Wynonna Judd and Lainey Wilson Release Reimagined 80s Rock Anthem
Wynonna Judd / YouTube
Wynonna Judd and Lainey Wilson have collaborated to recreate a fan-favorite 80s rock song
Country music icon Wynonna Judd has enlisted the help of the newly crowned ACM Entertainer of the Year, Lainey Wilson, on her latest release. The pair recorded a reimagined version of “Refugee” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
Tom Petty originally co-wrote “Refugee” with songwriter Mike Campbell. It was one of the first songs that Campbell had ever written, and he once reflected:
“I just wrote the music and handed it to Tom [Petty] and he put the words over it, and when he did he found a way to make the chorus lift up without changing chords.”
“Refugee” was released in January 1980 as the second single from Tom Petty and the Heartbreaker’s album Damn The Torpedoes. It is widely regarded as one of Tom Petty’s best songs and made it all the way to the No. 15 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Relive the original song below!
Wynonna Judd and Lainey Wilson’s “Refugee” will be included in an upcoming Tom Petty tribute album
The newly released duet will be featured on Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty, which is set to hit speakers on May 31st. Additional artists appearing on the album include George Strait, Dolly Parton, Chris Stapleton, Willie Nelson, and more.
Lainey Wilson said in a statement that recording the song with Wynonna was “one of the coolest experiences” of her life. Reflecting upon the project, Wynonna shared:
“Tom Petty is one of my favorites. Being a part of this project has been a dream come true! Getting to record in the same room as Lainey, and collaborate the way we did, was an even greater blessing. Talk about a win-win! What an amazing memory and friendship we share now because of this recording process.”
Lainey Wilson shares a behind-the-scenes look at her day recording with Wynonna
Lainey Wilson shared a series of photos and videos from her time recording “Refugee” with Wynonna at her in-home studio, including a sweet video of the pair video calling Lainey’s parents (second slide). With it, she wrote a heartfelt message to Wynonna:
“It has been a career highlight to work together on this song. I cherish our life-long friendship so much. Wynonna is the real deal y’all and I’m really proud of what we did with this one.”
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Listen to “Refugee” by Wynonna Judd and Lainey Wilson and see some additional clips from their time in the studio below!
