Introduction
“Mendocino County Line,” a duet by country music legends Willie Nelson and Lee Ann Womack, took the charts by storm in 2002. The song, however, has a history that stretches beyond the two Texan singers.
Originally written by Matt Serletic and Bernie Taupin, the lyricist behind Elton John’s greatest hits, “Mendocino County Line” offered a unique perspective. Serletic and Taupin, neither from Texas, crafted a song about a love story gone wrong, set against the backdrop of California’s Mendocino County.
The song became a perfect fit for Nelson and Womack. Despite their contrasting styles – Nelson, the seasoned outlaw country icon, and Womack, the rising star with a powerful traditional voice – their duet captured the essence of the lyrics. Womack, a huge Nelson admirer since childhood, considered singing alongside him a full-circle moment in her career.
Released in January 2002 as the lead single for Nelson’s album “The Great Divide,” “Mendocino County Line” became a hit. It reached number 22 on the U.S. country chart, marking Nelson’s first Top 40 entry since 1990. More importantly, the song resonated with audiences, earning a Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration.
So, before you listen to “Mendocino County Line,” take a moment to appreciate the song’s interesting journey. From the pens of non-Texans to the voices of two Lone Star legends, the song paints a vivid picture of a love story lost, all the way up by the Mendocino County Line.