Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

There’s Actually An Interesting Story On How Mel Tillis Ended Up Recording “Coca-Cola Cowboy”

Coca-Cola Cowboy + Mel Tillis
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

In 1979, Mel Tillis released “Coca-Cola Cowboy” as the first single off his album Mr. Entertainer.

The song became another country hit for Tillis, peaking at No. 5 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. It was also a hit in Canada, where it reached No. 3 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart. It truly is a stand-out among Mel Tillis songs

The Interesting Story Behind The Song

Written by Steve Dorff, Sandy Pinkard, Sam Atchley, and Bud Dain, “Coca-Cola Cowboy” tells the story of a man who had his lover on the run. While he got the “Eastwood smile and a Robert Redford hair,” his cowboy ways taught her how not to care anymore. So, she asked him to leave her alone as she moved on with another man.

While this country classic was such a hit, did you know that Mel Tillis totally disliked it? Even record producer Jimmy Bowen thought it was the “dumbest song he’d ever heard.”

Tillis had already established his musical abilities as a songwriter and a singer at the time of the release of “Coca-Cola Cowboy.” However, he wanted to expand his career into acting as well. So, he met up with producer Snuff Garrett, who was hired to produce the soundtrack for the action-comedy film Every Which Way But Loose that will star iconic actor Clint Eastwood.

Garrett agreed for Tillis to be in the movie. However, when Garrett played him some potential songs to record, neither of which fascinated him. So, Tillis told Garrett he would write a couple of his own for the film – to which Garrett strongly disagreed. He told Tillis to record the songs or stop thinking about appearing in the movie.

With a little to no choice, Tillis cut “Coca-Cola Cowboy” – along with “Send Me Down To Tucson,” which went to No. 2 on the country music charts – and appeared in the movie.

Anyway, you can listen to “Coca-Cola Cowboy” by Mel Tillis in the video below.

Latest Stories

Mary MacGregor performs "Torn Between Two Lovers" live in the 1970s, holding a microphone with a soft, emotional expression that captures the song’s quiet heartbreak.

“Torn Between Two Lovers” Might Be the Most Soft-Spoken Cheating Song Country Music Ever Adopted

In a decade full of outlaw anthems, trucking songs, and Conway Twitty slow burns, nobody saw this one coming. Released at the tail end of 1976, “Torn Between Two Lovers” ...

WWII Marine Corps veteran Don Graves, age 100, sits in a Nashville recording studio wearing a military hat and red shirt, having just signed his first country music record deal.

This WWII Veteran Just Signed His First Country Record Deal at 100 Years Old

There are country songs, and then there are country lives. Don Graves didn’t just live through one of the bloodiest battles in American history. He came home, built a life, ...

Split image of Toby Keith and Blake Shelton performing with guitars; highlights the backstory of how Shelton’s label passed on “I Wanna Talk About Me,” which became a massive hit for Keith.

Blake Shelton’s Label Rejected “I Wanna Talk About Me” and Toby Keith Turned It Into a Monster Hit

Every artist’s got one: the song that got away. For Blake Shelton, it just happens to be one of Toby Keith’s biggest bangers. Blake recently dropped by The Tonight Show ...

Split image of Zach Bryan performing live on stage with guitar and John Moreland playing guitar in a studio; reflects their public feud following a canceled collaboration.

Folk Musician John Moreland Says Zach Bryan Was Rude, a D*head, and Not Who You Think

Well, the gloves are off in Oklahoma. What started as a cryptic shot from Americana singer-songwriter John Moreland has now turned into a full-blown fallout with country megastar Zach Bryan, ...

Carrie Underwood appears as a judge on American Idol, amid speculation she may not return next season—not because of backlash, but because she knows she belongs on the stage, not behind the desk.

American Idol Was Renewed but Carrie Underwood Might Not Return for the Right Reasons

Carrie Underwood isn’t the problem with American Idol. In fact, she may have been the best thing that happened to the show this season. But if the rumors are true ...

Garth Brooks' Mississippi lawsuit was dismissed but the California case continues.

Garth Brooks’ Mississippi Lawsuit Is Over, But the California Case Is Just Getting Started

A Mississippi judge has dismissed Garth Brooks’ lawsuit against his former hairdresser as “moot,” ending one chapter of an ongoing legal battle. But don’t let that ruling fool you. The ...

George Strait, seen performing with his signature black cowboy hat and guitar, recently revealed he may only have five years left on the road

George Strait Says He Has “Maybe Five Good Years” Left to Tour and That Sound You Hear Is a Million Hearts Breaking

You never want to imagine a world where George Strait isn’t somewhere on a stage, guitar slung over his shoulder, letting the steel ring through the rafters while the crowd ...

Carrie Underwood speaks passionately as a guest judge on American Idol, wearing a floral purple outfit, while fans react online to her controversial critique.

Carrie Underwood Faces Idol Backlash After Fans Call Her Critique Rude and Unfair

Carrie Underwood knows a thing or two about American Idol pressure, but some viewers think she brought the wrong kind of heat this week. After Sunday and Monday’s Top 5 ...

Vince Gill smiles while playing guitar onstage at the Grand Ole Opry as his granddaughter Everly and daughter Jenny Gill join him, creating a touching three-generation family moment.

Vince Gill’s Granddaughter Everly Steals the Show with Surprise Grand Ole Opry Debut

There’s legacy, and then there’s bloodline. And when you’re Vince Gill’s granddaughter, stepping onto the Grand Ole Opry stage isn’t just a “moment”, it’s a birthright. On Saturday, May 3, ...

George Strait pays tribute to Johnny Rodriguez following the late singer’s passing.

George Strait Honors Late Country Legend Johnny Rodriguez With a Heartfelt Tribute

Country music legend Johnny Rodriguez, one of the genre’s most groundbreaking voices and its first major Mexican American star, died Friday, May 9, in San Antonio at 73. His daughter, ...