Trisha Yearwood's "Walkaway Joe": The Journey Of A Country Classic

Trisha Yearwood scored one of the biggest hits of her career with "Walkaway Joe," but in a new interview, she reveals that another country artist came close to cutting the song before she could. In her conversation with Nick Hoffman on Apple Music Country, Yearwood shared the fascinating backstory of this iconic track. It was originally on hold by the famous duo, The Judds, who had plans to record it before their eventual disbandment. This unexpected turn of events opened the door for Yearwood to claim the song as her own, leading to a breakout moment in her career.

Yearwood elaborated on how the Judds had a few songs on hold, including "Walkaway Joe." However, due to Naomi Judd's health struggles, the duo disbanded, giving Wynonna the chance to pursue a solo career. As a result, the songs that were previously reserved for them were released back into circulation, allowing Yearwood to seize the opportunity and make the song her own. This moment not only highlights the unpredictability of the music industry but also showcases Yearwood's perseverance and talent.

In 1992, Yearwood released "Walkaway Joe" as the second single from her sophomore album, Hearts in Armor. The track quickly climbed the charts, reaching No. 2 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. The music video featured a young Matthew McConaughey, marking one of his early roles before he became a household name. Yearwood's collaboration with Eagles singer Don Henley on the song added a unique touch that contributed to its success, revealing the importance of networking and boldness in the music industry.