Songs can originate from the unlikeliest sources. Other artists' work, events (good and bad) in their own lives, or sheer happenstance can be wellsprings for great tracks. The inspiration for "Have Mercy,' a hit for the mom-daughter duo of Naomi and Wynonna Judd, was actually a song by Waylon Jennings. That may seem weird; it really wasn't, as it turns out. "Have Mercy" landed at number one. Per Classic Country Music Stories on Facebook, it was written by Paul Kennerley, who used to be an advertising exec. We will explain all these tangled threads that coalesced to become "Have Mercy"!
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Paul Kennerley Is Not Your Typical Country Music Songwriter
Kennerley was not in the music biz by trade. Still, he evidently had a fascination with songs and songwriting. One Waylon Jennings track, "Let's All Help the Cowboys (Sing the Blues)," caught Kennerley's fancy. It seemed to him like 'Country meets the Rolling Stones," per the outlet. He began dabbling in writing country songs himself. That led to two "concept albums," as well as meeting Emmylou Harris and Jennings himself.
His Career In Music Took A Turn For The Better
The cards began to fall just right for him. Kennerley settled in Nashville in 1983. He penned hits for famous artists like Juice Newton, Tanya Tucker, Marty Stuart, and Patty Loveless. He also found a bride! Harris and Kennerley were married from 1985 to 1993.
Kennerley Was Very Successful Writing Songs For The Judds
Per the outlet, "He penned five of their singles, with four of them hitting number one ('Give A Little Love' was a near-miss at #2). Paul's first chart-topper with the duo was 'Have Mercy'...." The Judds' producer was named Brent Maher. He listened to "Have Mercy" and was evidently thunderstruck by the song. Maher traveled to Jackson, Mississippi, to see the Judds, who were appearing there at the time. According to him, when Naomi and Wynonna heard the tune, they were so overjoyed that "they jumped up and down!"
Released in 1985, "Have Mercy" was on the Judds' album, "Rockin' with the Rhythm." It occupied the top chart spot for a couple of weeks.
