Jerry Chesnut – Songwriter For The Stars
Over the course of his career, Jerry Chesnut penned songs for some of the biggest names in country music. Just a few of the many artists who sang some of his songs were George Jones, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton.
But Chesnut’s most well-known work was recorded by none other than “The King” himself, Elvis Presley.
https://twitter.com/JOIUSS2/status/1074637879891103745
That song was “T-R-O-U-B-L-E,” which Chesnut wrote entirely on his own. The upbeat and rowdy tune was recorded by Presley in 1975, and was released later that same year.
“The King of Rock and Roll” managed to take the track all the way to the 11th spot on the Hot Country Songs chart. It was also a crossover success, and peaked at the 35th position on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100.
But that wasn’t the end of the song’s success. 18 years after Presley’s original recording took storm, country music superstar Travis Tritt released his own rendition.
Travis Keeps The “Trouble” Going
Tritt upped the song’s rebellious nature, throwing in a bit of a Southern rock vibe that he became famous for including in his work. Once again, the song was a smash success, and claimed the 13th spot on the Hot Country Songs chart.
Chesnut’s work as a songwriter was so well-respected that he was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 1996…three years after Tritt’s rendition of “T-R-O-U-B-L-E” was a hit.
But songwriting wasn’t the only work that Chesnut took part in. He was also a regular guest star on the hit country music variety show Hee Haw throughout the 1970s.
Watched a Hee Haw rerun where the sitting Governor of Tennessee sang a duet with Minnie Pearl. The 70s were the best.
— Shameless Frontier Mayor and Booster (@jamesdecker2006) May 15, 2014
Some Sad News
After countless people grew up hearing Chesnut’s songs and watching him on Hee Haw, many were saddened when news broke that he died. Chesnut’s wife and friends spoke to News 4 out of Nashville to confirm that he passed away on Saturday (December 15). He was 87 years old.
Tritt responded to the news on social media, writing that he is sending his “deepest condolences” to Chesnut’s family and friends.
Sad to hear of the passing of songwriter Jerry Chesnut. My deepest condolences to all his family and friends. RIP Story Behind the Song: 'T-R-O-U-B-L-E' https://t.co/mw7sjVMCqq
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) December 16, 2018
Chesnut is survived by his wife and four daughters. As of press time, no funeral details have been revealed.
Though Chesnut may be gone, his legacy continues through the work he left behind. You can honor him by watching the below video of him performing the #2 hit he wrote for George Jones, “Good Year for the Roses.”
Our hearts and prayers go out to Chesnut’s wife, daughters, and all who loved him as they mourn his loss.