The original writer for the Patty Loveless hit "Hurt Me Bad (In A Real Good Way)," Deborah Allen, is finally releasing her original recording. And it sounds right at home.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Deborah Allen co-wrote and recorded the track in the 90s. However, legendary producer Tony Brown heard the song, he offered it to Patty Loveless (with Allen's permission). Loveless loved the song and invited Allen to sing the harmonies on it.
And well, you know the rest. It became a #1 hit and a country classic.
At long last, however, Deborah Allen has gone into her archives and is releasing the very first recording of the song. And Wide Open Country is proud to debut it.
You can listen to the incredible recording below. It will be available on streaming platforms tomorrow.
Deborah Allen Was "Thrilled" That Patty Loveless Liked The Song
In statements shared to WOC, Deborah Allen explains how she felt when Patty Loveless first cut the song, and how the song came to be in the first place.
"'Hurt Me Bad (In A Real Good Way)' was a title that had been floating around in my head for a while. Then one day, out of the blue, I heard my co-writer, Rafe, playing his guitar and I automatically started singing the words to a verse that lead right up to the title I had been savoring in my subconscious! It was like magic! The melody that came rolling out of my mouth just seemed to fit perfectly! The song was written in less than an hour. I love it when songs happen that way!" she exclaimed.
Allen was "thrilled" that an artist as "authentic and soulful" as Patty would record her song. It was also an "honor" to sing the harmonies with her.
"When Patty's version took it to number one and then, when I received a Million AirPlay award from BMI as a writer, it was undeniable that we had us a hit!" she recalled. "It was so exciting!"
"But honestly It wasn't until I started singing it in my shows that I got to experience, first-hand, the warmth and genuine enthusiasm that country fans have for the song. It's a wonderful feeling. Every time I sing it in my show, at the end of the song I always say, 'Thank You Patty Loveless.'"
