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Grammy-Winning "Stay" Almost Never Released
28 Sep
Summary
- Label questioned releasing the five-minute acoustic ballad "Stay".
- Jennifer Nettles was inspired by a Reba McEntire song.
- The song won Sugarland two Grammy Awards.
Jennifer Nettles is reminiscing about the creation of Sugarland's iconic song "Stay," which was released as a single 17 years ago from their 2006 album, Enjoy the Ride. The five-minute acoustic ballad, which Nettles penned entirely herself, explores a fictional perspective of infidelity.
Nettles revealed that her inspiration for the song came from Reba McEntire's 1986 hit "Whoever's in New England." She wanted to explore the emotional landscape of all parties involved in an affair, not just the wronged one.
When presented to their record label, Mercury Records, the song's unconventional length and style were met with skepticism. Nettles recalled the label boss questioning their decision to release an all-acoustic, five-minute ballad to radio. However, trusting the song's merit, they ultimately decided to proceed.
"Stay" achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 2 on the U.S. Hot Country Songs chart and No. 32 on the Billboard Hot 100. Furthermore, the song garnered Sugarland their first two Grammy Awards, securing wins for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and Best Country Song, proving the power of a well-crafted song.
