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The Stories Behind Six Unforgettable Country Covers
Covering another artist’s songs isn’t unique to country music; musicians have been honoring each other in this way for decades. The best covers deliver a fresh take on the original song while still paying homage to it. Some are so good that they even take on a life of their own. From folk song revivals to modern spins on classics, these epic country covers prove imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery.
Luke Combs Performed “Fast Car” Alongside the Original Artist
GettyTracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” has been beloved since its April 1988 release, and country star Luke Combs shared his take on the classic in 2023. In a video clip of him performing the song live, Combs called it one of his favorite songs ever. His version doesn’t significantly change the original, but nonetheless breathed new life into the Chapman hit.
In 2025, fans of both versions got a chance to watch Chapman and Combs perform “Fast Car” as a duet at the Grammys. In a video of the performance, both artists look genuinely thrilled to be sharing the stage. The duet was cover songs at their absolute best.
“Ring of Fire” Isn’t a Johnny Cash Original
GettyJohnny Cash gave the world some incredible covers before his death, such as his 2002 rendition of Nine Inch Nail’s “Hurt.” However, one of his earliest hits is also one of his earliest (and most surprising) covers. “Ring of Fire” is quintessential Cash, but it wasn’t originally meant for him.
As Fender explains, his future wife, June Carter, actually co-wrote the song for another artist. Her sister, Anita Carter, was the song’s intended recipient, and she recorded a version of it first. When Anita’s version of the song failed to gain serious traction, Cash put his spin on it, and the rest is country music history.
Dolly Parton Won a Grammy For a Collective Soul Cover
GettyLike Cash, Dolly Parton has covered multiple songs in her long, wildly successful career. Perhaps the most intriguing, though, is her take on the 1994 Collective Soul track, “Shine.” Parton’s banjo-infused version of the song was a hit, earning her a 2001 Best Female Country Vocal Performance Grammy.
As Parton’s official website shared, Ed Roland, the lead singer of Collective Soul, was clearly honored by her choice to cover the song, which he described as part of a “songwriter’s demo.” “It’s the first time ever we’ve had one of those songs covered, and it’s an honor, and really cool… especially coming from someone who’s a great songwriter.”
Bailey Zimmerman Released His Rendition of a Folk Classic
GettyClassic American folk songs have close ties to country music, and many artists have covered these tried-and-true tunes over the years. “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” is one such song, having been covered by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and even Moby. In 2023, another voice in country put their spin on it: Bailey Zimmerman.
As Billboard shared, Zimmerman told Apple Music about his reasons for taking up the “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” mantle. Zimmerman specifically aimed to cover Cash’s version, noting that he found the crooner’s faith inspiring.
Reba McEntire Struck Gold With Her Cover of “Fancy”
GettyIt’s hard to imagine anyone other than Reba McEntire singing “Fancy,” but the song had a life of its own long before the Oklahoma native made it hers. As NBC explains, the song was first recorded by singer Bobby Gentry back in 1969. McEntire’s version came out as part of her 1990 album, “Rumor Has It.” The cover was certified platinum, and even made it to #65 on Rolling Stone’s 2024 list of the 200 greatest country songs of all time.
A Travis Tritt Cover Helped Reunite The Eagles
GettyTime and time again, music serves as a force that brings people together. However, few cover songs have succeeded in reuniting a band. The Eagles were an unstoppable force in the 1970s, but by 1980, the band was on hiatus. That changed thanks to a cover by Travis Tritt. As Rolling Stone shared, the band’s most recent lineup had (somewhat reluctantly) agreed to appear in a video for Tritt’s 1993 version of “Take It Easy.”
After appearing together for the video, The Eagles eventually reunited and released “Hell Freezes Over,” which went on to be a massive success. As for Tritt, his cover of “Take It Easy” became the lead track on “Common Thread,” a tribute album that finally convinced The Eagles to give music another try.
