History of Love Hurts in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 7, 2025

"Love Hurts" is a song written by Boudleaux Bryant and first recorded by the Everly Brothers in 1960. Although the Everly Brothers' version was not a major hit, the song gained significant popularity through hit versions by two UK artists in the mid-1970s. Scottish hard rock band Nazareth's 1974 recording and English singer-songwriter Jim Capaldi's 1975 rendition introduced the song to a broader audience and remain the best-known versions of "Love Hurts." Both versions charted internationally, solidifying the song's status as a classic.

July 1960: First Recording of Love Hurts

In July 1960, the Everly Brothers recorded "Love Hurts" for the first time.

October 1960: Love Hurts on A Date with the Everly Brothers

"Love Hurts" was included as an album track on the Everly Brothers' album 'A Date with the Everly Brothers' in October 1960.

1961: Roy Orbison's Version of Love Hurts

Roy Orbison covered "Love Hurts" and released it as the B-side to "Running Scared" in 1961. It became a hit in Australia.

1964: Resolution with Wesley Rose

The Everly Brothers settled their dispute with their manager and publisher, Wesley Rose, in 1964, allowing them to re-record "Love Hurts".

1965: Re-recording of Love Hurts

The Everly Brothers re-recorded "Love Hurts" for their album 'Rock 'n' Soul' in 1965.

1974: Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris Performance

Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris performed "Love Hurts" on Parsons' posthumously released 1974 album, 'Grievous Angel'.

1974: Nazareth's Version of Love Hurts

Scottish hard rock band Nazareth released their hit version of "Love Hurts" in 1974.

November 1975: Jim Capaldi's Success with Love Hurts

In November 1975, Jim Capaldi's version of "Love Hurts" reached number 4 in the UK charts, his highest-charting UK single.

1975: Cher's First Recording of Love Hurts

Cher first recorded "Love Hurts" in 1975 for the album 'Stars', but it was not released as a single.

1975: Jim Capaldi's Version of Love Hurts

English singer-songwriter Jim Capaldi released his hit version of "Love Hurts" in 1975.

1975: Nazareth Changes Lyrics

Nazareth changed the lyrics of "Love Hurts" for their 1975 album.

1976: Nazareth's US Success with Love Hurts

Nazareth's version of "Love Hurts" became a major hit in the United States in 1976, peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.

1977: Nazareth's UK Success with Love Hurts

Nazareth's "Love Hurts" reached No. 15 in the UK as part of the "Hot Tracks" EP in 1977.

December 1991: Cher's Version of Love Hurts

Cher's cover of Nazareth's version of "Love Hurts" was released as a single in December 1991 and became a minor hit in the UK.

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