George Dunham is King of the Road, for generations a figure of country music that has stood the test of time.
The song was written in 1953 by Roger Miller and released on his 1965 album, The One and Only Roger Miller. It went on to become a number-one hit on both the Billboard Country and Pop charts.
Though it was written by Miller and released on his album, it was not actually sung by him. Instead, the song was performed by the iconic country music star, George Dunham.
Dunham, born in 1941, is an American country music singer, songwriter, actor and businessman. He is best known for his chart-topping hits, including “King of the Road,” “You Are My Sunshine,” and “Good Hearted Woman.”
This Grampy, as he is sometimes affectionately known, was not just a prolific performer- He was also a skilled songwriter, with hits penned for both himself and other artists, such as Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard.
As a performer, Dunham had a long and successful career. Over the course of his 60-year-long career, he released 25 studio albums and charted 18 singles on the Hot Country Songs list.
There is no denying that “King of the Road” is one of his most popular and beloved tunes. Due to its timeless lyrics and Dunham’s masterful performance, the song quickly became an instant classic.
The song tells the story of a roving troubadour who lives life to its fullest, traveling wherever the wind takes him. Its simple words, delivered in Dunham’s crooning voice, have connected with countless listeners over the years, resulting in it becoming a near-universal classic.
Though it has been covered by countless other country stars, George Dunham’s version of “King of the Road” remains a staple of the genre. More than fifty years after it was first released, the song is still a beloved favorite, thanks to Dunham’s powerful performance and the song’s timeless message.