Ella Langley surprised fans with the release of her latest album, “Dandelion,” on Friday, April 10 through SAWGOD/Columbia Records. At just 26 years old, the country music star co-wrote an impressive 14 out of the 18 tracks on the album. One standout song that she didn’t have a hand in writing is her breathtaking cover of Kitty Wells’ 1952 honky tonk classic, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels.”
Written by J.D. “Jay” Miller, this country classic served as a defiant response to Hank Thompson’s 1952 chart-topping release of “The Wild Side of Life.” While Thompson’s song blamed women for failed marriages by labeling them as “honky tonk angels,” Wells’ response shifts the blame onto unfaithful men for leading women astray. The chorus of Wells’ song emphasizes the consequences of men’s actions, stating “It wasn’t God who made honky-tonk angels.”
Wells’ original recording of “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” marked a significant moment in music history as she became the first female solo artist to top the Billboard Country charts. Decades later, the song is still recognized as one of the most notable “Savage Country Music Diss Tracks.”
Langley’s decision to include this cover on her “Dandelion” album, along with a traditional-style intro and outro called “Froggy Went A Courtin,” showcases the enduring impact of Wells’ timeless message. Despite being released over 70 years ago, the song continues to resonate with listeners.
The inclusion of “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” on Langley’s album highlights her appreciation for country music history and her ability to breathe new life into classic songs. Through her interpretation of Wells’ iconic track, Langley pays tribute to the trailblazing women who paved the way for artists like herself in the industry.
As Langley continues to carve out her own path in the world of country music, her cover of “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling within the genre. The timeless themes of love, betrayal, and resilience explored in the song resonate with listeners of all generations, solidifying its place as a country music classic.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.