Tracy Lawrence: The 41-week journey of ‘Friends’ to number one

In 2006, country singer Tracy Lawrence began a 41-week climb to the top of the charts with his single ‘Friends’. Released through his own label, Rocky Comfort, the song ended an 11-year period without a number one hit for the artist.

The track featured collaborations with artists such as Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw, as well as video cameos from George Jones and Nancy Jones, Darryl Worley, and Larry the Cable Guy. During its ascent, Sony BMG issued a warning to country stations against playing the collaboration, but broadcasters ignored the directive, leading the label to rescind the warning the following day.

‘Friends’ reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart on June 23, 2007. The song earned several accolades, including the Country Music Association’s musical event of the year award and the Academy of Country Music’s vocal event trophy. It remains the most recent of Lawrence’s eight career number one singles.