Keith Harkin surprised fans with a lively and spirited cover of Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Achy Breaky Heart” to celebrate the song’s anniversary.
Dancing around the studio and singing with infectious enthusiasm, Harkin proved that he can not only master Irish ballads but also rock American country music with ease. His rendition brought a fresh, joyful energy to the timeless hit, earning praise from longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Originally released in 1992, “Achy Breaky Heart” catapulted Billy Ray Cyrus from regional singer to global star. Its catchy, two-chord structure, combined with Cyrus’ hip-shaking performance, popularized line dancing across the country and made the song an instant cultural phenomenon.
Three decades later, the track remains a fan favorite, even becoming a wedding staple in Mexico, and Keith Harkin’s version reminded listeners why it has endured for so long.
Fans flooded social media with excitement:
“I LOVE your version, Keith, even more than I did Billy Ray Cyrus’!!”
“Best version ever. You nailed it!”
“The circle is complete. American country music back to its Irish roots!”
Harkin reflected on his journey with the song, sharing a memorable experience leading up to the cover:
“Myself and the one and only ‘Achy Breaky Heart’ man himself @billyraycyrus at Muhammad Ali celebrity fight night, Phoenix. That night was crazy. I was unexpectedly asked to come up and sing on stage that night by the hit man @davidfoster after Andrea Bocelli sang, and then straight after me was Jennifer Lopez. I was sitting right next to Muhammad Ali too. A real pinch-myself moment. Life is a trip! A few years later, I was asked by Billy to cover the one and only Achy Breaky Heart for the 25th anniversary of the song.”
By putting his own stamp on this iconic country anthem, Keith Harkin not only celebrated a legendary song but also showcased the universal appeal of great music, proving that a catchy tune, a little fun, and a lot of heart never go out of style.
“Achy Breaky Heart” Is a Wedding Song in Mexico
More than three decades later, “Achy Breaky Heart” has been recorded in languages ranging from Japanese to Welsh, and a Spanish version of the song is among the most popular wedding songs in Mexico.
Cyrus’ celebrity hasn’t waned. Some people call him a one-hit wonder, but Cyrus has had multiple hits on an assortment of platforms. In addition to “Achy Breaky Heart,” his “Old Town Road” holds the worldwide record for the longest consecutive No. 1 song of all time. He has credit as an artist and a songwriter on “Old Town Road.” He helped launch daughter Miley Cyrus’ career on Hannah Montana, played a small-town doctor in the big city on Doc, and was an Elvis impersonator on Still the King.
He’s also still making music. Billy Ray Cyrus released a recent song, “Over the Rainbow”, featuring Micki Free and Buck 22 on June 27, 2025. All proceeds benefit the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, coinciding with Black Music Month and Pride Month. The singer’s son, Braison Cyrus, is producing his new album, which will feature an array of special guests and be available this fall.
