"In the Driver's Seat" by John Schneider

Song#:  1137
Date:  08/14/1982
Debut:  90
Peak:  72
Weeks:  6
Genre:  Country Crossover



Pop Bits:  This second single from Schneider's album "Quiet Man" did even less business than it's first single, the #45 "Dreamin'." However, it was Schneider's first chart single to be an original tune rather than a remake. The song was part of several written and recorded for the soundtrack to the TV show "The Dukes of Hazzard." Schneider and a few of his co-stars, including Tom Wopat and Catherine Bach, recorded songs for the soundtrack. This song also made it on to Schneider's "Quite Man" album and was selected for single release. It would be Schneider's last pop chart appearance. However, a label move in 1984 moved him into country music where he would have a run of nine Top 10 song including four #1's.

ReduxReview:  I don't care much for this song but after some dismal outings, at least Schneider finally sounds comfortable with the material. His voice seems to fit country music well and it paid off for him later. He's like a totally different singer here than on the drab pop remakes he was (probably forced into) doing. Still not great, but he was heading in the right direction.

ReduxRating:  4/10

Trivia:  It probably didn't help Schneider's chart fortunes or popularity when earlier in 1982, he and Wopat walked off "The Dukes of Hazzard" before its fifth season began due to contract/salary disputes. The show was delayed, but eventually soldiered on with look-alike actors portraying Coy and Vance - cousins to Bo and Luke. Ratings took a dive and the show fell way out of the Top 10 where it had resided for the past three seasons. Schneider and Wopat returned for the last four shows of the season, but by then the damage was done. The show limped along for two more seasons before ending.

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