About the song
“A Few Ole Country Boys” is a memorable duet recorded by Randy Travis and George Jones, released in November 1990. This song was the lead single from both artists’ albums of duets: Travis’s *Heroes & Friends* and Jones’s *Friends in High Places*. It achieved notable success on the charts, peaking at number 8 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and reaching number 4 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart.
The song was crafted by Troy Seals and Mentor Williams and reflects a blend of classic and contemporary country music styles. By the early 1990s, Randy Travis was recognized as a leading figure in the “new traditionalist” movement. This movement aimed to revive the traditional honky-tonk sound and classic country vocals that George Jones had championed throughout his career. Travis, along with other artists like Dwight Yoakam and Ricky Van Shelton, played a role in bringing back this traditional sound at a time when country radio was increasingly focusing on younger artists.
“A Few Ole Country Boys” holds a special place in country music history as it made George Jones the only artist to have a Top 10 hit in five consecutive decades. This achievement is a testament to Jones’s enduring influence and relevance in the genre. In his 1995 memoir *I Lived to Tell It All*, Jones expressed admiration for Travis, praising his talent and lamenting how the industry had shifted focus away from veteran artists. The song itself features a playful nod to Jones’s distinctive vocal style, with Travis even parodying Jones’s unique phrasing at the end of the track.
Overall, “A Few Ole Country Boys” stands as a celebration of the classic country sound and the bond between two influential artists. Its success not only highlights the respect between Travis and Jones but also underscores the lasting impact of traditional country music.
Video
Lyrics
Not too many years ago when dreams was coming true
I’d reach for inspiration, sometimes it would be you
I’d hear you on the radio, I sure did like your sound
Say it’s good to know there’s still a few ol’ country boys aroundFrom the smoke it’s hard to tell what’s coming down the line
We heard you were a fast train coming out of Caroline
We wondered what you were hauling when you rolled into to town
Say it’s good to know there’s still a few ol’ country boys aroundYou must have felt that same old feeling more than once or twice
Guitars pressed against our hearts under the neon lights
I’ve got to say that feeling is the best that I have found
Lord it’s good to know there’s still a few ol’ country boys aroundThere’s a lot of truth you know in our kind of songs
About the life you’re living and how love’s done you wrong
As long as there’s a jukebox and a honky tonk in town
It’s good to know there’s still a few ol’ country boys around
It’s good to know there’s still a few ol’ country boys around