Forever Country Cover Series: Drake White Covers Waylon Jennings’ ‘Good Hearted Woman’

"I chose it to honor the women who put up with guys on the road and put up with just a tough, rough-around-the-edges man," explained White.

Written by Kelly Brickey
Forever Country Cover Series: Drake White Covers Waylon Jennings’ ‘Good Hearted Woman’
Photo via YouTube

In order to channel the ways of two of his heroes, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, Drake White decided to take on the task of covering Jennings’ classic hit, “Good Hearted Woman.”

As a fan of the musicians who spent their lives away on the road and going on crazy adventures too insane to speak of back at home, White was reminded of the people he grew up around and how the small town lifestyle somewhat mirrored what “Good Hearted Woman” is all about.

“The reason I chose to cover ‘Good Hearted Woman’ is I grew up around a lot of women who had ramble-rousing husbands,” White explained exclusively to Sounds Like Nashville. “You know we grew up in the South, rural communities, small towns where everybody knew everybody’s problems and I remember ridin’ in an old CJ7 Jeep. You know many, many sunsets with my buddy’s dad and listenin’ to Willie and Waylon. I’ve always wanted to be a part of that ‘Road Warrior Class’ that Willie and Waylon and the Highway Men were. So I chose it to honor the women who put up with guys on the road and put up with just a tough, rough-around-the-edges man.”

While White himself notes that he doesn’t find himself within that particular situation, he still believes the song is representative of his background and that’s what draws the deep emotional connection to the track.

“Good Hearted Woman” by Jennings won Single of the Year back in 1976 and has remained a staple in country music ever since.

Fans interested in more “Forever Country” covers and content regarding the 50th Annual CMA Awards can access loads of fun interactive details on the celebration’s website. Located on the site includes music, behind-the-scenes videos, a sweepstakes and so much more.

The 50th Annual CMA Awards will be broadcasted live from the Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville on Wednesday, November 2, at 8 p.m. on ABC.