Introduction:
“Honky Tonkin’s What I Do Best” is a vibrant and energetic collaboration between country music artists Marty Stuart and Travis Tritt. The song was released in April 1996 as the lead single and title track from Marty Stuart’s album, also titled “Honky Tonkin’s What I Do Best”, which was released in June of the same year. This lively track firmly falls within the country music genre, specifically embracing the honky-tonk and neo-traditional country sounds that both artists are known for.
The song, penned solely by Marty Stuart, is an upbeat anthem celebrating the joys and simple pleasures of honky-tonkin’ – enjoying the music, dancing, and atmosphere of a traditional country bar. Travis Tritt’s distinctive vocals blend seamlessly with Stuart’s, creating a dynamic and authentic country sound that resonated with audiences.
While “Honky Tonkin’s What I Do Best” didn’t reach the very top of the charts, it achieved notable success within the country music landscape. It peaked at number 23 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and reached number 8 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart. This chart performance demonstrated its popularity among country music fans and its strong presence on the airwaves.
Beyond its commercial success, the song garnered critical recognition, earning a nomination for CMA Vocal Event of the Year in 1996. This nomination highlighted the successful collaboration between Stuart and Tritt and the song’s impact within the industry. “Honky Tonkin’s What I Do Best” has since become a beloved track in both artists’ catalogs, frequently featured in their live performances and remembered as a quintessential honky-tonk tune of the mid-1990s. Its enduring appeal lies in its infectious energy and its authentic celebration of classic country traditions.
