Reimagining an upbeat country classic, Alan Jackson made his cover of “Summertime Blues” by Eddie Cochran, released on June 6, 1994. He was inspired by Buck Owens’ version of the song and eventually added it as the first track to his fifth studio album, Who I Am, released on June 28, 1994. The album consists of several other covers, including Rodney Crowell’s “Song for the Life” and The Kendall’s “Thank God for the Radio.”
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The Chattahoochee singer’s version of “Summertime Blues” reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks and No. 4 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100. It also peaked at No. 1 on the Canada Country Tracks.
With Keith Seigal’s participation in the song, a multi-awarded songwriter and music producer with recognitions from the Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music Awards, and the Grammy Awards, it also garnered praise from Deborah Evans Price of Billboard. Price said, “Jackson’s signature laid-back vocal style, the long, tall Georgian turns this ’50s teen anthem into a ’90s country classic.” Undoubtedly, his irresistible charisma made an already buoyant country song turn into an even more dance-appropriate masterpiece.
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Its music video was a sequel to one of Jackson’s critically acclaimed songs, “Chattahoochee.” Directed by Michale Salomon, the video was recorded at an open field where Alan Jackson hangs out with friends for a bit of fun. It begins with Jackson water-skiing, a reference to the ending of the “Chattahoochee” music video, and then it transitions to him and his band performing at the back of a pickup truck.
There were middle-aged farmers, 4-wheelers, and people playing around the mud to convey life in the countryside on vacation. As opposed to the lyrics of the song, the music video revolves around the missed chances of the man to relax after pleading many times to do so.
Alan Jackson’s “Summertime Blues” is what summer should feel like. So, go on and enjoy life outdoors while playing his rendition.
