3 Earl Thomas Conley Songs From the 1980s That Still Sound Incredible Today
Earl Thomas Conley’s chart success made him one of country music’s defining voices of the 1980s, and three of his songs from the decade continue to stand out. They showcase his collaborations, songwriting and emotionally direct stories about love and heartbreak.
“We Believe In Happy Endings”, written by Bob McDill and recorded with Emmylou Harris, earned the pair a CMA Vocal Event of the Year nomination; Harris won the award that year with Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt as Trio. Conley co-wrote “Love Don’t Care (Whose Heart It Breaks)” with Randy Scruggs for *Treadin’ Water*, an album that also produced two other No. 1 singles. “Holding Her And Loving You”, written by Walt Aldridge and Tom Brasfield, tells of a man torn between commitment and another love, and was later recorded live by Clay Walker in 1998.
In short
- Conley’s 1980s catalogue includes three enduring country songs.
- Emmylou Harris joined him on a CMA-nominated duet.
- His songs explore heartbreak, divided loyalties and love.
Explained simply
Earl Thomas Conley was an American country singer and songwriter whose success helped make him a prominent voice in country music during the 1980s. His songs often dealt directly with love, heartbreak and difficult choices.
The songs discussed here also show how country records can bring together performers and songwriters: Conley recorded with Emmylou Harris and co-wrote “Love Don’t Care (Whose Heart It Breaks)” with Randy Scruggs. “Holding Her And Loving You” was written by Walt Aldridge and Tom Brasfield, and its story of divided loyalties was later taken up in a live recording by Clay Walker.