I Fall to Pieces

"I Fall to Pieces"
Single by Patsy Cline
from the album Showcase
B-side"Lovin' in Vain"
ReleasedJanuary 30, 1961 (1961-01-30)
RecordedNovember 16, 1960 (1960-11-16)
StudioBradley Studios, Nashville, Tennessee
Genre
Length2:47
LabelDecca
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Owen Bradley
Patsy Cline singles chronology
"Crazy Dreams"
(1960)
"I Fall to Pieces"
(1961)
"Crazy"
(1961)

"I Fall to Pieces" is a song written by Hank Cochran and Harlan Howard that was originally recorded by Patsy Cline. Released as a single in 1961 via Decca Records, it topped the country charts, crossed over onto the pop charts and became among Cline's biggest hits. Cline was initially reluctant to record "I Fall to Pieces" and believed its production (produced by Owen Bradley) lacked enough country instrumentation for her liking. Eventually, Cline recorded the song upon the encouragement of her producer.

After being released, "I Fall to Pieces" did not receive initial airplay. However, through targeted promotional efforts, the song was brought to the attention of several disc jockeys who began playing the track. As the song ascended to the top of the country charts, Cline was injured in a near-fatal car accident. When the song reached its peak positions, she was recovering from her injuries in the hospital and was unable to perform the track for several months. "I Fall to Pieces" was later released on Cline's second studio album, Showcase (1961).

"I Fall to Pieces" has since been considered a country music standard. It has received recognition from several major music associations, including the Recording Industry Association of America, Country Music Television and Rolling Stone. The song has been covered by various artists of different musical styles, including as a duet by Aaron Neville and Trisha Yearwood in 1994. Boots Randolph recorded an instrumental version of the song on his 1963 album Boots Randolph's Yakety Sax![3] Dottie West recorded the song for her 1964 album The Country Girl Singing Sensation.[4] Diana Trask recorded the song and included it on her 1969 album From the Heart.[5]

  1. ^ Pitchfork Staff (August 18, 2006). "The 200 Best Songs of the 1960s". Pitchfork. Retrieved October 12, 2022. You'd never know it from this weepy pop-country gem.
  2. ^ Unterberger, Richie. ""I Fall to Pieces": Patsy Cline: Song information". Allmusic. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  3. ^ "Boots Randolph - Boots Randolph's Yakety Sax! Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic" – via www.allmusic.com.
  4. ^ "Dottie West - Country Girl Singing Sensation Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic" – via www.allmusic.com.
  5. ^ "Diana Trask - From the Heart Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic" – via www.allmusic.com.