"Wrong Company" is a song written by Harlan Howard that was recorded as a duet by American country artists Wynn Stewart and Jan Howard. Released as a single, it reached the top 30 of the US country chart in 1960. It was among several recordings made by the duo but was their only charting song. The song received a positive response from music publications and authors following its release.
Background
Wynn Stewart was considered one of country music's "leading figures" in their California Bakersfield Sound sub-genre. His 1956 single "Waltz of the Angels" reached the US country top 20 but could not follow the success. Instead, he signed with a new record label from the help of songwriter Harlan Howard.[3] Meanwhile, Harlan's wife, Jan Howard, had recently begun a recording career[4] and the couple's friendship with Stewart led to the pair singing duets. Producer Joe Johnson at Challenge Records believed the pair could have success and started recording them.[5] Among their duets was the song "Wrong Company",[6] which had been written by Harlan Howard.[7]
Release, critical reception and chart performance
"Wrong Company" was released as a single by Challenge Records in March 1960. It was distributed as a seven-inch vinyl single and featured a B-side called "We'll Never Love Again" (also a duet between the pairing).[7] The song received a positive response by music publications following its release. Billboard magazine found the song to be "an emotion packed reading"[8] while Cash Box called it a "poignant, middle beat weeper".[1] In his book Country Music: The Rough Guide, Kurt Wolff wrote that "Wrong Company" was among Stewart's "strongest" recordings.[6] "Wrong Company" made its debut on the US BillboardHot Country Songs chart on May 30, 1960, and spent two weeks there, reaching the number 26 position there.[9] It was the duo's only charting single together despite several recordings made.[2]
