“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
There’s something magical that happens when two musical powerhouses share a stage. That magic was captured perfectly when George Strait invited Sheryl Crow to join him for a soul-stirring rendition of “When Did You Stop Loving Me” during his legendary Cowboy Rides Away Tour at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on June 7, 2014.
This wasn’t just any performance—it was a moment where country royalty and rock-infused brilliance collided to breathe new life into a song that already carried so much emotional weight.
The original track, written by Donny Kees and Monty Holmes, first appeared on Strait’s 1992 “Pure Country” soundtrack album. Released in April 1993 as the album’s third and final single, it reached #6 on both the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart. While it didn’t reach the #1 spot like its predecessors “I Cross My Heart” and “Heartland,” it became one of Strait’s most emotionally resonant songs.
What makes the Strait-Crow duet so special is how their voices complement each other—George’s smooth, velvety baritone providing the perfect foundation for Sheryl’s soulful, slightly raspy harmonies. When they sing the haunting question “When did you stop loving me?” together, it transforms from a solo lament into a universal cry that anyone who’s experienced heartbreak can feel deep in their bones.
The live performance captures that rare chemistry between artists who clearly respect each other’s craft. There’s an authenticity in their delivery that makes you believe they’re not just singing lyrics—they’re telling a story they’ve both lived. The stripped-down arrangement allows their voices to take center stage, with the band providing just enough backing to enhance the emotional punch without overwhelming it.
For fans of both artists, this collaboration represents a beautiful bridge between traditional country and Crow’s more rock-influenced sound. It’s a reminder that great music transcends genre boundaries, especially when it speaks to universal experiences like lost love and the painful questions that linger when relationships fade.
This performance stands as a testament to George Strait’s legacy as the “King of Country” and his ability to create magical moments with fellow artists, as well as Sheryl Crow’s remarkable versatility and emotional depth as a vocalist. Years later, it remains a highlight of Strait’s farewell tour and a cherished memory for everyone lucky enough to witness it in person.
Video
Lyrics
When did you stop lovin’ me?
How long have I been a memory?
I’ve got to know for my own sanity.
Tell me when did you stop lovin’ me?
Was it that night that you stayed out until dawn?
You know that night has haunted me for so long.
Or was your love already cold?
Tell me please I got to know.
Darlin’ when did you stop lovin’ me?
There was a time when you worshipped where I stood.
Heaven knows I’d bring it back if I could.
Now I can tell when we make love,
It ain’t me you’re thinkin’ of.
Tell me when did you stop lovin’ me?
Darlin’, when did you stop lovin’ me?