Queen of Hearts - Juice Newton (1981) 7/6/23

I bet you didn't know that today's "Great Song of 1981,"Queen of Hearts" by Juice Newton was a cover version!

(Note: In case you've ever wondered, Juice's REAL name is Judith Kay Newton.)

The song was written by Hank DeVito, a member of Emmy Lou Harris' backup band, and was first recorded and released by Dave Edmunds in 1979. It charted in the UK (#11), Ireland (#12)--and nowhere else in the world.

Rodney Crowell then recorded a version for his 1980 album, "But What Will the Neighbors Think," which caught the attention of Juice Newton.

Juice added it to her concert playlist, and in1981, when she was putting together her "Juice" album, she presented it to her producer, Richard Landis, who didn't think it was a hit--yet another example of someone not trusting an artist's instincts.

Luckily, Juice persisted.

When "Queen of Hearts" released as a single, it became a Triple Chart Hit in both the US and Canada.

Billboard (US) numbers: #2 on the Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary Charts, and #14 on the Country Chart.

Canada: #8 Top 40, #3 Adult Contemporary, and #6 Country.

Juice received a Grammy nomination for Best Female Country-Western Vocalist, and in 2014, Billboard ranked the song at #92 on their list of the "Top100 Country Songs of All Time"

Take THAT, Richard Landis!

"Queen of Hearts" by Juice Newton--a "Great Song of 1981. and a Royal Flush for Juice Newton! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0DK-0fIKCw

Dave Edmunds version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pAFVUZHeoI

Rodney Crowell version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE8WKM5VX-0

Tomorrow: Stevie & Don