Introduction
Alan Jackson’s “Mercury Blues” might sound like a classic country tune straight out of the honky-tonk, but it has a surprisingly long and winding road behind it. Buckle up, because we’re taking a trip through the history of this catchy song.
Originally titled “Mercury Boogie,” the song first hit the scene in 1948, recorded by blues musician K.C. Douglas. The lyrics, with their focus on a love for a specific car brand (Mercury, in this case), were likely influenced by the cultural phenomenon of James Dean’s iconic ride, the Mercury Eight, in the movie “Rebel Without a Cause.”
“Mercury Blues” wasn’t a one-hit wonder for blues fans. Over the years, the song was covered by various artists, including the Steve Miller Band and Meat Loaf, each adding their own spin to the story of a man pining over a car and a fickle love.
Then came Alan Jackson in 1993. Released as part of his album “A Lot About Livin’ (And a Little ’bout Love),” “Mercury Blues” became a smash hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Jackson’s version captured the lighthearted spirit of the original while adding his signature neo-traditional country sound.
But the story doesn’t end there. “Mercury Blues” transcended the country charts when it caught the attention of Ford Motor Company. They used a modified version of the song in their truck commercials, cleverly swapping out “Mercury” for “Ford truck.” Jackson even got in on the action, performing the original “Mercury” version live on the sitcom “Home Improvement” in 1996.
So, next time you hear “Mercury Blues,” remember, it’s not just a catchy tune about a car. It’s a song with a rich history, traveling from the blues scene to country radio and even gracing the silver screen (sort of). Now, hit play and let those “Mercury Blues” wash over you.