Chris Young Was Pitched ‘Damn Strait’ Before Scotty McCreery; Here’s Why He Didn’t Record It

Scotty McCreery’s latest chart-topping hit, “Damn Strait,” was originally pitched to another country superstar. 

In a recent interview with Lon Helton on Country Countdown USA, Chris Young revealed that he was pitched “Damn Strait” before McCreery got his hands on it. 

“I know the writer of that song, and he pitched me that song first. But I had just released my album and it was going to be a few years before I could record it,” Young explained. 

The country hitmaker said he knew it would be a big song, but unfortunately for him, the timing just wasn’t right. 

“I told him to play it for everyone, because that song is a hit,” Young recalled. “I don’t think I’ve even told Scotty this. I told him I have no idea when the next single was going to come. This song was too good to sit on.”

Co-written by Jim Collins and Trent Tomlinson, “Damn Strait” ultimately found its way to McCreery, who cut it for his latest album, Same Truck. 

“He called me shortly after that to say ‘Scotty’s got it.’  And now it’s this huge #1 for them.” 

“Damn Strait” spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and marked McCreery’s fifth No. 1 hit.

The song, which has earned over 124 million streams, serves as a tribute to country music icon George Strait.

​​“This song is such a great tribute to one of my musical heroes, George Strait, while also using his song titles in a clever way to tell such a heartbreaking story. I’ve loved it from the moment I first heard it,” said McCreery. “It is one of my favorite songs that I’ve recorded, and the fans love it in concert as well. You can feel the anticipation in the air as they get ready to sing along on the chorus.” 

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McCreery will soon celebrate his No. 1 hit with fans at Gruene Hall in New Braunfels, Texas. Tickets for the show are on-sale now HERE.

“We’re celebrating the #1 song where the King got his start!” McCreery shared. ”See you soon, Texas!”

McCreery, who will soon release his new single “It Matters To Her” to country radio, is currently on the road playing the festival circuit as he awaits the arrival of his first child later this year.

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Meanwhile, Chris Young recently celebrated “Famous Friends” being certified 2x Platinum by the RIAA. The country hitmaker was also surprised with a platinum plaque for “Drowning.”

“Famous Friends” and “Drowning” both appear on Young’s latest project, Famous Friends (Deluxe Edition).

Young’s latest single, “At The End Of A Bar,” featuring Mitchell Tenpenny, continues to climb the charts at country radio where it currently sits in the Top 5.