“Check Yes or No,” a timeless country anthem, was the brainchild of songwriters Danny Wells and Dana Hunt Black—and it marked both of their first chart-topping successes. In fact, it was the very first song for both writers to hit number one, a milestone that would shape their careers. Hunt Black shared with WSRE Pensacola that the song had been a lingering idea even before she moved to Nashville, but it wasn’t until she teamed up with Wells that the song truly came to life.
“I had the idea for ‘Check Yes or No’ before I even moved to Nashville,” Hunt Black revealed. “But it took about a year after I got there before it came together.” She recalled the moment when she and Wells were in an ASCAP writing session, struggling to get another song right. After wasting time on a track that just wasn’t working, Wells threw it in the trash in frustration. That’s when Hunt Black’s spark of inspiration kicked in. “I thought, ‘I’ve got a little idea,’” she said, and then began singing the first part of the chorus. Just like that, “Check Yes or No” was born.
Wells echoed Hunt Black’s sentiment, recounting how they shifted parts around before finally landing on the version that would become a hit, thanks to George Strait’s iconic recording. Strait, the country superstar, was immediately taken with the song. He told CMT that the moment he heard it, he knew it was something special.
“I couldn’t wait to get home and play it for my son,” Strait said. “He was young and not much of a morning person, a bit grumpy, but when I played him ‘Check Yes or No,’ I saw that big ol’ smile on his face. That’s when I knew we had a hit.”
The song’s catchy melody and sweet, nostalgic lyrics made it an instant classic. “Check Yes or No” would go on to become Strait’s 28th No. 1 hit on the Billboard Country chart, following in the footsteps of his beloved hits like “All My Ex’s Live In Texas,” “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind,” and “Love Without End, Amen.” It became a cornerstone of his 50 Number Ones album, cementing Strait’s legendary status in country music history.
While many fans associate George Strait with his signature hits, “Check Yes or No” holds a special place, both for its unforgettable melody and the story of how it brought together two talented songwriters and the King of Country himself. The song’s playful romance and relatable, simple charm make it a standout—proof that sometimes, the most magical moments in music come from the smallest sparks of inspiration.
