Classic Country Music Online: The Best of the Best

Here at Classic Country Music Online, we pride ourselves on only offering the best of the best in classic country music. Whether you’re a fan of Hank Williams or Patsy Cline, we’ve got the perfect playlist for you.

What is Classic Country Music?

Classic country music is a subgenre of country music that originated in the 1940s. It is a blend of traditional honky-tonk, folk, and western swing. The term “classic country” is often used to describe a style of country music that is more traditional and rootsy.

The Origins of Classic Country Music

Classic country music is a unique genre that has its roots in a few different places. First and foremost, classic country is strongly influenced by the music of the American South. This can be traced back to the early days of country music, when many of the genre’s most popular performers were from southern states like Tennessee and Kentucky. Additionally, classic country is also indebted to the sound of western swing, a subgenre that became popular in the 1930s and 1940s. Western swing was itself heavily influenced by the music of the American South, as well as by jazz and blues. Finally, classic country was also shaped by the sounds of honky tonk and rockabilly, two other genres that became popular in the postwar era.

The Development of Classic Country Music

While there are many definitions of “classic country,” most would agree that it is a form of American folk music that evolved out of the folk, gospel and blues traditions of the southern United States. Classic country generally has a simple, straightforward sound that is often characterized by playing in twos or threes and using a lot of bent or slide guitar work. The lyrics often deal with topics such as love, loss, heartache, god, hope and redemption.

Classic country music began to develop in the early 1920s, when recordings by artists such as Fiddlin’ John Carson and Gid Tanner & His Skillet Lickers became popular. The genre really began to take shape in the 1930s with the rise of artists like Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family. By the 1940s, classic country was firmly established with the likes of Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell and Ernest Tubb having emerged as major stars.

The 1950s saw a number of changes in classic country music. The arrival of rock & roll led to a decline in the popularity of many traditional country artists, but it also spawned a new subgenre known as “honky tonk” which celebrated all things rural and growing up in the country. Artists like Webb Pierce, Hank Thompson and Wynn Stewart helped to keep traditional country music alive during this time.

The 1960s was a decade of change for classic country music. The British Invasion led to a decline in the popularity of many traditional artists but also saw the rise of new stars like Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and Charley Pride. The outlaw movement also gained steam during this time with Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson helping to define the sound of this subgenre.

The 1970s was another turbulent decade for classic country music. The continued rise of rock & roll led to dwindling sales for many traditional artists but also spawned a number of new subgenres including “red dirt” (a blend of honky tonk, outlaw and southern rock) and “progressive country” (which incorporated elements of folk, rock & roll and pop). Artists like Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys , Asleep at the Wheel , Guy Clark , Townes Van Zandt , Emmylou Harris and Willie Nelson helped keep classiccountry music alive during this time.

The 1980s was a decade of transition for classic country music . . .

The Best of the Best Classic Country Music

If you’re a fan of classic country music, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ve gathered the best of the best for you to enjoy. From Hank Williams to Dolly Parton, you’ll find all your favorites and more. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

The Best Classic Country Music Artists

There are a lot of great classic country music artists, but some stand out above the rest. Here are 10 of the best classic country music artists, in no particular order.

George Strait
George Strait is a legend in the world of country music. He has been active since 1981 and has released more than 60 albums, including 25 number-one albums. He is known for his traditional country sound and for being one of the most successful country music artists of all time.

Hank Williams Sr.
Hank Williams Sr. is considered one of the most influential country music artists of all time. He was active from 1932 to 1953 and released numerous hit songs, including “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” Williams was posthumously inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Johnny Cash
Like Hank Williams Sr., Johnny Cash is considered one of the most influential country music artists of all time. He was active from 1954 to 2003 and released more than 70 albums, includingLive at Folsom PrisonandAmerican Recordings. Cash was also posthumously inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson is another legend in the world of country music. He has been active since 1962 and has released more than 200 albums, includingRed Headed StrangerandStardust. Nelson is also known for his support of environmental causes and for his work withThe Highwaymen, a supergroup that also included Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, and Waylon Jennings.

The Best Classic Country Music Songs

There are so many great classic country songs that it’s hard to narrow down the list to just a handful of favorites. But if we had to pick, here are what we consider to be the best classic country songs of all time.

“I Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash
One of the most recognizable country songs of all time, “I Walk the Line” was released by Johnny Cash in 1956. The song is about Cash’s commitment to fidelity, and it quickly became a hit, reaching number one on the country charts. It has since been covered by many artists, including Loretta Lynn and Willie Nelson.

“Coal Miner’s Daughter” by Loretta Lynn
This song is a nostalgic ode to Lynn’s childhood growing up in a coal mining town in Kentucky. Released in 1970, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” received critical acclaim and won several awards, including a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. The song was later adapted into a successful film starring Sissy Spacek as Loretta Lynn.

“He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones
considered to be one of the greatest country songs of all time, “He Stopped Loving Her Today” was released by George Jones in 1980. The heart-wrenching ballad tells the story of a man who never stopped loving his former love even after she died. The song won Jones a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and is often cited as one of the greatest country songs ever recorded.

“Stand By Your Man” by Tammy Wynette
Tammy Wynette’s 1968 hit “Stand By Your Man” is one of the most controversial country songs of all time. The song garnered criticism for its seemingly reactionary message telling women to stand by their man no matter what he does. However, Wynette maintained that the song was actually about empowering women and she went on to perform it at many feminist rallies.

How to Listen to Classic Country Music Online

There are a lot of great places to listen to classic country music online. If you want to find the best of the best, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure the site you’re using has a good selection of songs. Second, check to see if the site offers any features that will let you customize your listening experience. Finally, take a look at the quality of the audio. If it’s poor, you might want to look elsewhere.

The Best Classic Country Music Websites

If you’re looking for the best classic country music online, there are several great websites that offer a wide variety of music from your favorite artists. Whether you want to listen to classic country radio, download songs, or purchase CDs, these websites have it all.

Classic Country Music Online offers a wide variety of music from classic country artists such as Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and Johnny Cash. You can listen to radio stations, download songs, and purchase CDs. The website also features articles about classic country music and its history.

Country Music Life is another great website for listening to classic country music. You can listen to radio stations, download songs, and purchase CDs. The website also offers a wide variety of articles about country music artists and bands.

Finally, CMT (Country Music Television) offers a wide variety of resources for fans of classic country music. You can watch videos, read interviews, and browse through photos of your favorite artists.

The Best Classic Country Music Podcasts

Looking for the best classic country music podcasts? Here’s a list of our favorites, featuring Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Hank Williams, and more.

1. The Hank Williams Jamboree
2. The Dolly Parton Show
3. The Loretta Lynn Ranch Radio Hour
4. Johnny Cash Radio
5. Country Music greats with host Bobbi Jean
6. Willin’ – A tribute to Gram Parsons
7. Whiskey & Cigarettes – Country Music Radio Show
8. The Front Porch with Doug and Danny
9. Nationally syndicated Hillbilly Highway Radio Show
10. Texas Road Trips with Dave Alvin