Introduction
In August 1999, the legendary country duo Brooks & Dunn released their soulful cover of “Missing You” as the lead single from their sixth studio album, Tight Rope . Originally written and recorded by John Waite (alongside Mark Leonard and Chas Sandford) in 1984, the song became a pop-rock classic—topping the Billboard Hot 100 and resonating through the decades with its bittersweet message and emotional depth .
Brooks & Dunn brought a fresh, country-tinged interpretation to the song, incorporating their signature blend of rich, melodic storytelling and heartfelt vocal interplay—Ronnie Dunn’s soulful intensity paired with Kix Brooks’ dynamism . Their rendition found moderate success on the charts, climbing to #15 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs and reaching #6 on Canada’s RPM Country Tracks, while also peaking at #75 on the Billboard Hot 100 .
Despite Tight Rope being one of their less commercially successful albums—notably their first not to achieve RIAA platinum certification—the choice to cover “Missing You” underscored Brooks & Dunn’s willingness to explore emotionally nuanced material and connect with a broader musical legacy . The single was accompanied by a music video directed by Deaton Flanigen, adding visual depth to the song’s heartache and yearning .
Brooks & Dunn’s version stands as a respectful and artful tribute to a song rooted in raw, introspective emotion—originally inspired by Waite’s personal experiences of marital dissolution and longing—and reimagined through a country lens that highlights the duo’s profound interpretive skills .