3 Famous Country Songs That Inspired Excellent Covers

A very good country song will linger for years or even decades after its release. And once that song gets to “vintage” age, whole new generations of musicians will lend their takes on such songs through excellent cover versions. Some of them hit and some of them don’t. But these three songs, in particular, have inspired some next-level covers through the years. Let’s take a look at three famous country songs that inspired quite a few beautiful covers!

1. “Neon Moon” by Brooks & Dunn

This hit country song from 1992 is a memorable one from country’s famous dynamic duo. Brooks & Dunn’s original version of “New Moon” is refreshing in its own way, but a few cover songs through the years have rivaled the quality of the original. Carrie Underwood’s version is on another level, and Kacey Musgraves’ cover is also a solid effort. 

A few non-country musicians have also covered or sampled this delightful country song. Cigarettes After Sex, Lasse Stefanz, and Miiesha are just a few examples.

2. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac

This folk rock song by Fleetwood Mac wasn’t originally a country tune, but it has inspired a few famous country covers through the years. The most famous example would be the country outfit The Chicks (formerly The Dixie Chicks) and their Southern cover of the song from 2002.

Even more non-folk-rock outfits have produced some beautiful versions of Stevie Nicks’ stunning and legendary ballad. The Smashing Pumpkins, Bush, Tori Amos, and Paramore have all covered the song. A few additional country stars have taken on “Landslide” as well. The Grassmasters and Kelsea Ballerini are just a couple of notable examples.

3. “Jolene” by Dolly Parton

We could absolutely not leave this famous 1973 country tune off of our list. “Jolene” has inspired dozens (if not hundreds) of incredible covers through the years. It’s not the easiest song to cover, either. It requires the right blend of attitude, anxiety, and heartbreak to sound even remotely close to Dolly Parton’s original song. 

Parton’s own goddaughter Miley Cyrus performed a beautiful rendition of this song years ago. Other modern musicians like Lil Nas X, Kelly Clarkson, and The White Stripes have recorded their takes on this iconic country tune as well.

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

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