Kelly Clarkson has blessed fans of her famous talk show with another perfect “Kellyoke” cover, and this time she has chosen one of Patsy Cline’s most recognized songs She’s Got You. She covered the song on Wednesday, April 7 episode of her talk show. I seriously don’t know what to love more; Kelly Clarkson’s choice of song, her vocals, or her simple performance of the song.
She’s Got You is a country song written by Hank Cochran way before Kelly Clarkson entered the world and was first recorded in 1961, and released a year later in 1962 as a single by Patsy Cline. The song is upbeat and features jazz, pop, and country elements.
Patsy Cline’s Hit Song She’s Got You
According to Hank Cochran, he had called Patsy to tell her that he’s written another hit song for her and Patsy had told him to come over with a bottle of liquor and guitar and perform the song for her and her friend Dottie West. After hearing the song, Patsy was said to have loved it so much that she learned the song that same day and even called up her manager and producer to sing the song for them over the phone. Ironically, this actually sounds like something Kelly Clarkson would have done.
She recorded it at her next session and it was one of those rare moments when Patsy and her producer, Owen Bradley, both agreed on a song. The song went on to become a hit as it topped Billboard’s Hot Country Song, peaking at number 14 on Billboard Hot 100.
The song is about having objects that remind you of someone you can no longer be with. “I’ve got the records that we used to share/ And they still sound the same, as when you were here/ The only thing different, the only thing new/ I’ve got the records … she’s got you.” Patsy sang in the single, and now Kelly Clarkson has followed her down the lyrical lane with her performance of the song.
She’s Got You has been recorded by numerous artists including Dean Martin (who sang He’s Got You instead), Ruby and the Rednecks, Rosanne Cash, LeAnn Rimes, Jimmy Buffett, Cat Power, Elvis Costello, Loretta Lynn, amongst others.
Loretta Lynn’s 1977 remix of the song I Remember Patsy topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles and the Canada RPM Country Tracks.
Kelly Clarkson Does She’s Got You Justice
Kelly Clarkson’s performance of the song was slow and showcased her impressive voice, and she wonderfully added a little color to the music with a soft vibrato at one point, (that’s what musicians call that right?)
Clarkson performed the song against a backdrop of live instruments. Her gown may not be glamorous or filled with glitter and is totally devoid of color, but it complemented her old country take on the song. She added to her looks by wearing a pair of heels and a black belt.
This is not the first time that the first American Idol winner has covered a Patsy Cline song, as she formerly covered Walkin’ After Midnight, a song from Patsy’s debut studio album.
Let us know what you thought of Kelly Clarkson singing Patsy Cline’s hit in the comments below. Keep checking Country Music Lane for daily country music news and updates.