Released on February 15, 1993, "The Heart Won't Lie" is a poignant country duet performed by Reba McEntire and Vince Gill. Featured as the second single on McEntire's eighteenth studio album, It's Your Call, the song quickly ascended the charts, becoming a significant hit in the early '90s country music scene.
Originally penned by Kim Carnes and Donna Terry Weiss, "The Heart Won't Lie" was initially intended as a duet between McEntire and Kenny Rogers. However, due to vocal range incompatibilities, the collaboration didn't materialize. Later, while working on her new album, McEntire revisited the song and approached Vince Gill to provide background harmonies. Recognizing the potential, co-producer Tony Brown suggested Gill take on a more prominent role, transforming the track into a full-fledged duet.
Chart Performance and Reception
Upon its release, "The Heart Won't Lie" debuted at number 51 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and eventually climbed to the number one spot by April 10, 1993, where it remained for two weeks. This achievement marked McEntire's seventeenth and Gill's third number-one single on the chart.
Music Video and Performances
Directed by Jon Small, the music video for "The Heart Won't Lie" portrays McEntire as a U.S. Navy Officer Candidate and Gill as a U.S. Marine Corps Drill Instructor. The narrative showcases their characters' emotional connection amidst military training, culminating in a heartfelt farewell scene. The video was filmed over four days at the Nashville Armed Forces Recruiting Station and in China.
McEntire and Gill performed the duet at several notable events, including the 1992 Academy of Country Music Awards and the 1994 Hot Country Jam at the Roy Acuff Theater. Their performances were met with standing ovations, reflecting the song's impact on audiences.
Legacy
Over the years, "The Heart Won't Lie" has remained a beloved track in both artists' repertoires. Its enduring popularity is evident in subsequent performances, such as McEntire's duet with Rascal Flatts at the 2011 ACM Girls Night Out event, where Vince Gill was visibly moved by the rendition.
The song's exploration of undeniable love and emotional honesty continues to resonate with listeners, solidifying its place as a classic in country music history.
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