The Best of 1970 Country Music
Contents
A blog dedicated to the best country music of 1970. Featuring album reviews, artist profiles, and more.
The Year in Review
Notable events in country music in 1970
The year 1970 was an eventful one for country music. While the genre continued to grow in popularity, there were also several significant changes and developments taking place. Here are some of the most notable events in country music in 1970:
-The first annual Country Music Association Awards were held in Nashville, Tennessee.
-The first Academy of Country Music Awards were held in Los Angeles, California.
-The first American Country Music Festival was held in various locations across the United States.
-Johnny Cash released his album “At San Quentin,” which went on to become one of the best-selling country albums of all time.
-Dolly Parton released her album “My Favorite Things,” which included her hit single “Coat of Many Colors.”
-Willie Nelson released his album “Shotgun Willie,” which helped to redefine the sound of country music.
-The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band released their album “Uncle Charlie & His Dog Teddy,” which featured a number of guest appearances from country music legends.
Best-selling country albums of 1970
1) Johnny Cash – At San Quentin
2)Charley Pride – Just Between You and Me
3) Lynn Anderson – Rose Garden
4) Porter Wagoner – Misery Loves Company
5) Dolly Parton – Hey, Good Lookin’
6) Merle Haggard – The Fightin’ Side of Me
7) Tammy Wynette – Stand by Your Man
8) David Houston – My Elusive Dreams
9) Loretta Lynn – Wine, Women and Song
10) Faron Young – It’s Four in the Morning
The Music
Best country songs of 1970
The best country songs of 1970 offer a snapshot of a genre and time in transition. This was the decade when country music began its embrace of pop sounds and production, a shift which would eventually lead to the rise of Nashville as a dominant force in the genre. At the same time, country was also growing more reflective and introspective, delving into subjects such as love, loss, and loneliness. Here are ten of the best country songs of 1970.
“For the Good Times” by Kris Kristofferson
A heart-wrenching ballad about lost love, “For the Good Times” became one of Kristofferson’s signature songs. The song reflects on the happy moments of a relationship while also acknowledging that those memories will eventually fade.
“The Fightin’ Side of Me” by Merle Haggard
A defiant anthem about patriotism and working-class values, “The Fightin’ Side of Me” is one of Haggard’s most well-known songs. The song speaks to those who are quick to judge others without understanding their perspective.
“He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” by The Hollies
A cover of Bob Dylan’s “I Shall Be Released,” “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” became a hit for The Hollies in 1970. The song is a touching ode to the idea that we are all connected and should help those who are struggling.
“I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still in Love With You)” by Hank Williams Jr.
A cover of his father’s classic song, Hank Williams Jr.’s version of “I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still in Love With You)” became a number one hit in 1970. The song is a tender ballad about trying to forget a lost love.
“If I Were A Carpenter” by Bobby Darin
A cover of Tim Hardin’s original song, Bobby Darin’s version of “If I Were A Carpenter” reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1970. The song is a reflection on what it means to be truly content in life.
“Kentucky Woman” by Neil Diamond
A number four hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, “Kentucky Woman” is a love song sung from the perspective of a man who has been won over by a woman from Kentucky. The song paints a picture of rural life with its references to bluegrass and moonshine.
“Let it Be Me ( Je T’appartiens )” by Glen Campbell
A cover of the 1955 French ballad “Je T’appartiens,” Glen Campbell’s version of “Let it Be Me ( Je T’appartiens )” reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1970. The song is about being willing to do anything for the person you love.
“‘Oh Mama'” by Loretta Lynn
“‘Oh Mama'” is a heartwarming tribute to mothers everywhere sung from the perspective of Lynn’s young son Teddy Roosevelt Lynn. The song celebrates mothers for their strength, wisdom, and unconditional love
Best country albums of 1970
There are a lot of great country albums from 1970, but here are some of the best:
-Dolly Parton – “My Favorite Things”
-Willie Nelson – ” Willie and Family Live”
-Loretta Lynn – ” Coal Miner’s Daughter”
-Johnny Cash – ” At San Quentin”
-Kris Kristofferson – ” The Silver Tongued Devil and I”
The Legacy
Country music in the 1970s retained its traditional roots while also embracing more pop-friendly elements. Singer-songwriters became more prevalent, and Nashville became known as Music City, USA. Some of the best country music of the 1970s came from artists who were able to blend these different styles.
The impact of 1970 country music on the genre today
In the 1970s, country music became more diverse and experimental, with a wide range of subgenres emerging. This diversity was reflected in the songwriting of the time, as well as in the sounds of the various artists that were popular. Many of the new subgenres that emerged in the 1970s are still present in country music today, and have had a significant impact on the genre as a whole.
One of the most important subgenres to emerge in the 1970s was outlaw country. This style was typified by artists such as Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, who defied convention and wrote songs about topics that were often considered taboo at the time. Outlaw country helped to make country music more accessible to a wider audience, and its influence can still be heard in many modern country songs.
Another important subgenre that emerged in the 1970s was urban cowboy. This style was typified by artists such as Bob Wills and Asleep at the Wheel, who took traditional country music and injected it with a dose of city life. Urban cowboy helped to bring country music to a new audience, and its influence can still be heard in many modern urban-themed country songs.
The 1970s also saw the rise of progressive country, which was typified by artists such as Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons. Progressivecountry incorporated elements of other genres such as folk and rock, resulting in a sound that was both unique and influential. Progressivecountry would go on to have a significant impact on subsequent generations of country artists, including many of today’s biggest stars.
In short, the 1970s were an important and influential time for country music. The various subgenres that emerged during this decade helped to shape the genre into what it is today, and many of these subgenres are still going strong. If you’re a fan of modern country music, then you owe a debt of gratitude to the artists who paved the way back in the 1970s.
