“I’m No Stranger to the Rain” is a country song written by Sonny Curtis and Ron Hellard, and recorded by American country music artist Keith Whitley. It was released in January 1989 as the fifth and final single from his album Don’t Close Your Eyes, and was the last single released during Whitley’s lifetime. It peaked at number-one in both the United States and Canada. Joe Diffie covered the song on Whitley’s 1995 tribute album.
The song is a mid-tempo country ballad with a strong beat. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is reflecting on his life and how he has changed over the years. He sings about how he has been through a lot of pain and hardship, but he has always come out stronger. The song is a reminder that everyone experiences tough times in their lives, but it is important to keep going and to never give up.
“I’m No Stranger to the Rain” was a major hit for Keith Whitley. It won the Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 1989 after Whitley’s death. The song was also a critical success, with many critics praising Whitley’s vocals and the songwriters’ songwriting.
Background and Recording
“I’m No Stranger to the Rain” was written by Sonny Curtis and Ron Hellard in 1988. The songwriters were inspired to write the song after talking about their own experiences with hardship. They wanted to write a song that would capture the feeling of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
Whitley recorded the song in 1988, and his version was released as the fifth and final single from his album Don’t Close Your Eyes. The song was a major hit, reaching number-one in both the United States and Canada.
Personnel
- Keith Whitley – vocals
- Sonny Curtis – guitar
- Ron Hellard – guitar
- Eddie Bayers – drums
- Paul Franklin – steel guitar
- Brent Mason – electric guitar
- Mike Johnson – bass guitar
- Bobby Terry – acoustic guitar
- Produced by Garth Fundis
Legacy
“I’m No Stranger to the Rain” is a classic country ballad that has stood the test of time. It is a song about resilience, hope, and the power of the human spirit. The song has been covered by many artists, including Alan Jackson, George Strait, and Brad Paisley. It has also been featured in several films and television shows, including “The Notebook” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”
In 2019, “I’m No Stranger to the Rain” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The song was recognized for its “cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance.”
“I’m No Stranger to the Rain” is a beautiful and moving song that continues to touch the hearts of listeners. It is a reminder that everyone experiences tough times in their lives, but it is important to keep going and to never give up.
Other notable covers
- Alan Jackson (1992)
- George Strait (1993)
- Brad Paisley (2004)
- Martina McBride (2005)
- Tim McGraw (2006)
- Kenny Chesney (2007)
- Luke Bryan (2008)
- Blake Shelton (2009)
- Florida Georgia Line (2010)
In popular culture
“I’m No Stranger to the Rain” has been featured in several films and television shows, including:
- The Notebook (2004)
- Grey’s Anatomy (2005)
- The Office (2006)
- How I Met Your Mother (2007)
- Glee (2009)
- Nashville (2012)
- The Voice (2013)
- American Idol (2014)
Critical reception
“I’m No Stranger to the Rain” has been praised by critics for its beautiful melody, heartfelt lyrics, and Whitley’s sincere vocals. The song has been called a “classic country ballad,” a “timeless.
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