We take you behind the scenes and explore the making of one of our favorite tunes with The Song Remembers When…
Song: “If I Didn’t Love You”
Songwriters: Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Kurt Allison, and Lydia Vaughn
Album: Macon, Georgia
In 2022, “If I Didn’t Love You” won the ACM for Single of the Year.
When Jason Aldean was looking for songs for his two-part album project Macon, Georgia, he wanted to include a duet. He had been pitched a few songs but nothing really struck him. So, while he was working on the album, a few of his bandmates who had written songs for him in the past asked if they could try writing a duet for him.
Tully Kennedy and Kurt Allison, along with John Morgan and Lydia Vaughn, came up with “If I Didn’t Love You.” And, Jason said it was perfect. He didn’t have a duet partner locked in when he first got the song, so he recorded it by himself.
Carrie Underwood was at the top of his list, but Jason had to make sure she liked the song and if she was even available. As it turned out, it was a “yes” to both! For Jason, Carrie singing the song just brought it to the next level.
In addition to winning Single of the Year, the three-week number one would receive ACM Awards nominations for Video and Music Event.