This Day in Country Music History: Top 5 Songs
It’s hard to believe that these songs are already turning 5, 10, 15, or 20 years old! Join us as we reflect on some of the most popular songs in country music history.
June 6
In honor of this day in country music history, let’s take a look at the top 5 songs from June 6.
“The Dance” by Garth Brooks
On this day in 1990, Garth Brooks released “The Dance,” which would go on to become one of his most beloved and iconic songs. Penned by Tony Arata, “The Dance” is a reflection on life and love, and how even though things might not always turn out the way we want them to, we should never regret taking risks or experiencing heartbreak. The song spent four weeks at the top of the Billboard Country charts, and was nominated for both Song and Single of the Year at the 1990 CMA Awards.
“Amazed” by Lonestar
On this day in 2000, Lonestar scores their eighth and final Number One hit with “Amazed.” The song, which spent eight weeks at the top of the Billboard country chart, was co-written by Marv Green, Aimee Mayo and Chris Lindsey. It is Lonestar’s most successful single to date.
“Amazed” was one of several songs written during a writing session between Green, Mayo and Lindsey. The song was inspired by a mutual friend of the writers, who had recently gone through a divorce. The friend had shared with them how hard it was to see her children going through the same thing she did. This inspired the writers to pen a love song from a parent’s point of view.
Lonestar members Richie McDonald and Michael Britt found “Amazed” while going through demos for their upcoming album Lonely Grill. The duo immediately knew they wanted to record the song and brought it to the attention of their bandmates. “Amazed” was released as the second single from Lonely Grill in February 2000.
The song’s success propelled Lonely Grill to become Lonestar’s best-selling album, selling more than five million copies in the United States. “Amazed” also won Single Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards in 2000. It also won a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 2001.
“She’s in Love with the Boy” by Trisha Yearwood
On this day in 1991, Trisha Yearwood’s “She’s in Love with the Boy” became her first #1 hit on the Billboard country chart. The song was written by Joni Mitchell and was originally released in 1974 by country artist Waylon Jennings. “She’s in Love with the Boy” tells the story of a young girl’s innocent love for a boy from the wrong side of the tracks. The song became a crossover hit, reaching #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“How Do I Live” by LeAnn Rimes
On this day in 1997, LeAnn Rimes’ hit song “How Do I Live” reached the top of the Billboard country chart. The song, which was originally meant for the soundtrack of the action film Con Air, became one of the best-selling singles of all time, selling over three million copies in the United States alone. “How Do I Live” helped propel Rimes to superstardom and cement her place as one of country music’s brightest young stars.
“Strawberry Wine” by Deana Carter
“Strawberry Wine” is a song co-written and recorded by American country music singer Deana Carter. It was released in August 1996 as the lead single from her album Did I Shave My Legs for This?. The song became Carter’s only Number One hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in December 1996. The song was written by Carter and Matraca Berg.
The song is a mid-tempo ballad in which the narrator describes a summer romance from her youth. The opening verse recalls a time when “life was as sweet as strawberry wine”. In the chorus, she reflects on how that romance has changed over time, specifically how the physical aspects of youth have faded: “But he don’t see me anymore / The way he saw me then / Through young eyes, / In young days, / Strawberry Wine.”
The second verse goes on to describe how, despite the passage of time, the emotions of that first love are still as strong as ever: “And sometimes late at night / I can hear him callin’ my name / And it feels like yesterday.”
The message of the song is one of enduring love, and how even though the physical aspects of a relationship may change over time, the emotions can remain as strong as ever.
June 7
On this day in country music history, several artists released songs that would go on to be some of the most popular country songs of all time. These songs made a huge impact on country music and are still popular today. Here are the top 5 songs that were released on this day in country music history.
“The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by The Charlie Daniels Band
On June 7, 1979, The Charlie Daniels Band’s song “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” reached the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It was the first single from their album Million Mile Reflections. The song tells the story of a fiddle competition between a young man named Johnny and the devil. Johnny wins the contest, and as a result, he gets his soul back.
The Charlie Daniels Band is an American country music band that was founded in 1970 by Charlie Daniels and Doug Gray. The band is best known for their hit songs “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” and “Uneasy Rider.”
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” is a song recorded by American country music artist George Jones. The song was released in April 1980 as the lead single from his album I Am What I Am. The song was written by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman, and produced by Billy Sherrill.
The song became Jones’ signature tune, spending eighteen weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and becoming the first record in the new decade to spend that many weeks at number one. It won both Song of the Year and Single of the Year at the 1981 Country Music Association Awards; it taken home similar honors at the Academy of Country Music Awards that same year, as well as Grammy Awards for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song. The recording earned Jones his second Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1982.
In 1999, “He Stopped Loving Her Today” was inducted into both the Grammy Hall of Fame and theCountry Music Hall of Fame. It is ranked atNumber 62 on CMT’s list of 100 Greatest Songs in Country Music History and is considered one of country music’s greatest recordings.
“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
This song, which was originally written and recorded by country music legend Dolly Parton in 1974, was covered by Whitney Houston in 1992 for the film The Bodyguard. The song became one of the best-selling singles of all time and helped to solidify Houston’s place as one of the most successful pop performers of her generation.
“The Fireman” by George Strait
George Strait releases “The Fireman” on June 7, 1993. The song, written by Steve Earle, would become one of Strait’s most iconic hits. It would spend six weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earn a Grammy award for Best Country Male Vocal Performance.
“I Swear” by John Michael Montgomery
I Swear” is a song written by Gary Baker and Frank J. Myers that was a hit in 1994 for American country music artist John Michael Montgomery at his peak of commercial popularity. Released in December 1993 as the third single from his album Kickin’ It Up, it spent five weeks at Number One on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks (now Hot Country Songs) chart in May and June 1994. Internationally, “I Swear” also topped the charts in Australia and New Zealand. The song has been covered by several artists, most notably country group All-4-One, whose version reached number one on both the US and Canadian pop singles charts.
June 8
“Boot Scootin’ Boogie” by Brooks & Dunn
On this day in 1991, Brooks & Dunn released “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” which would become one of the biggest hits of their illustrious career. The song, which was the lead single from their album Brand New Man, was an instant hit with country fans, spending six weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and helping to launch the duo to superstardom.
In addition to its commercial success, “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” also helped to popularize the dance style known as line dancing, which became wildly popular in country music circles in the early ’90s. To this day, the song is still a staple at country bars and dancehalls across the country.
“Here Comes Goodbye” by Rascal Flatts
On this day in 2009, Rascal Flatts released “Here Comes Goodbye.” The song was the lead single off the group’s seventh studio album, Unstoppable.
“Here Comes Goodbye” was written by Chris Sligh, Tony Martin and Greg Butler. The song is about the end of a relationship and how hard it is to say goodbye.
The song was a huge success for Rascal Flatts. It peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Country chart and No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Here Comes Goodbye” was also certified 4x platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
In 2010, “Here Comes Goodbye” won the Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
“Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw
On this day in 2004, Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying” was released. The song was inspired by the death of McGraw’s father from cancer, and it went on to become one of the biggest country hits of all time. It spent seven weeks at #1 on the country charts and won both Grammy and CMA awards.
“Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood’s signature song, “Before He Cheats,” is one of the most successful country singles of all time. It topped the country charts for five weeks in 2007 and won a Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance. The song was co-written by Carrie Underwood, Mike Elizondo, and Ashley Gorley.
“Before He Cheats” is about a woman who takes revenge on her cheating boyfriend. In the song, she fantasizes about vandalizing his car so that he will feel the same pain that she feels. The song became an anthem for scorned women, and many fans have shared their own stories of revenge after hearing it.
The song’s music video was directed by Roman White and shot in Nashville, Tennessee. It features Carrie Underwood taking revenge on her cheating boyfriend by vandalizing his car. The video was nominated for four CMT Music Awards and won Video of the Year in 2007.
“Need You Now” by Lady Antebellum
On this day in country music history, Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” was released as a single. The song would go on to become the group’s second number one hit and would stay at the top of the charts for five weeks. “Need You Now” would also win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year and would be named the Single of the Year by both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association.
