Dwayne Johnson reveals 'Tennessee Whiskey' has been his favourite since age 15
Synopsis
Dwayne Johnson didn't just show up for a USO performance in Lahaina — he revealed a surprisingly personal musical history. The Hollywood star disclosed that 'Tennessee Whiskey', a 1981 David Allan Coe country classic, has been his favourite since he was 15, and hinted at a future duet with Hawaiian singer Josh Tatofi, adding an unexpected musical dimension to his public image.
Key Takeaways
Dwayne Johnson revealed that 'Tennessee Whiskey' has been one of his all-time favourite songs since the age of 15 .
He shared a pre-show warm-up video with Hawaiian singer Josh Tatofi before performing for families in Lahaina .
Johnson hinted at a future duet with Tatofi, praising him as having 'one of the most soulful voices of all time.' 'Tennessee Whiskey' was written by Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove , first recorded by David Allan Coe in 1981 .
George Jones' 1983 cover reached number two on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
Johnson is currently gearing up for the live-action release of Moana , co-starring Catherine Laga'aia and Jemaine Clement .
Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson has opened up about his decades-long love for the classic country song 'Tennessee Whiskey', revealing he has cherished it since he was 15 years old. The actor shared the personal detail while posting a pre-show warm-up video with Hawaiian singer Josh Tatofi ahead of a performance for families in Lahaina.
What Johnson Said
In the caption accompanying the video, Johnson wrote: 'A little pregame warmup with my USO @joshtatofimusic before we take the stage for the families of LAHAINA.' He went on to add: 'Tennessee Whiskey is one of my all time favorite songs, back when I was singing the David Alan Coe country version when I was 15. Josh you have one of the most soulful voices of all time and man I'm just trying to keep up. I see a duet in our future! Pahu mastery @tiana_nonosina.'
Johnson heaped praise on Tatofi's soulful delivery and even hinted at a future duet between the two, generating considerable buzz among fans of both artists.
The Song's Legacy
'Tennessee Whiskey' is an American country classic written by Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove. It was originally recorded by country artist David Allan Coe for his album of the same name, peaking at number 77 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1981. George Jones' 1983 rendition, included on his album Shine On, climbed to number two on the same chart. The song has since been covered by several artists, most notably Chris Stapleton and Justin Timberlake, whose version became a global phenomenon.
Moana Live-Action on the Horizon
Beyond music, Johnson is currently preparing for the release of the live-action adaptation of Moana. The film features an ensemble cast including Rena Owen, John Tui, Frankie Adams, Jemaine Clement, and Catherine Laga'aia.
The story follows a spirited Polynesian village chief's daughter chosen by the ocean to restore a mystical relic to the goddess Te Fiti. To save her dying island, she sets sail to find the exiled demigod Maui, master the ancient art of wayfinding, and break a dark curse. The live-action project marks one of Disney's most anticipated adaptations in recent years, with Johnson reprising his role as Maui.
What's Next
With a potential duet with Josh Tatofi teased and the Moana live-action on the way, Johnson is keeping fans engaged on multiple fronts. Whether the music collaboration materialises remains to be seen, but his candid tribute to a four-decade-old country song underscores the eclectic tastes that have long defined his public persona.
Point of View
When it surfaces authentically, cuts through the promotional noise in ways a trailer never can. The Lahaina context matters too — a USO performance for families of a community still recovering carries weight that a standard press junket does not. The teased Tatofi duet, if it materialises, would be a genuine cross-genre moment rather than a stunt, given both men's evident emotional connection to the material. Whether it happens or stays a social media caption is the only real question worth watching.
NationPress
15 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Dwayne Johnson say about 'Tennessee Whiskey'?
Dwayne Johnson said 'Tennessee Whiskey' is one of his all-time favourite songs, a love he has held since he was 15 when he sang the David Allan Coe country version. He made the revelation in the caption of a pre-show warm-up video with singer Josh Tatofi in Lahaina.
Who originally recorded 'Tennessee Whiskey'?
'Tennessee Whiskey' was written by Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove and originally recorded by country artist David Allan Coe for his album of the same name in 1981, peaking at number 77 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. George Jones later took a 1983 version to number two on the same chart.
Did Dwayne Johnson hint at a music duet?
Yes, Johnson hinted at a future duet with Hawaiian singer Josh Tatofi, writing that Tatofi has 'one of the most soulful voices of all time' and that 'I see a duet in our future.' No formal project has been announced.
What is the Moana live-action film about?
The live-action Moana follows a spirited Polynesian village chief's daughter chosen by the ocean to restore a mystical relic to the goddess Te Fiti. Dwayne Johnson stars alongside Rena Owen, John Tui, Frankie Adams, Jemaine Clement, and Catherine Laga'aia.
Where did Dwayne Johnson perform for families?
Johnson performed for families in Lahaina as part of a USO event, sharing a warm-up video with singer Josh Tatofi ahead of taking the stage.
