Chris Stapleton Releases Cover of Tom Petty's "I Should Have Known It"
The track originally appeared on Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' 2010 album, "Mojo"
Big Machine Records, in a unique partnership with the Tom Petty Estate, is preparing to unveil a one-of-a-kind tribute album, 'Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty,' on June 21. This country tribute album, curated by some of the late rock legend's closest friends and collaborators, takes a fresh approach by featuring some of the most famous voices in country music, each putting their personal touches on Petty's greatest hits.
The album's first single, Chris Stapleton's take on Tom Petty's "I Should Have Known It," debuted on April 26, along with an accompanying audio video featuring vintage photos of Petty. The track originally appeared on Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' 2010 album, "Mojo," and again on the late rocker's 2019 posthumous greatest hits album, "The Best of Everything." "I Should Have Known It" became one of the most enduring live songs among Petty's more recent material.
Watch “I Should Have Know It” by Chris Stapleton
Dolly Parton also reimagined Petty's "Southern Accents," which is considered by Petty to be one of the best songs he has ever written. The beautifully intimate version of the song, directed by Trey Fanjoy, features poignant home videos and professional footage of Petty throughout his life. Meanwhile, Dierks Bentley's take on the Petty classic, "American Girl," premiered as Bentley's highest charting single upon launch and is currently climbing through the Top 35 on Country radio.
Watch “Southern Accents” by Dolly Parton
The tribute album, a testament to Tom Petty's lasting influence, was executive produced by his close confidant, Grammy award-winner George Drakoulias, with Randall Poster and Scott Borchetta. It features a rich mix of songs by Petty's longtime friends and collaborators, including country music icons George Strait, Steve Earle, and Willie Nelson with Lukas Nelson.
Bluegrass pioneer Marty Stuart and The Heartbreakers' Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench also contribute. Contemporary country superstars Luke Combs, Wynonna Judd, Carly Pearce, Lady A, Margo Price, Rhiannon Giddens, Thomas Rhett, and Lainey Wilson add their unique interpretations to fan favorites, making this a truly diverse and exceptional tribute.
Tom Petty, known for his rocker grit and California anthems, is often credited as contemporary country music's most significant rock influence. The region's influence can be heard throughout Petty's discography, with lyrics about growing up in the South paired with his famous airtight melodies and rough vocal character defining the state of country music today.
In celebration of the new music, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will feature archival artifacts seen in the "Southern Accents" music video in June as an extension of their acclaimed "Western Edge" exhibit. The exhibit will showcase select items from Petty's career that highlight his western edge, such as tour assets from his 2001 Way Out West tour, an iconic Nudie suit-inspired "Planets" blazer worn famously during his 1985 Southern Accents tour, "Southern Accents" handwritten song lyrics, western style wardrobe pieces worn on and off stage, and Petty's Gretsch 6130 Roundup Western electric guitar.
Over his 40-year career, Tom Petty became one of the most significant cultural icons in the world. In addition to the 13 studio albums he made with the Heartbreakers, Petty recorded three solo albums, including the acclaimed "Full Moon Fever" and "Wildflowers." Petty was also a member of the supergroup Traveling Wilburys and in the pre-Heartbreakers band Mudcrutch.