Austin Burke is paying homage to a country classic with his new single. The Arizona native just dropped “Crazy, Crazy,” the debut single from his forthcoming debut album. The song begins with Patsy Cline‘s “Crazy,” which Willie Nelson, the sole writer on the iconic tune, gave Burke permission to use.
“I’ve always loved hearing how other genres have taken an old song, reworked it and found a way to give it a new life,” Burke tells Everything Nash. “That’s what I want with ‘Crazy, Crazy’ – a new life on a song that will always be considered one of the greatest country songs of all time.”
Burke has a deep love of country music, especially “Crazy,” thanks to his childhood memories surrounding the classic hit.
“This song has always been one of my favorites because I got the chance to grow up seeing my grandparents dance to ‘Crazy’ in the kitchen,” Burke explains in a press release about “Crazy, Crazy.” “Pop and hip-hop have been making classic hits for decades and I’m excited for country music to be a part of that conversation. I’ve never been afraid to step outside the box and try something that’s never been done before.”
It’s been a big week for Burke. In addition to the release of “Crazy, Crazy,” the rising star just revealed that he and his wife, Lexy, are expecting their first baby this fall. The couple married in 2019.
“I can’t explain my happiness,” Burke tells People. “Knowing that Lexy is carrying our baby has given me a new appreciation for her and moms everywhere. She’s going to be the best mom, and I’m ready to teach this kid the very little I know.”
Burke recently made the news for more than just his music or his growing family. The singer-songwriter announced that he would donate 15 percent of revenue from his masters to songwriters, after noticing the disparity in income that songwriters received.
“I’ve been able to live off of streaming money, but then I look at my songwriter friends and they’re working three jobs,” Burke told Forbes. “The divide and the separation of money is not fair right now. … I look at it as, how can I help the thing I love most? It’s something I’m very passionate about. I love writers and writing and songwriting and if we don’t change, [that’s] going to go away.
“I know that I’m supposed to do something, and I know that I’m supposed to be an example for other independent artists that you can do it on your own,” he continued. “You can do these things and you can make a change and make a difference.”
Find “Crazy, Crazy” and all of Burke’s music at AustinBurkeMusic.com.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Elicity Public Relations / Raul Esparza