34 Years Ago Today the Most Annoying Country Song Was Released and Climbed the Charts

Picture it. It was March 23, 1992, and the music scene was dominated by some of the biggest names in pop. Michael Jackson had millions of fans enamored with both the “Remember the Time” track and the epic video starring Eddie Murphy, Prince’s 1991 hit “Diamonds and Pearls” was still slinking up the charts in 1992, and Madonna was definitely making her voice known and heard. And amidst all these legends and more talented artists, there was one man who came out with a country hit that the radio could not get enough of. The man in question is Billy Ray Cyrus. 

So, for those who classify as Gen Zers, you may not know that before Miley Cyrus became Hannah Montana, to later become a global pop sensation and Grammy-winning artist, her father, Billy Ray, was the star of the family. He shot to superstardom when he released a single on this day in March almost three decades ago, and it blazed the charts. What song? I’ll tell you, but I apologize in advance if it gets stuck in your head. 

“Achy Breaky Heart” Was Released on March 23, 1992

That’s right. The song in question is “Achy Breaky Heart.” Written by Don Von Tress and produced by Joe Scaife and Jim Cotton, the song was released by Cyrus as his debut single. The country track (mixed with rock elements) became a massive hit at the time, even climbing to the top spot on Billboard’s Country Songs Chart and #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

Additionally, in terms of awards, it won a CMA for Single of the Year, an AMA for Country Single of the Year, and the song also earned Cyrus a Best Male Artist in Country trophy at the Billboard Music Awards. While the song also received 2 Grammy nominations, it wouldn’t be until Cyrus teamed up with Lil Nas X for “Old Town Road” that Cyrus would walk away with a Grammy. 

“Achy Breaky Heart” Wasn’t Loved By All

“Achy Breaky Heart” really is one of those songs you either really like or it really gets on your nerves. Back when VH1 was a thriving music network, it ranked the track as one of “VH1's 50 Most Awesomely Bad Songs,” putting it in second place. There’s just something about the chorus that seems to rub people the wrong way, as the words just get stuck in your brain. How many of you remember: 

“But don't tell my heart, my achy breaky heart, I just don't think he'd understand. And if you tell my heart, my achy breaky heart. He might blow up and kill this man.”

Again, my apologies if just reading the chorus sends you down an interesting path on Memory Lane. If that happens to you, then be advised about the YouTube clip below.

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