Moe Bandy Celebrates 45 Years of “Hey Joe, Hey Moe”

Country music has a way of circling back to the moments that mattered most, and for Moe Bandy, one of those moments is turning 45 years strong. This year marks the anniversary of “Hey Joe, Hey Moe,” his Top 10 duet with fellow country mainstay Joe Stampley—a song that remains as beloved today as it was when it first climbed the charts in 1981.

A Duet That Became a Moment

Released as the lead and only single from their Columbia Records duet album Hey Joe (Hey Moe), the song was a clever reimagining of the folk standard “Hey Joe.” Legendary songwriter Boudleaux Bryant rewrote the lyrics specifically for Bandy and Stampley, transforming a familiar melody into a playful, unmistakably country conversation between two friends. The result struck a chord with listeners and became a standout chapter in both artists’ careers—one that still resonates more than four decades later.

A Song Fans Never Let Go Of

For Moe Bandy, the longevity of “Hey Joe, Hey Moe” is something he feels every time he steps on stage. He has recorded countless albums and notched ten No. 1 hits over the course of his career, yet this duet remains a constant request from fans. Bandy credits not only the song’s charm, but also his enduring friendship with Stampley, noting that the two still share the stage occasionally across the country. It’s a reminder that some collaborations don’t just make hits—they build memories that last a lifetime.

Honky-Tonk Storytelling, Start to Finish

The Hey Joe (Hey Moe) album captured the heart of working-class country music, weaving together stories of honky-tonk queens, long nights of drinkin’ and dancin’, country pride, and blue-collar grit. Songs like “Country Boys,” “Let’s Hear It For The Workin’ Man,” and the title track fit seamlessly alongside cuts that leaned into humor, heartache, and barroom honesty. It was traditional country music delivered without pretense—and fans have never forgotten it.

Revisiting the Songs That Got Away

While celebrating the past, Bandy is also giving fans something new. His recently released album Songs I Missed, created in partnership with StarVista Music, stays firmly rooted in his traditional country sound while offering a more reflective look at his career. The project features classic songs he once passed over, along with others he always hoped to record, including “Heartaches By The Number,” “Six Days On The Road,” “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” “Amarillo By Morning,” and “Pure Love.” The album serves as both a tribute to country music’s golden era and a personal statement about the songs that truly spoke to him.

Still Taking the Stage

Bandy shows no signs of slowing down. In 2026, fans can catch him on tour across the country, from the Country Music Cruise out of Fort Lauderdale to theaters, festivals, and legendary stages—including a return to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Several dates will once again reunite him with Joe Stampley, giving audiences a chance to relive the magic of “Hey Joe, Hey Moe” live.

After decades of hits, awards, and gold records, Moe Bandy’s career continues to prove that traditional country music never goes out of style—it just gets better with time.