Tom Cochrane had established a strong presence in his native Canada prior to the global success of his song “Life Is A Highway.” Before the release of this international hit, he had dedicated over a decade to leading the rock band Red Rider, producing seven albums with the group until its disbandment in 1990. Following this transition, Cochrane embarked on a solo journey that commenced on a high note.
In September 1991, he unveiled his inaugural solo studio album, Mad Mad World, which notably included the track “Life Is A Highway.” Despite being a fresh release, the genesis of this song dated back several years. It was during a visit to Mozambique as part of a humanitarian mission with World Vision that Cochrane revisited and completed the initial concept of the song.
Despite encountering profound poverty during his trip, “Life Is A Highway” emerged as a source of optimism for the artist. Reflecting on the song in 2017, he described it as a personal pep talk, emphasizing the importance of making the best out of challenging circumstances. The song quickly resonated with audiences worldwide, reaching the top of the Canadian charts for two weeks and becoming Cochrane’s sole Top 40 hit in the US, peaking at No.6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1992.
In a notable turn of events around the song’s 15th anniversary, American country band Rascal Flatts breathed new life into “Life Is A Highway” with a cover version. Despite initial reservations about reinterpreting such an iconic track, the band accepted the challenge at the request of Pixar’s John Lasseter for the movie Cars.
Rascal Flatts’ rendition of “Life Is A Highway” may not have been formally released to country radio, but it achieved significant success on the Billboard charts. It reached No.18 on the Hot Country Songs chart and climbed to No.7 on the Hot 100, marking one of the band’s highest-charting singles. This cover has since been certified 6x platinum by the RIAA in the US.
Both iterations of the song continue to hold a special place in the hearts of fans. In recognition of its impact, a section of the highway close to Cochrane’s hometown in Manitoba was renamed “Tom Cochrane’s Life Is A Highway” in 2016. Reflecting on the enduring influence of the song in 2023, Cochrane expressed gratitude for the emotional connection it fosters with listeners, acknowledging the role of music in enhancing people’s lives and emotions.