King of the Mountain (George Jones song)

"King of the Mountain" a song written by Larry Boone and Paul Nelson. First recorded in 1991 by George Jones for his album And Along Came Jones, the song was also cut by Boone on his 1993 album Get in Line.

"King of the Mountain"
Single by George Strait
from the album Blue Clear Sky
B-side"I'd Just as Soon Go"
ReleasedDecember 16, 1996
GenreCountry
Length3:28Ń
LabelMCA
Songwriter(s)Larry Boone
Paul Nelson
Producer(s)Tony Brown
George Strait
George Strait singles chronology
"I Can Still Make Cheyenne"
(1996)
"King of the Mountain"
(1996)
"One Night at a Time"
(1997)

It was later covered by American country music artist George Strait, and was released in December 1996 as the fourth and final single from his album Blue Clear Sky. The song reached #19 in the United States and number 27 in Canada.[1] Even though the song was his lowest peaking single since 1992's, "Lovesick Blues", it was one of the most critically acclaimed country songs in years.[2]

Critical reception

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Deborah Evans Price, of Billboard magazine reviewed the song favorably, calling it a "lyrically powerful weeper, and Strait's performance exudes oceans of mournful regret."[3]

Chart performance

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"King of the Mountain" debuted at number 48 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks for the week of December 21, 1996.

Chart (1996–1997) Peak
position
Canada Country Tracks (RPM)[4] 27
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[5] 19

References

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  1. ^ George Strait: Billboard Singles. - Allmusic.
  2. ^ Billboard, April 19, 1997
  3. ^ Billboard, December 21, 1996
  4. ^ "Top RPM Country Tracks: Issue 9883." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. February 17, 1997. Retrieved July 17, 2013.
  5. ^ "George Strait Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard.