If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets)
"If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets)" is a song written by Ken Spooner and Kim Williams, and recorded by American country music singer Joe Diffie. The song reached the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks (now Hot Country Songs) chart. It was released in April 1991 as the third single from his debut album, A Thousand Winding Roads.[1]
"If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets)" | ||||
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Single by Joe Diffie | ||||
from the album A Thousand Winding Roads | ||||
B-side | "I Ain't Leavin' 'Til She's Gone" | |||
Released | April 2, 1991 | |||
Genre | Country | |||
Length | 2:45 | |||
Label | Epic | |||
Songwriter(s) | Ken Spooner, Kim Williams | |||
Producer(s) | Bob Montgomery, Johnny Slate | |||
Joe Diffie singles chronology | ||||
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Music video
The music video was directed by Michael Salomon and premiered in early 1991.
Critical reception
Cashbox magazine published a positive review of the song, stating that it "focuses on a much lighter storyline, compared to previous releases. This cut humorously sheds a 'devil-made-me-do-it' theme swallowed up by a fun and bouncy tempo."[2]
Chart performance
The song debuted at number 47 on the Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart dated April 6, 1991. It charted for 20 weeks on that chart, and peaked at number 1 on the country chart dated June 15, 1991, giving Diffie his second Number One single.
Charts
Chart (1991) | Peak position |
---|---|
Canada Country Tracks (RPM)[3] | 4 |
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[4] | 1 |
Year-end charts
Chart (1991) | Position |
---|---|
Canada Country Tracks (RPM)[5] | 64 |
US Country Songs (Billboard)[6] | 22 |
References
- Whitburn, Joel (2008). Hot Country Songs 1944 to 2008. Record Research, Inc. ISBN 0-89820-177-2.
- "Single releases" (PDF). Cashbox: 29. March 30, 1991.
- "Top RPM Country Tracks: Issue 1562." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. July 6, 1991. Retrieved August 16, 2013.
- "Joe Diffie Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard.
- "RPM Top 100 Country Tracks of 1991". RPM. December 21, 1991. Retrieved August 16, 2013.
- "Best of 1991: Country Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 1991. Retrieved August 16, 2013.