Introduction
“Crazy Little Thing Called Love” is a rockabilly song originally written by Freddie Mercury and performed by the British rock band Queen. Released in 1979, it became a significant hit, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart and becoming Queen’s first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, where it remained for four consecutive weeks. The song also topped the Australian ARIA Charts for seven weeks.
In 1999, American country music artist Dwight Yoakam covered “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” for his compilation album “Last Chance for a Thousand Years: Dwight Yoakam’s Greatest Hits from the 90’s.” Yoakam’s rendition infused the classic rockabilly tune with his signature honky-tonk style, bridging the gap between rock and country genres. His version was well-received, peaking at number 12 on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and reaching number 64 on the Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, it climbed to number 35 on the UK Singles Chart.
The accompanying music video, directed by Yoakam himself, showcased his energetic performance and dance moves, paying homage to the song’s rock ‘n’ roll roots. The video received substantial airplay, further cementing the song’s popularity. Yoakam’s cover also gained exposure through its inclusion in a television commercial for the clothing retailer Gap, broadening its reach to a wider audience.
“Crazy Little Thing Called Love” has been covered by various artists over the years, but Yoakam’s version stands out for its seamless blend of rockabilly and country influences. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its catchy melody and versatile composition, allowing it to transcend musical boundaries and resonate with audiences across different genres.