4 Country Covers That Breathe New Life Into Tom Petty Classics

In 2024, Big Machine put out A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty, a collection that gave Petty’s famous songs a new southern spin. Tom Petty’s songs have always felt like they could be about anyone, but their rootsy storytelling and heartland feel make them a good fit for country performers. Petty grew up listening to American country and rock music, so it’s hardly surprising that these versions seem so real. Here are four songs from the album that really highlight why his music is still popular in many different genres.

“Free Fallin’” by The Cadillac Three and Breland
“Free Fallin’” is one of those rare tunes you don’t dare mess up—it’s simply wonderful. But The Cadillac Three, with Jaren Johnston’s rough baritone, and Breland, with his sweet, soulful voice, do a great job of honoring the original while making it seem like summer. Their voices mix like bright sunshine and a cool breeze, and they capture the free-spirited enthusiasm that made the original so great. This cover is a must-have for road trips or leisurely summer afternoons.

“Runnin’ Down a Dream” by Luke Combs
Few guitar riffs are as iconic as the one powering “Runnin’ Down a Dream.” On Petty’s Full Moon Fever, Mike Campbell delivered a soaring solo on a 1962 Gibson SG, setting the bar impossibly high. Luke Combs approaches this cover with Petty’s signature coolness, staying true to the song’s heartland-rock roots. While no one can truly replicate Campbell’s blend of Page-meets-Harrison brilliance, Combs’ band nails the tone and keeps the driving energy alive.

“You Wreck Me (Live)” by George Strait
George Strait, often called the King of Country, takes Petty’s 1994 Wildflowers gem and turns it into a barnstorming country-rock moment. Strait’s live version of “You Wreck Me” feels both intimate and explosive, with a fiddle-and-acoustic jam that brings a rootsy flavor to the track. You can feel the crowd’s energy feeding off every note, proving Petty’s music still delivers joy and connection years after his passing in 2017.

“I Should Have Known It” by Chris Stapleton
Chris Stapleton’s voice was built for a song like “I Should Have Known It,” which blends the grit of Petty and Campbell with a heavy Led Zeppelin-style swagger. Stapleton’s raw, soulful delivery channels the same southern blues spirit that Petty adored, but with a power that’s distinctly his own. It’s a track that feels like it could only come from someone raised in the heart of America’s musical traditions. As the album opener, Stapleton’s cover sets the tone for a heartfelt tribute that doesn’t just honor Petty—it reinvents him for a new audience.