Guy Clark never found the mainstream success some of his peers enjoyed. However, he remains a massively influential and celebrated figure in the world of country music. He is widely credited with being one of the originators of the Americana genre. Maybe more importantly, Clark’s songs have been recorded by some of country music’s biggest stars.
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Clark’s fans will likely agree that no one could truly improve on one of his compositions. However, these covers from top-notch country singers rival his original recordings.
[RELATED: 3 Songs That Showcase the Excellence of Guy Clark]
1. “Boats to Build” by Jimmy Buffett and Alan Jackson
Guy Clark co-wrote “Boats to Build” with Verlon Thompson and used it as the title track from his 1992 album. More than a decade later, Jimmy Buffett recorded it as a duet with Alan Jackson for his 2004 album License to Chill.
Buffett makes the song his own, adding his signature island vibe to the arrangement. This isn’t just a rock-solid cover of a classic, it shows that Clark’s work is universal. The lyrics work just as well over the carefree steel drum-laden arrangement as they did with the original.
“The Last Gunfighter Ballad” by Johnny Cash
Guy Clark wrote “The Last Gunfighter Ballad” and recorded it for his 1976 album Texas Cookin’. The next year, the song became the sole single and title track of Johnny Cash’s 1977 album.
It was a top 40 country hit for Cash. More importantly, it was a great cover by one of the few artists who could have done this story song about an aging gunfighter justice.
“Worry B Gone” by Chris Stapleton
Co-written by Guy Clark, Lee Roy Parnell, and Gary Nicholson, “Worry B Gone” appears on Clark’s 2006 album, Workbench Songs.
This song about being fed up with bad news on TV, politicians constantly complaining, and the virtues of a potent herbal relaxation aid was just as relevant when Chris Stapleton recorded it for his 2020 album Starting Over.
“Dublin Blues” by Lost Dog Street Band
Guy Clark penned “Dublin Blues” and used it as the title track from his 1995 album. In the years since its release, it has become a favorite among Clark’s fans. At the same time, it has been covered by several country and Americana artists.
A notable version resides on Lost Dog Street Band’s 2021 album The Magnolia Sessions. The album was recorded live by singer/guitarist Benjamin Tod and his wife and LDSB fiddle player, Ashley Mae, under a magnolia tree on a warm evening. The stripped-down arrangement, live vocals, and crickets chirping in the background elevate this cover above many others.
Featured Image by Jim McCarthy/Shutterstock
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