Old Red is a classic country song that has been recorded by different artists. It was written by Don Goodman, Paul Harrison, and James Bohon. The song tells the story of a prison dog named Old Red who helps a prisoner escape. The song has been covered by several artists and has become a favorite among country music fans. In this article, we will explore the history of the song, the artists who have recorded it, and answer some common questions about Old Red.
The History of Old Red
Old Red was first released in 1990 by country singer George Jones. The song was included in his album “You Oughta Be Here with Me.” It quickly became a hit and reached number 21 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The song’s success led to covers by other artists and its popularity has remained strong over the years.
The Story Behind Old Red
The song’s story is about a prisoner who is serving time in a Tennessee prison. The prisoner befriends a dog named Old Red, who is used to chase down prisoners who try to escape. The prisoner realizes that Old Red is loyal and decides to use him to escape from prison. The prisoner convinces the dog to help him by feeding him steak and sneaking him cigarettes. The prisoner eventually escapes with the help of Old Red and the two set off on their own adventure.
Artists Who Have Recorded Old Red
As mentioned earlier, Old Red has been covered by several artists throughout the years. Some of the most notable versions of the song include:
- George Jones – George Jones was the first artist to record Old Red. His version of the song remains one of the most popular.
- Blake Shelton – Blake Shelton’s version of the song was released in 2002. It appeared on his album “The Dreamer.”
- Kenny Rogers – Kenny Rogers covered Old Red on his album “Water & Bridges” in 2006.
- Tracy Byrd – Tracy Byrd’s version of Old Red was included in his album “Big Love” in 1996.
- John Anderson – John Anderson recorded Old Red on his album “Takin’ the Country Back” in 1993.
Comparison of Different Versions
While each artist’s version of Old Red remains faithful to the song’s story, they each have their own unique style. Below is a comparison of some of the most popular versions of the song:
| Artist | Release Date | Chart Performance | Style |
| George Jones | 1990 | #21 (Hot Country Songs) | Traditional country |
| Blake Shelton | 2002 | #14 (Hot Country Songs) | Contemporary country |
| Tracy Byrd | 1996 | N/A | Traditional country |
Common Questions About Old Red
What Is the Song Old Red About?
The song tells the story of a prisoner who befriends the prison dog, Old Red. The prisoner uses the dog’s loyalty to help him escape from prison.
Who Wrote Old Red?
The song was written by Don Goodman, Paul Harrison, and James Bohon.
Who Recorded Old Red?
Old Red has been recorded by several artists including George Jones, Blake Shelton, Kenny Rogers, Tracy Byrd, and John Anderson.
What Genre Is Old Red?
Old Red is a classic country song that tells a story.
What Is the Best Version of Old Red?
There is no one “best” version of Old Red as each artist brings their own unique style to the song.
What Album Is Old Red On?
Old Red has been included in several albums by different artists. Some of the most notable include “You Oughta Be Here with Me” by George Jones, “The Dreamer” by Blake Shelton, and “Water & Bridges” by Kenny Rogers.
What Other Songs Are Like Old Red?
If you enjoy Old Red, you might also like other classic country songs that tell stories such as “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers, “El Paso” by Marty Robbins, and “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash.
Is Old Red Based on a True Story?
The story in the song is fictional and is not based on a true story. However, it is inspired by the concept of loyalty and the bond between a dog and their owner.
What Happens to Old Red at the End of the Song?
The song does not give a clear answer as to what happens to Old Red at the end. However, it is implied that he continues living with the prisoner after they escape from prison.
What Is the Chorus of Old Red?
The chorus of Old Red goes:
And the warden sang, ‘Come on somebody
Why don’t you run
Ol’ Red’s itchin’ to have a little fun
Get my lantern
Get my gun
Red’ll have you treed
Why Is Old Red Such a Popular Song?
Old Red is a popular song because of its catchy tune, memorable chorus, and the story it tells. It is a classic country song that has been covered by several artists and remains a favorite among country music fans.
Conclusion
Old Red is a classic country song that has remained popular since its release in 1990. The song tells the story of a prisoner and his loyal dog, Old Red, who helps him escape from prison. The song has been covered by several artists including George Jones, Blake Shelton, Kenny Rogers, Tracy Byrd, and John Anderson. Despite their different styles, each artist’s version is faithful to the song’s story. Old Red remains a favorite among country music fans and its popularity is likely to continue for years to come.