Love Hurts by Nazareth was released in 1974 and quickly became an international hit. The song was originally recorded by the Everly Brothers in 1960 but was never released as a single. Nazareth’s version of the song was recorded during a session when they were recording b-sides for their new album. It was not meant to be a single or even an album track. However, the song became a major hit for the band, reaching #1 in Canada, Norway, and Belgium and #8 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The lead singer of Nazareth, Dan McCafferty, was born in Dunfermline, Scotland, and was influenced by artists like Little Richard, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Otis Redding. He co-founded Nazareth in 1968 and has appeared on all of the band’s albums up to 2014, touring with them for 45 years.
Many artists have covered Love Hurts, but Nazareth’s version was inspired by the version recorded by Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons. The song’s success was surprising, considering it was never intended to be a single or an album track. Instead, it has continued to be played on the radio and is frequently used in TV shows and movies.
Sadly, Dan McCafferty passed away recently, and his powerful voice will be missed. However, the song’s message about the pain of Love resonates with many people, and its continued popularity is a testament to its enduring appeal.
The year Love Hurts was released, a gallon of milk cost around $1.32, and a dozen eggs cost around $0.82. Richard Nixon was president of the United States at the time, and the US was still grappling with the aftermath of the Vietnam War.
If you haven’t listened to Love Hurts before, listen. Then, share it with your friends and family because it’s a timeless classic that will never go out of style.
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