Watch the video at the end of this article.
Introduction
A George Strait and Willie Nelson duet of “Good Hearted Woman” is a nonexistent song. The original hit was a collaboration between Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, released in 1972. Strait has never recorded a version of the song with Nelson.
The True Story of “Good Hearted Woman”
While it’s a common desire among country music fans to imagine a collaboration between George Strait and Willie Nelson on a classic like “Good Hearted Woman,” the reality is the song is a cornerstone of the outlaw country movement and belongs to Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. The song was a massive hit, reaching number three on the U.S. country charts and becoming one of the duo’s most recognized songs.
The song was co-written by Jennings and Nelson after Nelson heard a commercial for a Tina Turner song that described her as a “good hearted woman loving a good timin’ man.” This phrase struck a chord with Nelson, who shared the idea with Jennings, and they wrote the song together during a poker game on a flight.
George Strait’s Connection to the Song
George Strait has never publicly recorded or performed “Good Hearted Woman” with Willie Nelson. Strait’s iconic sound is more aligned with traditional country music, often referred to as “neotraditional country.” While his style is different from the outlaw country movement of Jennings and Nelson, he has deep respect for the genre’s pioneers. Strait’s discography is extensive and features many of his own legendary hits, but this particular duet isn’t one of them.
The Legacy of Waylon & Willie
The collaboration between Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson was instrumental in defining the outlaw country genre. Their music, which often explored themes of rebellion and individual freedom, provided a stark contrast to the slick, polished sound of mainstream country music in Nashville at the time. Their partnership, especially on albums like Wanted! The Outlaws, solidified their status as legends and changed the course of country music forever.