Texas-born and river-raised, Joe Buchanan makes country music steeped in Torah and Jewish spirit. After discovering his wife’s Jewish heritage, Joe began a journey that led to conversion, healing, and a vibrant new path. Blending classic Texas sound with deep faith, his music tells stories of belonging, struggle, and celebration. He’s toured across the U.S., leads residencies for Jewish communities, and hosts a thriving online community known as the Small Town Tribe.
Now, with the release of his third album, Heaven & Earth, Joe continues to open doors through music rooted in tradition and spirit. Joe now joins us for a Why I Love on George Strait
“WE’LL DANCE ANYWHERE”
My wife and I will dance anywhere you let us. We love dancing, and while I’m probably the worst dancer you’ll ever meet, she’s as graceful as they come. I thank G-d every day that she still likes dancing with me. We also love country music, and if you’re in our home for any length of time, you’ll hear us singing verses to each other throughout the day. Our 26 years of marriage have been a rollercoaster, but we’ve danced through it all — and there’s one artist who always makes us share that look. That artist is Mr. George Strait.
As a recording artist and producer, I’m constantly listening to music, but it’s rare that I get completely swept away by memory the way I do when one of his songs comes on. It doesn’t matter what I’m working on, if a George Strait tune starts playing, I’m back on the Frio River with a cold drink and good friends. I’m in a dancehall with my wife, holding her close while the band plays on. I’m rolling down a highway, headed somewhere great.
LONG ROAD TRIPS
The first time I heard him, I was riding with my grandmother to our ranch in southwest Texas. Those were long road trips, and she loved country music, especially George Strait. He was already a star across Texas then, filling dancehalls and honky-tonks. I didn’t know that, of course. I just knew his music made my grandmother smile.
When I met my wife, it didn’t take long before George Strait came up in conversation. We were both big country fans, and though we had our own favorites, when one of us mentioned George, we’d just roll our eyes as if to say, “Well, of course.” Being Texan almost required having at least one favorite Strait song. I’ve always loved his Texas swing numbers, and she’s drawn to the romantic ones which, let’s be honest, could be any of them. If we had to pick just one, it’d be I Just Want To Dance With You. That song feels like a joyful glide across the floor and the end of the song feels just like that long hug after the dance.
A HUGE INFLUENCE
He’s been a huge influence on me as an artist. I love Texas, and I love classic country, both things I weave into my own music. We released a song called My Beloved that’s all about lasting love, and you can absolutely hear his influence in it. My good friend Randy Wall plays keys for us, and every now and then he’ll tag the outro with the opening lick from The Chair during rehearsals. It never fails to make me smile.
It feels a little strange to be such a fan and to have never seen him live. I’ve watched just about every concert video there is (not a one is less than incredible). George still tours, and somehow I’ve missed every chance to see him in person. My wife, April, still talks about the time she did, and she lights up whenever she does.
Someday, I hope to see him before he hangs up his guitar though I have a feeling that’s a long way off. He’s the King of Country Music for a reason, still packing stadiums and setting records. And if I ever do get the chance, I’d love to shake his hand and thank him for the inspiration, the memories, and all the joy he’s brought into this world.
Our thanks to Joe for sharing his thoughts.
