Luke Bryan Brings New Life to Dan Seals’ Classic Hit, ‘Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold)’

Luke Bryan lends his voice to a new rendition of Dan Seals’ 1986 chart-topper, “Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold),” which serves as the lead release from a new duets project spearheaded by record label Melody Place.

“Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold)” was co-written by Seals and Bob McDill and appears on his album, Won’t Be Blue Anymore. The song is about looking back on a past love who became famous in the rodeo world, while the narrator’s life stayed smaller and quieter, raising a child and playing smaller shows. He remembers his ex in rhinestones and sequins, loved by the crowd. The line “everything that glitters is not gold” really sums up the feeling that fame and spotlight don’t always mean happiness or what you hoped for.

Bryan, a longtime fan of Seals, was thrilled to add his voice to the iconic song, which arrives 16 years after Seals’ untimely passing.  

“When I think of all time iconic songs, this one definitely comes top of mind,” Bryan shared. “Dan was an artist I had on repeat and actually still do. I sang this song when I was back in Georgia and now to be here and paired with him on this new release is just unbelievable.”

Click below to listen to the just-released track. 

Dan Seals first rose to fame as one half of the pop-rock duo England Dan & John Ford Coley, then moved to Nashville and built a hugely successful solo country career with nine straight, and 11 total, No. 1 hits. He became one of the most successful artists to cross over into country, thanks in large part to his gift for telling stories about rural America in a way that resonated with a wide audience.

Dan Seals was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma in 2007, and he faced his final days with the same grace he brought to his music. He passed away on March 25, 2009, at 8:30 p.m.—“Showtime,” as his manager put it.

Additional details surrounding the new duets project will be revealed soon.