Juice Newton and the Enduring Legacy of “Queen of Hearts”

Released in 1981, Queen of Hearts by Juice Newton is a playful and catchy tune that blends country and pop, making it a standout hit of the early ’80s. The song’s infectious rhythm, coupled with Newton’s sweet yet powerful voice, tells the story of love as a gamble—one where the stakes are high, but the thrill keeps you coming back for more.

Queen of Hearts became one of Juice Newton’s signature songs, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and establishing her as a crossover sensation in both the country and pop music worlds. With its upbeat tempo and charming lyrics, the song quickly became a fan favorite and remains an enduring classic to this day.

Queen of Hearts

• Queen of Hearts was written by Hank DeVito, a renowned pedal steel guitarist who played with Emmylou Harris’ band, but it was Juice Newton who turned the song into a mainstream hit.
• The song’s success helped Newton earn a Grammy nomination for Best Female Vocalist in 1982, solidifying her place in music history.
• Queen of Hearts was accompanied by a fun music video that aired frequently on MTV, showcasing Newton’s playful persona and making her one of the early female country artists to benefit from the rise of music videos.

Video