On this day (January 30) in 1961, Patsy Cline released “I Fall to Pieces.” The song would go on to become one of the iconic singer’s biggest hits and her signature song. Originally, though, Cline didn’t want to record the track because she didn’t believe it sounded “country” enough for her or her fans.
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Several country music legends came together to create “I Fall to Pieces.” Harlan Howard and Hank Cochran, two of the most celebrated songwriters in the genre’s history co-wrote the track. Owen Bradley, the father of the Nashville Sound produced the session. Additionally, a group of A-listers provided accompaniment on the track. Harold Bradley (bass), Hank Garland (electric guitar), and Pig Robbins (piano) played on the session. The song also features the legendary vocal group The Jordanaires on backing vocals.
Patsy Cline Didn’t Want to Record “I Fall to Pieces”
Today, fans see “I Fall to Pieces” as the bedrock of Patsy Cline’s signature sound. However, she had no interest in the song when she first heard it. The song’s lyrics combined with Owen Bradley’s pop-leaning production caused Cline to worry that the song would be too poppy to suit her, according to Songfacts. Additionally, she worried that the Jordanaires would drown her out. Fortunately for Cline and the rest of the world, Bradley convinced her to record the track.
After hearing the final cut, Cline reportedly liked it. More importantly, she felt that she had found her true artistic identity in the song’s sound.
It took some time for the song to catch on and climb the charts when Cline released it as the lead single from her album Showcase. However, when it did, it brought Cline her biggest career hit. “I Fall to Pieces” reached the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and peaked at No. 12 on the publication’s all-genre Hot 100 chart.
Showcase brought Cline two of her most popular songs. She would later release the Willie Nelson-penned classic “Crazy” as the album’s second and final single. It would peak at No. 9 on the all-genre chart and No. 2 on the country chart, giving the iconic country singer a second consecutive crossover hit.
Featured Image by Johnny Franklin/andmorebears/Getty Images
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