. It stood as a testament to the indomitable spirit of collaboration, as two iconic voices, George Jones and Merle Haggard, wove their magic, transcending time and leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and souls of music lovers everywhere.
Artist: Merle Haggard
Released: 1982
Featured artist: George Jones
Album: A Taste of Yesterday’s Wine
Lyrics
Miracles appear in the strangest of places
Fancy me finding you here
The last time I saw you was just out of Houston
Let me sit down and buy you a beer
Your presence is welcome with me and my friend here
‘Cause this is a hangout of mine
We come here quite often to listen to music
And to taste yesterday’s wine
Yesterday’s wine, yesterday’s wine
Agin’ with time like yesterday’s wine
Yesterday’s wine, yesterday’s wine
We’re agin’ with time like yesterday’s wine
You give the appearance of one widely traveled
But lord, I’ll bet you’ve seen things in your time
Come sit down here with us and tell us your story
If it’s true you like yesterday’s wine
Yesterday’s wine, yesterday’s wine
We’re agin’ with time like yesterday’s wine
Yesterday’s wine, yesterday’s wine
We’re agin’ with time like yesterday’s wine
We’re agin’ with time like yesterday’s wine
