Did You Know This Tim McGraw Smash Hit Was Recorded In Upstate New York?

One of Tim McGraw's most legendary songs turns 20 this summer and it was recorded right here in the Empire State.

When it comes to making music in Nashville, there are 2 things artists can always count on - great songs from a super-talented community of songwriters and great session musicians to turn them into music candy for the ears! It is a tried and true system that is a well-oiled machine in Music City recording studios.

By the time 2004 rolled around, after creating so many iconic hits in Nashville Tim McGraw was ready to switch it up a bit. This led him to the Upstate town that had become a legendary spot for rock artists to record over the years - Woodstock, NY!

What Artists Have Recorded Music In Woodstock?

Rock icons The Band and Bob Dylan both spent a lot of time writing and recording in Woodstock in the late 60s, and according to the Times Union acts like Dave Matthews Band, Phish, Meatloaf, and R.E.M. have also laid down tracks in the quaint and quirky Catskills town over the years.

Which Tim Mcgraw Smash Hit and Album Was Cut In Woodstock?

It was 20 years ago back in the summer of 2004 that one of Tim McGraw's most iconic songs spent 7 weeks at #1 on the Country charts. That legendary song and the album it appeared on were recorded right here in Upstate New York!

In a recent video posted to TikTok, Tim McGraw reminisced about his desire to go old-school rock and roll and hunker down in a studio to cut an album with his touring band the Dancehall Doctors. That is what led Tim to Allaire Studios in Woodstock, New York back in 2004 to record his landmark album 'Live Like You Were Dying.'

The title track quickly became one of Tim's biggest and most powerful hits and remains one of his most iconic songs. The timing of this song was especially poignant after Tim's father Tug passed away in early 2004.

Check out the video below of Tim recapping that time spent in Woodstock recording one of his masterpieces!