After a hard day’s night decorating in the back bedroom (gosh, the Victorians made ceilings so tall), I decided to slip in a review before heading off to watch the next episode of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, which I have got into watching. It is weird and wacky, but it has got me watching!
As for the review, we are hitting the country road for a cover of the Stevie Wonder mega-hit.
Press Release:
Award-winning country artist Krystal King is taking a bold musical leap with the release of her new single, a country interpretation of Stevie Wonder’s “Sir Duke”, available everywhere on August 14th.
A longtime staple of King’s live shows, the beloved classic has been reimagined with a distinctly country sound, replacing the song’s iconic horn section with lively fiddle and banjo while preserving the infectious energy that made the original a timeless hit. While many people questioned the idea, one collaborator immediately embraced it.
“I have brought this idea up in conversation to multiple musicians and producers and they all kind of shrugged it off… but Dr. Ford got excited,” says King.
The result is a fresh, unexpected take that blends the joyful spirit of the original with traditional country instrumentation.
Krystal states: “We didn’t mess with the arrangement. Stevie Wonder’s a genius, so why mess with perfection. I just wanted to put my own stamp on it.”
As Dr. Ford added, “It’s more of a love letter to Stevie and his music, a way to honor him.”
Already a technically difficult song, the talent of the musicians on the track is on full display as they take on parts that were not written for their instrument.
Musicians include: Chris Condon (guitar/banjo), Tommy Harden (drums), Caleb Mundy (bass), Tim Crouch (fiddle, mandolin), and Daniel Ford “Dr. Ford” (production, engineering, mixing/mastering).
As a fun tribute, this song also displays an “ACME Siren” as heard in the original track.
Known as your “next door redneck,” Krystal King delivers relatable country songwriting filled with vivid storytelling and sharp humor. As a child of the 90’s she also loves a good honky tonk song. Originally from Hickory, North Carolina, King is now based in Nashville and tours nationally.
In 2025, she was named Female Artist of the Year (Country/Southern Rock) at the Josie Music Awards, held at the Grand Ole Opry.
Beyond the stage, she also serves as a SiriusXM DJ for Radio Margaritaville.
My Review
The single came out today, August 14, so it is out on all platforms now.
This song, of course, is one of those you know from the first notes played. It is always infectious. My position when doing a review of a cover is whether it is doing anything to take the track into new territory. Is it cutting the mustard?
In this case, the structure of the original remains fully recognisable. Krystal gives it a really energetic and enthusiastic rendition. It is a fizzy martini of a tribute to the original, and I can see why it may be popular with her live audience. It is a faithful, playful return to the Stevie Wonder classic.
As is my way, I am also sharing a couple of other tracks by the artist that I feel you should definitely listen to.
“Red Wine and White Lies” opens the 2025 album Pretty Poison. It is a damn smooth opener, slips along in country style and gets you ready for a night of friends and family, preferably in a barn with some dancing and a country singer! You can definitely raise a glass, relax, have a drink and a dance. It works as an album opener, but is also a fine track for breakfast radio play.
“Pretty Poison” is a great number too, sultry and sexy — it sways in a long, tight dress and winks towards the devil on your shoulder. As a song, the melody and lyrics slip in together well. It has a touch of old jazz in the vocals, sleaze in the instrumentalisation — I think this deserves a listen and a whisky.
Summary
Krystal King has not attempted to reinvent “Sir Duke”, and perhaps that is the point. Sometimes a cover does not need to dismantle a classic and rebuild it from scratch; it simply needs to have enough personality to make you want to hear it again.
This version has energy, enthusiasm and a distinctly country flavour, and while I suspect Stevie Wonder’s original will remain firmly planted in the driving seat, Krystal King has certainly earned her place in the passenger seat for the journey.
If you like your country with a little humour, a little swagger and the occasional whisky, Krystal King is certainly worth keeping an ear on.
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Stream music from Krystal King here
By Lorraine Foley
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