Photo: Dan Seals Estate / Jim Wright
Big Frank's Take -- Country music just got a little sweeter today, folks. Luke Bryan has teamed up with the late, great Dan Seals for a brand new duet of "Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold)," and let me tell you, it's hitting me in the feels, as the kids say. Thank you to 117 Entertainment for sharing this information with us.
This new project from Melody Place Records brings together Bryan's modern country charm with Seals' timeless 1986 chart-topper, originally co-written by Seals and Bob McDill. The track was produced by Seals' longtime producer Kyle Lehning, showing the respect and care that went into honoring one of country music's truest voices, 16 years after his passing.
"When I think of all time iconic songs, this one definitely comes top of mind," Bryan said. "Dan was an artist I had on repeat and actually still do. I sang this song when I was back in Georgia and now to be here and paired with him on this new release is just unbelievable."
A Personal Memory Lane
Man, this one takes me back to junior high in Tilden, Texas. I can still picture those long bus rides to and from basketball games, the older kids in the back seats with their boom boxes cranked up, and Dan Seals' voice filling that old yellow bus. "Everything That Glitters" was constantly on rotation back in '86 and '87, right alongside "Bop" and "Meet Me In Montana." Those songs were the soundtrack to some of the best memories of growing up in small-town South Texas.
There was something special about Dan Seals that just connected with us country kids. Maybe it was his storytelling, or the way he could make you feel like he was singing directly to your experience. Whatever it was, those songs became part of who we were.
The Legacy Lives On
Respected music critic Robert K. Oermann nailed it when he said on MusicRow.com: "the tender, classic story song scores again in this new duet. It's drawn from a collection of collaborations that aims to keep his memory alive. Amen to that."
Dan Seals occupied a unique spot in music history. The Texas native first made his mark as "England Dan" in the pop-rock duo England Dan & John Ford Coley before finding his true calling in Nashville. His country career was nothing short of phenomenal – nine consecutive number one hits and 11 total chart-toppers. He was one of the most successful crossover artists ever, bringing rural American stories to a wider audience without losing that authentic country heart.
As Country Universe put it, Dan Seals' music was "building bridges that led to what it would ultimately become in the golden age to come." In 2024, they called "Everything That Glitters" "an astonishing feat of songwriting."
Luke Bryan's Perfect Partnership
Bryan, who's amassed 26.6 billion global streams and 32 number one singles during his career, was the perfect choice for this tribute. With his 117.5 million RIAA certified digital single units and countless awards including five Entertainer of the Year honors, Luke brings both commercial success and genuine respect for country music's roots to this collaboration.
This duet is more than just a new release – it's a bridge between generations, connecting the country music of our youth with today's stars, proving that great songs truly are timeless.
Stay tuned for more information on this exciting new project. In the meantime, crank up that radio and let Dan Seals and Luke Bryan remind you that sometimes the old songs really are the best songs.
Keep it country, y'all!