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Reba McEntire Inspired Sugarland's Grammy-Winning 'Stay'
29 Sep
Summary
- Jennifer Nettles wrote 'Stay' inspired by a Reba McEntire song.
- The song explores the perspective of the 'other woman' in an affair.
- Record label initially doubted the five-minute acoustic ballad's success.
Jennifer Nettles shared that Sugarland's impactful song 'Stay' drew inspiration from Reba McEntire's 1987 hit, 'Whoever's in New England.' Nettles recounted listening to McEntire's ballad and contemplating the complex emotional landscape for all parties involved in infidelity. This reflection led Nettles to write 'Stay' solely from the viewpoint of the 'other woman.'
Despite its eventual success, including winning a Grammy for Best Country Song, Mercury Records executives were initially unconvinced by the five-minute acoustic ballad. They questioned its potential radio viability. However, the song defied expectations, climbing to No. 2 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart and No. 32 on the Hot 100, proving its widespread appeal and artistic merit.
