About the Song
Ronnie Dunn Brings Southern Swagger to a Rock Classic: Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress)
When Ronnie Dunn—the unmistakable voice behind countless country hits—turns his attention to a rock ‘n’ roll staple like “Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress),” something extraordinary happens. Released as part of his bold 2020 album Re-Dunn, this cover reimagines the 1972 hit originally made famous by The Hollies, offering a gritty, electrifying tribute that manages to feel both nostalgic and freshly alive.
Though Dunn is widely celebrated for his role in country music history—most notably as one-half of the award-winning duo Brooks & Dunn—his love for classic rock has always run deep. That love is on full display here. In this rendition, he dials up the energy and leans hard into the groove, delivering a vocal performance that’s all fire and finesse. It’s less about imitation and more about interpretation. Dunn doesn’t try to mimic the original; he makes it his own—with the soul of a Southern storyteller and the swagger of a seasoned barroom rocker.
Musically, the arrangement stays faithful to the gritty, swamp-rock style of the original but adds just enough Nashville polish to bridge the gap between rock and country. The guitar work is sharp and muscular, the rhythm section steady and tight. But it’s Ronnie Dunn’s voice—equal parts gravel and velvet—that truly drives the song forward. With each lyric, he brings a seasoned confidence that fits the mysterious tale like a glove.
The song itself, originally penned by Allan Clarke, Roger Cook, and Roger Greenaway, is a fast-paced, noir-inspired story set against a backdrop of crime and smoky dance halls. Dunn’s delivery brings cinematic flair to the track, as if you’re stepping into an old Western saloon with neon lights and trouble brewing in the back room.
Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress) is more than just a song—it’s a mood. And Ronnie Dunn taps into that mood with masterful ease, giving longtime fans a fresh side of his artistry while paying heartfelt respect to a rock classic that’s stood the test of time.
In a world where genre lines blur more each day, Ronnie Dunn’s version of “Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress)” is a thrilling reminder that a great song can transcend any boundary. It’s raw, it’s rowdy, and it’s a rollicking good time. Whether you’re a classic rock devotee or a country purist, this track proves that Dunn’s musical instincts are as sharp as ever—and that true talent knows no borders.