Unraveling the Tale of “Murder on Music Row”
Larry Cordle and Larry Schell, both struggling songwriters, found themselves entangled in a unique collaboration that birthed a song that would echo through the halls of country music history. Their journey began with a phone call in 1999 when Schell proposed an unconventional idea for a song to Cordle. This idea, which would later become “Murder on Music Row,” intrigued Cordle, who immediately recognized the potential behind the title’s play on words.
Despite Cordle’s initial reluctance due to his ongoing commitments, he couldn’t resist the allure of this groundbreaking concept. The duo quickly set to work, and within a few short hours, their masterpiece was born. Cordle, primarily a bluegrass artist at the time, didn’t envision the song fitting within his genre but recognized its potential impact in traditional country music.
Taking a bold step, Cordle decided to test the waters by performing “Murder on Music Row” at prominent Nashville venues frequented by industry insiders. The overwhelming response validated their creation, prompting Cordle to include it as a demo in his bluegrass album sessions. However, he took an unconventional approach to distribution, wrapping the demo in crime scene tape and presenting it to DJ Carl P. Mayfield at WKDF-FM.
Mayfield’s enthusiastic reception of the song sparked a whirlwind of attention, catapulting “Murder on Music Row” into the spotlight. Through Mayfield’s dedication, the song gained prominence on airwaves, catching the ear of George Strait’s longtime associate, Erv Woolsey. Woolsey wasted no time in pitching the song to Strait, who saw its potential as a collaboration with Alan Jackson.
As fate would have it, “Murder on Music Row” became a pivotal moment in country music history, earning critical acclaim despite its unconventional journey. Despite initial concerns of backlash, the song garnered widespread praise, culminating in the prestigious honor of being named the Country Music Association’s “Song of the Year” in 2001.
With no formal promotion, the song found its way onto radio playlists directly from George Strait’s collection, defying expectations and climbing to #38 on Billboard’s country singles chart. Additionally, George and Alan’s collaborative effort earned them the esteemed title of the CMA’s “Vocal Event of the Year” in 2001, cementing “Murder on Music Row” as a timeless testament to the resilience and creativity of country music.
- Artist: George Strait,Alan Jackson
- Released: 2000
- Album: Latest Greatest Straitest Hits
Lyrics
Nobody saw him running from sixteenth avenue.
They never found the fingerprint or the weapon that was used.
But someone killed country music, cut out its heart and soul.
They got away with murder down on music row.
The almighty dollar and the lust for worldwide fame
Slowly killed tradition and for that someone should hang
(oh, you tell them Alan).
They all say not guilty, but the evidence will show
That murder was committed down on music row.
For the steel guitars no longer cry and fiddles barely play,
But drums and rock ‘n roll guitars are mixed up in your face.
Old Hank wouldn’t have a chance on today’s radio
Since they committed murder down on music row.
They thought no one would miss it, once it was dead and gone
They said no one would buy them old drinking and cheating songs (I’ll still buy’em)
Well there ain’t no justice in it and the hard facts are cold
Murder’s been committed down on music row.
Oh, the steel guitars no longer cry and you can’t hear fiddles play
With drums and rock ‘n roll guitars mixed right up in your face
Why, the Hag, he wouldn’t have a chance on today’s radio
Since they committed murder down on music row
Why, they even tell the Possum to pack up and go back home
There’s been an awful murder down on music row.
