Unveiling the Tale Behind Ricky Skaggs’s Hit Song “Country Boy”
In the vibrant world of country music, Ricky Skaggs left an indelible mark, much like a skilled archer aiming for the bullseye. While his journey to the summit of the Billboard charts was not without its hurdles, Skaggs ultimately triumphed with his toe-tapping classic, “Country Boy.” This song, penned by the talented trio of Tony Colton, Ray Smith, and the British guitar virtuoso Albert Lee, would etch its name into the annals of country music history.
Skaggs, no stranger to the upper echelons of the Billboard charts, had previously come tantalizingly close to securing his ninth number one hit with “Something In My Heart,” only to be thwarted by Conway Twitty’s formidable “Ain’t She Somethin’ Else.” However, the second attempt proved to be the charm, as “Country Boy” not only clinched the coveted number one spot but also bestowed upon Skaggs the prestigious CMA “Entertainer of the Year” award.
The heart and soul of “Country Boy” were originally conceived by the illustrious Albert Lee back in 1971, during his tenure with the band Head, Hands And Feet. Lee, renowned for his fiery guitar skills, had left an indelible imprint on the rock music scene of the 1960s, influencing the likes of Jimmy Page and Steve Howe. His musical journey saw him share stages with legends such as Jackson Browne, Joe Cocker, and Eric Clapton.
By the mid-’70s, Albert Lee had firmly planted his roots in the country music soil, taking over the reins from James Burton as a member of Emmylou Harris’s Hot Band in 1976. His nimble fingers contributed to Harris’s chart-toppers like “Making Believe” and “Two More Bottles Of Wine.” Lee’s magic touch also graced Rosanne Cash’s 1981 hit “My Baby Thinks He’s A Train” and the 1987 album “Trio,” a collaboration featuring Harris, Dolly Parton, and Linda Ronstadt.
The debut of “Country Boy” in 1971 marked the inception of a musical journey that would eventually lead Ricky Skaggs to its doors. Albert Lee included the song on his own album, “Hiding,” in 1979. In 1982, Karen Brooks put her unique spin on it, renaming it “Country Girl” for her “Walk On” LP. The final destination for “Country Boy” arrived in 1984 when Ricky Skaggs embraced it as the title track for his album.
Recording “Country Boy” was a piece of serendipity for Skaggs; it took just one take to capture its essence. While they did record another version for safety and hoped to outdo the initial take, the magic of that first attempt remained unparalleled. An interesting tidbit: “Country Boy” holds the distinction of being the only number one single that shares a connection with the beloved Porky Pig. The song’s instrumental outro briefly weaves in the iconic “Looney Tunes” theme.
Beyond its musical brilliance, “Country Boy” also pioneered an innovative country music video. Ricky Skaggs was joined by his hero and mentor, the legendary Bill Monroe, in the heart of New York City’s Times Square. Adding a dash of local flavor, the city’s mayor at the time, Edward Koch, made a cameo appearance, adding a touch of urban charm to the video.
On June 15, 1985, “Country Boy” ascended to the pinnacle of Billboard’s country singles chart, cementing its status as a timeless classic. The culmination of Skaggs’s journey with this song occurred in October when he clinched the coveted “Entertainer of the Year” award from the Country Music Association, a testament to the enduring magic of “Country Boy.”
Album: Country Boy
Artist: Ricky Skaggs
Released: 1984
Nominations: Country Music Association Award for Single of the Year,
Genres: Folk, Country
Lyrics
I may look like a city slicker,
Shinin’ up through his shoes.
Underneath I’m just a cotton picker,
Pickin’ out a mess of blues.
Show me where I start.
Find a horse and cart.
I’m just a country boy,
Country boy at heart.
I may look like a bank teller,
Pushing facts in a file.
But I’d rather be a haul collar,
Shooing foot home in style.
Show me where I start.
Find a horse and cart.
I’m just a country boy,
Country boy at heart.
I may look like a city slicker,
Shinin’ up through his shoes.
Underneath I’m just a cotton picker,
Pickin’ out a mess of blues.
Show me where I start.
Find a horse and cart.
I’m just a country boy,
Country boy at heart.
