For today’s classic song of the day we head back to the late ’70s and singer Bonnie Tyler’s hit, “It’s a Heartache.” Released in November of 1977, this single went all the way to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100, and #10 on both the Billboard Adult Contemporary and Hot Country Songs charts. It was a number-one hit in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Norway, Spain, and Sweden.
“It’s a Heartache” was written by Ronnie Scott and Steve Wolfe, who also (with David Mackey) produced. It was recorded at The Factory Sound in Surrey, England—in fact, it was the first track recorded at the then-new studio.
Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler was a pretty big deal back in the late ’70s/early ’80s. As a result of surgery to remove nodules on her vocal folds, she had a uniquely husky voice, which Jim Steinman said reminded him of a combination of John Fogerty and Janis Joplin. “It’s a Heartache” was her first big hit in the U.S., and was followed by her #1 rendition of Steinman’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” in 1983. She had more hits after that, mainly outside the U.S., and continues to record and perform to this day. She’s currently 74 years old.
“It’s a Heartache” proved popular with other artists, as well. Juice Newton and Ronnie Spector both released versions of the song about the same time Tyler released hers, but only Newton’s managed to crack the Hot 100. In addition, Dave & Sugar released a cover that placed on the country charts in 1981, as did the group Trick Pony with their country version in 2005. Similarly-voiced Rod Stewart covered the song in 2006.
And here’s today’s daily bonus video of the day, Bonnie Tyler’s official music video for “It’s a Heartache.” It’s a fool’s game, nothing but a fool’s game…
