Billy Ray Cyrus’ ‘Achy Breaky Heart’ Was Originally by Another Artist

The world of country music is friendlier to covers than other genres. For example, Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Achy Breaky Heart” was a cover. Here’s what the song’s writer thought when Cyrus redid his song.

Billy Ray Cyrus’ ‘Achy Breaky Heart’ once had a different title Cyrus had nothing to do with the writing or production of “Achy Breaky Heart.” The tune was penned by Don Von Tress and produced by Joe Scaife and Jim Cotton. The Marcy Brothers originally recorded it under the title “Don’t Tell My Heart” for their self-titled record.

During a 2019 interview with The Tennessean , Von Tress discussed the writing of “Achy Breaky Heart.” “It was 27 or 28 years ago,” he recalled. “My buddy, Russ Zavitson, who was based in Muscle Shoals, came up and was running Harold Shedd’s publishing company.

I’d been that guy that was wanting to hear a song of mine on the radio. I just kept plugging away. I brought a piece of that song up to Russ and played it for him and he said, “Man, you have to finish this.

And by the way, don’t get a co-writer.” How ‘Achy Breaky Heart’ took over the world Von Tress reacted to The Marcy Brothers’ version of his song. “You know, they did a good job, but the record didn’t really catch on,” he recalled.

“It just didn’t get the magic. Meanwhile, Jim Cotton and Joe Scaife took it up to Kentucky, I believe, or West Virginia somewhere, and played it for Billy Ray Cyrus. This kid, who was already a regional star.

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