Introduction:
“Heartbroke” is a classic country song with an interesting history. While it’s most famously associated with George Strait, he wasn’t the first artist to record it. The song was written by the renowned Texas singer-songwriter, Guy Clark.
Interestingly, the first artist to release “Heartbroke” was actually Rodney Crowell, who included it on his 1980 album, “But What Will the Neighbors Think.” However, it was Ricky Skaggs’ version that first gained significant traction. Skaggs released his rendition in July 1982 as the lead single from his album “Highways & Heartaches.” It quickly climbed the charts and became Skaggs’ third number-one hit on the Billboard country music chart.
Around the same time, George Strait, unaware of Skaggs’ release, was working on his second album, “Strait from the Heart.” He decided to include “Heartbroke” on the album, which was released in 1982. This led to two popular versions of the song being released almost simultaneously.
While Skaggs’ version reached number one, Strait’s rendition also enjoyed considerable success, further cementing the song’s place in country music history. “Heartbroke” has since become a staple of George Strait’s discography and a fan favorite.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its classic country sound and its relatable lyrics about the pain of lost love. Guy Clark’s songwriting мастерfully captures the raw emotions of heartbreak, and both Skaggs and Strait delivered heartfelt performances that resonated with audiences. “Heartbroke” stands as a testament to the power of a well-written song and the ability of different artists to bring their own unique interpretations to it.