Hardy enlisted the help of dozens of country artists to join him Hixtape: Vol. 3: Difftape — a tribute album to the late Joe Diffie. The country singer first announced his intentions after the 2023 CMA Awards, but no one could have expected him to wrangle 30 artists to get into the studio and sing some of Diffie’s most famous lyrics. And yet, he did it.

Who Is on Hardy’s Joe Diffie Tribute Album?

With 30 artists named on the project, the list of talent is longer than a CVS receipt. In addition to Hardy’s voice, you’ll hear Diffie’s iconic vocals intertwined, sharing lyrics with those who lined up to honor him.

In his final recording, the late Toby Keith is featured on “Ships That Don’t Come In” alongside Luke Combs. The song is already a somber tune, but coupled with the fact that Keith died before the song was released, it makes it almost unbearable to listen to. However, his strong vocals are a welcome sound on the 1992 hit.

Others listed on the album include Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson, Reba McEntire and more.

How Did Joe Diffie Die?

Diffie died on March 29, 2020, due to complications after contracting COVID-19. He tested positive for the virus just two days prior. He was 61 years old.

The country veteran signed his first record deal with Epic Records Nashville in 1990. He spent much of the previous ten years as a demo singer, but his new deal was his chance to make his own music.

Throughout the 1990s, Diffie released several chart-topping hits including “Pickup Man” and “Third Rock From the Sun.” He also wrote several other songs that were recorded by other country artists.

He released his final album, I Got This, in 2019.