Country Music Classics You Can’t Miss

From Hank Williams to Johnny Cash, these are the country music classics you have to hear before you die.

Introduction

While country music has changed a lot over the years, there are some classics that you just can’t miss. If you’re new to the genre, or just looking for some good old-fashioned country tunes, check out these 10 classics.

1. “I Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash
2. “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash
3. “Coal Miner’s Daughter” by Loretta Lynn
4. “The Ghost of Hank Williams” by Merle Haggard
5. “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” by Hank Williams
6. “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” by Charley Pride
7. “He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones
8. “Forever and Ever, Amen” by Randy Travis
9. “The Dance” by Garth Brooks
10. “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton

“I Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash

“I Walk the Line” is a song written and recorded in 1956 by Johnny Cash. The song reached number 17 on the Billboard pop chart and became the first of seven number one country hits. It was Cash’s second single on Sun Records and was his first commercial success. The song remained on the country chart for over 43 weeks and helped establish Cash as a major force in country music. “I Walk the Line” is considered one of the greatest country songs of all time and is one of the most covered songs in history.

“Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash

“Ring of Fire” is a classic country song written by June Carter and Merle Kilgore and recorded by Johnny Cash. The song was originally recorded by June’s sister, Anita Carter, on her 1961 album Folk Songs Old and New.

The song is about Cash’s risky lifestyle, and how it led to him meeting his future wife, June Carter. The song contains the famous line “I fell into a burning ring of fire”, which has become one of Cash’s signature lines.

Despite its dark subject matter, “Ring of Fire” is one of Cash’s most popular songs, and has been covered by many other artists over the years.

“Crazy” by Patsy Cline

“Crazy” is a ballad composed by Willie Nelson. It was first recorded by country music artist Patsy Cline in 1961. The song became one of Cline’s signature hits and helped to solidify her career. “Crazy” has been covered by numerous artists in a variety of genres, including pop, rock, jazz, and blues. The Song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001.

The song is told from the standpoint of a woman whose man has left her and she is going “crazy” Trying to deal with the loss. Cline’s heartbreaking vocals are set against a backdrop of steel guitar and strings. The lyrics express the deep pain and heartache that comes with a failed relationship.

Although “Crazy” is often associated with country music, it has also been popularized by artists in other genres. In addition to Cline’s original version, notable covers include those by Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, Emmylou Harris, and LeAnn Rimes.

“I Fall to Pieces” by Patsy Cline

“I Fall to Pieces” is a song co-written by Hank Cochran and Harlan Howard. It was first recorded by Patsy Cline in January 1961. The song is considered one of Cline’s signature songs and helped launch her career. The song is ranked No.164 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list.

The song tells the story of a young woman who is struggling to deal with the end of her relationship. She tries to hide her pain from the world, but eventually she breaks down and admits that she is falling apart without her lover.

Although the song is sad, it has a catchy melody and Cline’s powerful voice helps convey the emotion of the lyrics. “I Fall to Pieces” is a classic country song that everyone should hear at least once.

“Coal Miner’s Daughter” by Loretta Lynn

“Coal Miner’s Daughter” is a classic country song written by Loretta Lynn and Loretta Lynn’s husband, Doolittle Lynn. The song was released in 1970 as a single from Lynn’s album of the same name. “Coal Miner’s Daughter” tells the story of Lynn’s childhood and her family’s struggle to survive in the Appalachian Mountains. The song was a huge hit, reaching the top of the country charts and winning Lynn a Grammy Award for Best Country Song. “Coal Miner’s Daughter” has been covered by many artists, including Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, and Emmylou Harris.

“The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers

“The Gambler” is a song written by Don Schlitz and recorded by American country music artist Kenny Rogers. It was released in October 1978 as a single from the soundtrack of the same name to the film The Gambler. The song topped both the United States and Canada country charts, as well as reaching number 16 on the US pop chart and number 15 in Canada. In 2006, “The Gambler” was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.

“He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones

One of the most emotionally powerful songs in country music history, “He Stopped Loving Her Today” is a heart-wrenching ode to a lost love. The song was released in 1980 and became an instant classic, spending 18 weeks at the top of the country charts. George Jones’ raw vocal performance is one of the most memorable in country music, and the song has been covered by many artists over the years.

“Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” by Waylon Jennings

One of the most well-known country music classics, “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” was released in 1978 by Waylon Jennings. The song is a duet with his wife, Jessi Colter, and tells the story of a young couple who are determined to live a life on the open road, despite the challenges they face.

The song is a great example of Jennings’ outlaw country style, and its popularity helped to propel him to superstardom. It also won a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group in 1979.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these are some of the classic country songs that you can’t miss. Each song has its own story and history. They are all great songs to listen to and enjoy.