13-Year-Old LeAnn Rimes Makes Waves With Debut Single ‘Blue’

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LeAnn’s Instant Rise To Fame

LeAnn Rimes was only 13 years old in 1996, but she had already released her debut album and single, both titled “Blue.”

“Blue” was written and recorded by Bill Mack in 1956 and originally released in 1958. Other artists covered the song many times in the years that followed.

But it was Rimes’ version that achieved the greatest amount of chart success.

A True “Blue” Hit

Rime’s rendition of “Blue” peaked at the tenth spot on the Billboard country charts. It also crossed over to claim the 26th spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Mack eventually went on to win the 1996 Grammy Award for Best Country Song and a 1996 ACM Award for Song of the Year due to the popularity and success of Rime’s version.

To this date, “Blue” remains as one of Rimes’ most beloved songs, and is one of only a handful to be certified Gold by the RIAA. In fact, the only single of hers that outranks “Blue” is her version of “How Do I Live,” which has been certified Triple Platinum.

Watch The Timeless Video

“Blue” is a song with simple lyrics, as the narrator sings about how lonesome she is now that her lover is gone. Since it was written decades ago, the song also has that classic country vibe, and Rimes’ voice in the song sounds like it came straight out of that era.

The music video for “Blue” was shot in Austin, Texas, and switches between shots of Rimes lounging outside at the Barton Springs Pool to footage of her singing in the recording studio. Just like the song itself, the music video was a big hit with country fans, and won two Billboard Music Awards in 1996. 

Tune in below to watch the official music video for “Blue,” and relive the moment that made Rimes a country superstar!