1981 Love Song Was Recorded by Several Artists — Then One Singer Made It a Smash Hit

“Angel of the Morning” remains one of the defining love songs of the early ’80s. Many fans assume Juice Newton originated the song; however, several artists had already recorded it in the 60s and 70s before Newton put her signature stamp on it in 1981. Newton’s country-pop version became the one that finally turned the song into a crossover smash.

The Song’s Long Journey

“Angel of the Morning” was written by songwriter Chip Taylor in 1967 and was first offered to Connie Francis, but the popular singer thought the message was too risqué for her image, as its lyrics were interpreted by many as a candid depiction of a one-night stand.

“People thought it was just a roll in the hay but I didn’t mean it like that at all,” Taylor later told The Guardian. “This was the most powerful love of two people who may never see each other again — they would love each other forever and beyond time. It was a very serious song.”

The song was soon recorded by artists including Evie Sands, Billie Davis and P. P. Arnold. But it wasn’t until Merrilee Rush released her version in 1968 that it became a Top 10 hit, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. Over the next decade, artists including Dusty Springfield and Olivia Newton-John also recorded it, yet none matched the crossover success Juice Newton would achieve in 1981.

Why Juice Newton’s Version Clicked

At first, Newton wasn’t sold on the song. She told Mr. Media: “Steve Mayer brought us the song when we were already in the studio. I really didn’t like the song. I wasn’t that aware of it.”

Newton believed there had to be a compelling reason to record someone else’s song. “Of course, you listen to the original, to see if there’s something on there that you want to include in your own interpretation. lf you don’t think you can make a better record than the original, you shouldn’t touch it.”

She ultimately proved herself right. Newton blended country warmth with a polished pop production that came at exactly the right cultural moment. Her expressive vocal performance, the song’s emotional honesty, and the gentle wash of electric guitar and strings sealed the deal for fans.

Newton attributed the song’s success, in part, to her well-timed partnership with producer Richard Landis, and called it “my lucky break.” She told Review mag, “The timing was just so lucky as we were both available at the same time — doesn’t always happen … I consider that excellent timing.”

The Crossover Breakthrough

Juice Newton’s cover of “Angel of the Morning” was released in February 1981 as the lead single from her sixth studio album, Juice. Her version earned crossover success, reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 22 on the Billboard Country music chart and spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.

The song earned Newton a Grammy nomination for “Best Female Pop Vocal Performance” at the 24th Annual Grammy Awards.

Newton’s music video for “Angel of the Morning” is often credited as the first country music video to ever air on MTV in 1981; however, some country purists argue was not a true country music video due to the song’s heavy pop influence.

Related: 1979 Love Ballad, Written in Just 45 Minutes, Became a Timeless Anthem of Hope

Why the Juice Newton Cover Still Resonates

The song’s message of embracing love and connection without demanding forever still feels refreshingly honest today. That emotional openness has helped “Angel of the Morning” remain relevant for generation after generation.

In 1995, Chrissie Hynde (of The Pretenders) recorded a version for the hit sitcomFriends. It popped up in the opening credits of Deadpool (2016) and in the ending scene and into the ending credits of Promising Young Woman (2020), as well as in Charlie Wilson’s War (2007), It Chapter Two (2019) and Apartment 7a (2024). Then in 2001, Jamaican reggae artist Shaggy released “Angel,” which heavily integrated the melody of “Angel of the Morning” and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song became one of Newton’s signature recordings, and today, it has more than 144 million Spotify streams.

Many talented artists sang “Angel of the Morning,” but Juice Newton found the interpretation that resonated most deeply with listeners. More than 40 years later, her version remains the definitive recording and proof that sometimes the right singer arrives at exactly the right moment.

Watch the official music video for “Angel of the Morning” by Juice Newton:

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