You know tyou have a Great Song on your hands when your original release becomes a hit…and then, a decade later, you re-record and re-release it, and it becomes a hit all over again.

Such is the case with Michael Martin Murphey and his Great Song of 1975 AND 1985: “Carolina in the Pines.”

The song was written about his second wife (out of 5!) Caroline Hougue…in an effort to write a love song that highlighted his love for her as an indivudual..and not just as a supporter of his career–a quite lovely thought.

The first time aound, in 1975, “Carolina in the Pines” was released from the album “Blue Sky-Night Thunder,” and reached #4 Billboard’s Adult Contemporary Chart and #25 on the Hot 100.

Then, in 1985, Michael re-recorded it with John McEuen on banjo…and when released from the album “The Best of Michael Martin Murphey,” it reached #9 on Billboard’s Country Chart! (Check out both versions below!) i

“Carolina in the Pines” by Michael Martin Murphey: a Great Song of the ’70s AND the ’80s!

1975:

1985:

— Mike Cook