Introduction
In 1969, Tom T. Hall—known as “The Storyteller”—penned the poignant ballad “That’s How I Got to Memphis,” which debuted on his album Ballad of Forty Dollars & His Other Great Songs . The song narrates a desperate journey: the narrator follows clues to Memphis in the hope of reuniting with a lost love, driven by obsession that leaves him sleepless and starved .
Originally an album track by Hall, it gained wider exposure through numerous cover versions. Bobby Bare’s 1970 rendition titled “How I Got to Memphis” became a major hit—charting at No. 3 on the Hot Country Songs list and staying on charts for 16 weeks . Over the years, the song transcended its origins, earning its place as a country music standard. By early 2023 it had inspired over fifty covers, including notable versions by Deryl Dodd (1996), Rosanne Cash (1977), and more recently Charley Crockett (2018)
Fast forward to October 2019: Ronnie Dunn—the iconic voice of Brooks & Dunn—recorded a heartfelt rendition as part of his Re‑Dunn album, a project devoted to reinterpretations of country and rock classics . Paired with a cover of Paul Carrack’s “How Long,” Dunn’s version was one of the lead previews ahead of the album’s early 2020 release . By reimagining Hall’s narrative through his soulful vocal delivery, Dunn both honors the original’s emotional depth and adds his own seasoned gravitas.
From its roots in Hall’s narrative craftsmanship to Dunn’s tribute through Re‑Dunn, “That’s How I Got to Memphis” continues to captivate listeners across generations—an enduring tale of love, loss, and the haunting pull of memory.