Jon Pardi’s #1 for “Head Over Boots” Proves There’s a Place for Country on Country Radio

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Traditional-leaning country artist Jon Pardi’s single “Head Over Boots” has been the “little country song that could” in 2016, and despite strong competition from many other contemporary artists, it can now claim at least a stake in being considered 2016’s country song of the summer.

Released way back on September 14th, 2015, “Head Over Boots” has traced a slow but steady build until this week it was officially named the #1 song on country radio. Yet beyond some other singles that have recently been awarded this distinction, the numbers behind “Head Over Boots” speak to a true groundswell of appeal and interest in the song as opposed to reaching #1 just because it’s Jon Pardi’s turn in line.

Take a look at some of the numbers behind “Head Over Boots” beyond radio:

  • #1 Most Shazamed country song in 2016 so far.
  • Certified gold, with over 550,000 downloads.
  • It has been streamed over 100 million times combined (audio + video).
  • The live video has been viewed over 7.6 million times (Released 4/16/2016).
  • The lyric video has been viewed over 8.7 million times (Released 10/9/2015).

“Head Over Boots” joins Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind” (written by Lori McKenna) as surprising #1 singles for 2016, speaking to the new support building at radio for songs of both substance, and that include more traditional instrumentation like steel guitar and fiddle. Jon Pardi co-wrote “Head Over Boots” with Luke Laird, and also co-produced the song like he did the entirety of his recent album, California Sunrise.

Jon Pardi continues to be one of the promising young traditional country voices that happens to be on a major label, and could be the spearhead to fueling a traditional country resurgence in the mainstream.

The video for “Head Over Boots,” which shows Jon Pardi dressed in traditional country duds, was shot at the Twin Sisters Dance Hall in Blanco, TX. Built in the 1870’s, it is one of the oldest surviving Texas dance halls that remains standing. The hall is currently looking for donations to help fix the venue’s 90-year-old roof.

The success of “Head Over Boots” proves there is a place for more traditional country songs and artists in today’s radio climate. They just have to be given a chance.

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