Joe Diffie Songs

Joe Diffie Music: One of the Biggest Country Stars of All Time

The late Joe Diffie is one of America’s most well-known country stars, with multiple studio albums and hit singles to his name.

His biggest songs include Home, Third Rock from the Sun, Pickup Man, and If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets). But this is just a handful of releases from the Joe Diffie music portfolio.

Joe Diffie won major awards during his career, including the 1990 Cash Box Male Vocalist of the Year, an Academy of Country Music Award for Vocal Event of the Year in 1993, and a Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals in 1998.

How Joe Diffie's Music Found Success

Joe Diffie worked numerous jobs and experienced various hardships before finding musical success. For example, he built a recording studio and toured with a bluegrass band named Special Edition, though he had to sell his studio after being declared bankrupt in the mid-’80s.

He worked at a foundry and for Gibson Guitar Corporation (one of the biggest guitar bands in the world), but eventually started recording demos on a full-time basis as his confidence grew.

But all that changed in 1990, when he was signed with the Epic Records Nashville division. This was a major turning point in his career.

His first studio album, A Thousand Winding Roads, reached number 23 on the Top Country Albums chart. It featured the singles Home (which topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart), If You Want Me To, New Way (To Light Up an Old Flame), and If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets).

His fame and recognition continued to grow with the release of Regular Joe, Honky Tonk Attitude, and Third Rock from the Sun. In 1995, Joe Diffie songs lyrics explored bold new territory on the Mr. Christmas album. This featured covers of classic Christmas songs alongside original tracks, such as the playfully-titled LeRoy the Redneck Reindeer.

Though it’s not generally considered his best album, Mr. Christmas nevertheless demonstrates the versatility of Joe Diffie songs lyrics.

Another of Joe Diffie’s biggest albums was A Night to Remember, and its title track stayed on the country charts for an amazing 29-week run. It also included It’s Always Somethin’ and The Quittin’ Kind, which both performed well on country music charts.

Celebrating Joe Diffie’s Impact and Legacy

Joe Diffie passed away on March 29, 2020, aged 61. He had tested positive for COVID-19 two days before. He left behind a vast portfolio of songs for long-time fans to enjoy and new ones to discover.

Diffie’s success (critical and commercial) is a testament to his talent, with the Recording Industry Association of America certifying both Honky Tonk Attitude and Third Rock from the Sun platinum. These albums, and the rest of his work, are sure to influence upcoming country artists for years to come.

You can find every Joe Diffie music track on Song List, with Apple Music and Amazon links to buy the songs individually. Just browse the list and immerse yourself in the work of a true country master.