The Woman That Got Away

JJ Cale recorded The Woman That Got Away for his 1976 album Troubadour, working in Nashville with producer Audie Ashworth. The track used Cales relaxed vocal, guitar, and spare rhythm-section approach that defined his Shelter Records period. Released by Shelter in 1976, The Woman That Got Away opened Troubadour and helped frame the albums understated Southern studio sound. The album became one of Cales best known releases after Cocaine drew wider attention through Eric Claptons later version. The Woman That Got Away remained a valued deep cut from Troubadour and part of the catalogue that shaped Cales reputation as a songwriter and guitarist. Its lean groove and low-key delivery reflect the sound later associated with his influence on roots rock, blues rock, and Americana artists.