Chris Stapleton Rocks ‘I Should Have Known It’ on ‘Petty Country’ All-Star Tribute Album

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Dolly Parton in the video for “Southern Accents” from Petty Country

Tom Petty’s songwriting legacy is being showcased by some of country music’s biggest stars with the release of Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty, coming June 21, 2024, via Big Machine Records in partnership with the Petty Estate. The album includes Dolly Parton’s reimagined version of “Southern Accents,” as well as “I Should Have Known It” by Chris Stapleton, “Angel Dream No. 2” by Willie Nelson & Lukas Nelson, “Ways To Be Wicked” by Margo Price feat. Mike Campbell, and “You Wreck Me (Live)” by George Strait, each of whom put their own personal touches on some of Petty’s greatest hits. Stapleton’s recording follows the release of Parton’s track as well as Dierks Bentley’s take on the all-time classic, “American Girl.” Listen to the three covers below.

The album was curated by some of Petty’s closest friends and collaborators, including George Drakoulias and Petty’s esteemed colleague Randall Poster, both of whom are 2x GRAMMY® Award-winners. It’s available to pre-order in the U.S. here and in the U.K. here.

“I was fortunate enough to get to know Tom over the years,” says Parton. “He’s such an iconic artist and important songwriter. I’m so honored to be a part of this special album and to be able to share my version of one of Tom’s best songs.”

The beloved song—a Petty classic and considered by Petty to be one of the best he ever wrote—takes on new life in the world of country music as Parton’s beautifully intimate version arrives with a new video directed by Trey Fanjoy, featuring poignant home videos and professional footage of Petty throughout his life.

Petty Country finds some of the most lauded voices in country music exploring the extensive Petty catalog and putting their own personal touches on some of his greatest hits. Other artists include Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives, Luke Combs, Wynonna Judd, Carly Pearce, Lady A, Margo Price, and Rhiannon Giddens. The Heartbreakers’ Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench also perform. See the complete track list below.

The video for “American Girl” opens with Bentley strapping on Petty’s own signature Rickenbacker guitar that was flown in from his archives in California for the shoot.

Shot at Nashville venue Clementine, the performance-forward video focuses on musicianship as Bentley and his band circle up at golden hour with light pouring into the room, offering up a sense of sanctification and celebrating the fellowship, joy of playing and spirit that defined Petty and the Heartbreakers. Director Wes Edwards shows Bentley’s band along with Americana images, and other items from Petty’s archive.

“Holding an instrument that carries so much musical history and significance was surreal, you could almost feel the stories resonate from it as I played it,” says Bentley. “Tom Petty’s lyrics and delivery were a huge part of what made his music so impactful.”

Listen to Stapleton’s rocking cover

Petty Country Track List
“I Should Have Known It” by Chris Stapleton
“Wildflowers” by Thomas Rhett
“Runnin’ Down A Dream” by Luke Combs
“Southern Accents” by Dolly Parton
“Here Comes My Girl” by Justin Moore
“American Girl” by Dierks Bentley
“Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” by Lady A
“I Forgive It All” by Jamey Johnson
“I Won’t Back Down” by Brothers Osborne
“Refugee” by Wynonna Judd & Lainey Wilson
“Angel Dream No. 2” by Willie Nelson & Lukas Nelson
“Learning To Fly” by Eli Young Band
“Breakdown” by Ryan Hurd feat. Carly Pearce
“Yer So Bad” by Steve Earle
“Ways To Be Wicked” by Margo Price feat. Mike Campbell
“Mary Jane’s Last Dance” by Midland
“Free Fallin’” by The Cadillac Three feat. Breland
“I Need To Know” by Marty Stuart And His Fabulous Superlatives
“Don’t Come Around Here No More” by Rhiannon Giddens feat. Silkroad Ensemble and Benmont Tench
“You Wreck Me (Live)” by George Strait