Chart Rewind: In 2006, Tracy Lawrence & ‘Friends’ Began Their Ride to No. 1
The singer’s eighth Hot Country Songs leader received support from his buddies, and a warning from a rival label.
In 2007, country music artist Tracy Lawrence achieved his first No. 1 single in 11 years with "Find Out Who Your Friends Are." This journey to the top began on September 16, 2006, when the song debuted at No. 59 on the charts. Written by Casey Beathard, Ed Hill, and produced by Lawrence with Julian King, "Friends" featured cameos from George Jones, Nancy Jones, Darryl Worley, and Larry the Cable Guy, as well as an alternate version with contributions from Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw.
Sony BMG initially warned against playing the collaboration in June 2007, but the warning was quickly rescinded after broadcasters disregarded it. Despite the controversy, "Friends" reached the No. 1 spot in the June 23, 2007 Billboard issue, marking the completion of Lawrence's 41-week climb to the top. This success earned the song the Country Music Association's Musical Event of the Year award and the Academy of Country Music's Vocal Event trophy, solidifying it as the most recent of Lawrence's eight career No. 1 hits.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
