- Artist: Jimmy Buffett
- Year: 1977
- Album: Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes
Who’s surprised? “Margaritaville” is one of the most iconic songs ever! It perfectly describes that tropical country vibe that Jimmy Buffett embodied. Buffett sings about “wastin’ away in Margaritaville,” struggling with romance, and living an easygoing beach lifestyle. Since peaking at #8 the year it was released, the song has taken on a life of its own, inspiring merchandise, restaurants, resorts, and even cruise lines!
- Artist: George Jones and Tammy Wynette
- Year: 1995
- Album: One
One was the 9th and last album that George Jones and Tammy Wynette created together. After a tumultuous relationship, divorce, and a searing autobiography by Tammy that defamed Jones, the iconic duo came together one last time to make the album. The song “One” capitalizes on their will-they-won’t-they relationship, with the pair singing about being together. What’s a hit country song without a little behind-the-scenes drama?
- Artist: Taylor Swift
- Year: 2009
- Album: Hannah Montana: The Movie
This song is a Gen-Z classic! Created and sung by Taylor Swift in the beloved Disney movie Hannah Montana: The Movie, Crazier is the ultimate love song, perfect for the movie’s storyline. An instant hit, the song was #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and certified platinum. Fans went crazy for it!
- Artist: Chris Stapleton
- Year: 2015
- Album: Traveller
Chris Stapleton has become a classic for country music lovers, and it all started 10 years ago with his debut album Traveller in 2015. The song’s existential lyrics not only describe the vagabond lifestyle of a musician but also expand on his ability to travel beyond his physical time on earth through his music, singing: “When I’m gone, somebody else will have to sing this song.” “Traveller” peaked at 17 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs and won Best Country Solo Performance at the 58th Grammy Awards!
- Artist: Lee Ann Womack
- Year: 1998
- Album: Lee Ann Womack
“Buckaroo” from Lee Ann Womack’s 1998 debut album is a charming ode to carefree love, describing the type of man Womack is looking for. Featuring a lively fiddle that injects energy into the track, its melody nods to traditional honky-tonk roots while showcasing Womack's vocal twang. In 1998, “Buckaroo” held the #27 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs list, cementing her as a fresh yet nostalgic voice in late 90s country music.
- Artist: Luke Combs
- Year: 2015
- Album: This One’s For You
When Luke Combs released this song, it hit the radio like a hurricane! In 2016, “Hurricane” took the charts by storm, earning the #1 spot on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. The singer talks about seeing his ex-girlfriend in public and feeling like he’s caught up in her beauty. Combs went on to release “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma” for the popular movie Twisters, which also hit #1 on the same chart as “Hurricane,” proving Combs has a way of making songs that sweep his listeners away!
- Artist: Lonestar
- Year: 1999
- Album: Lonely Grill
The emotional power ballad “Amazed,” released in 1999, is Lonestar’s biggest success. It achieved an 8-week-long #1 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks and spent 41 weeks on the Country Singles chart. Fans love the moving lyrics that describe a passionate love, saying: “I want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side.” “Amazed” was inspired by the original songwriter's experience falling in love with each other. The song was given to Lonestar, who made it an instant success!
- Artist: Little Big Town
- Year: 2005
- Album: The Road to Here
A love letter to rural towns, “Boondocks” celebrates mundane southern culture that so many people can relate to. The lyrics, “I feel no shame, I’m proud of where I came from,” push back against popular stereotypes of rural areas, especially in the South, that being from a small town makes you inferior to city folk. The upbeat country anthem was #9 on the Hot Country Songs chart in 2005 and is certified 2x platinum, proving that people are happy with their small hometowns!
- Artist: Florida Georgia Line
- Year: 2014
- Album: Anything Goes
The song “Dirt” by Florida Georgia Line was a massive hit. In 2014, it was #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs, Country Airplay, and Canada’s Country chart – that doesn’t sound like dirt, that sounds like gold! The song is a poignant reflection on life, death, and love, saying, "... you get your hands in it, plant your roots in it,” and eventually, you’ll return to it.
- Artist: Miranda Lambert
- Year: 2005
- Album: Kerosene
From Miranda Lambert’s 2005 album of the same name, "Kerosene" blazed to No. 15 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The song captures themes of heartbreak and revenge with gritty lyrics and Lambert’s fiery and iconic vocals. Miranda sings that she’s “givin’ up on love,” because love has given up on her – no wonder it was such a hit, it’s the perfect breakup anthem!
- Artist: Tammy Wynette
- Year: 1968
- Album: D-i-v-o-r-c-e
Tammy Wynette's rendition of the song became a #1 country hit in 1968, solidifying her status as a leading figure in country music. Her powerful performance earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female. Decades later, the song's enduring impact was recognized by Rolling Stone which ranked it at #59 on its 2024 list of the "200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time."
- Artist: Sugarland
- Year: 2006
- Album: Enjoy the Ride
"Stay" is a poignant ballad by the country music duo Sugarland. It achieved significant acclaim in 2008 when it won the ACM Award for Song of the Year. This song holds a special place in the duo's discography as it is the first of their chart-topping hits to be solely penned by lead singer Jennifer Nettles. Her heartfelt lyrics and emotive delivery resonated deeply with audiences, cementing "Stay" as a standout track in Sugarland's career.
- Artist: Bill Anderson
- Year: 1963
- Album: Still
"Still" became one of Bill Anderson's signature songs during his career. This classic country ballad has resonated with audiences for decades, thanks to its heartfelt lyrics and timeless melody. Its enduring popularity is evident in the numerous covers by other renowned artists, including Reba McEntire and Kenny Chesney. Each rendition brings a unique touch, yet the song's core emotion remains intact, showcasing its universal appeal of Anderson's songwriting.
- Artist: Alan Jackson
- Year: 1993
- Album: A Lot About Livin' (And a Little 'bout Love)
"Chattahoochee" is a song inspired by the Chattahoochee River that flows along the border between Georgia and Alabama. The song won the CMA Award for Single of the Year in 1993. The river's scenic beauty and cultural significance provided the perfect backdrop for the song's themes of reflection back on an innocent time of adolescence.
- Artist: The Highwaymen
- Year: 1985
- Album: Highwayman
The Highwaymen were an all-star collaboration that brought together four of country music's most legendary figures: Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson. This supergroup combined the unique talents and distinctive voices of each artist. "Highwayman," a cover of Jimmy Webb's original recording, was the most popular and well-known of the songs created by The Highwaymen. It earned a Grammy Award in 1985 for Best Country Song.
- Artist: Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash
- Year: 1967
- Album: Carryin' On with Johnny Cash and June Carter
"Jackson" won a Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Performance Duet in 1968. The song is considered one of the iconic duets in country music history. The song itself is a playful and spirited dialogue between a long-married couple, with each threatening to leave the other and head to Jackson for a wild time. The Cash's dynamic performance, filled with teasing and underlying affection, seemed to harnass the passionate and complex relationship between Johnny and June.
- Artist: Garth Brooks
- Year: 1991
- Album: Ropin' the Wind
Initially Garth Brooks tried to get Trisha Yearwood to record "Rodeo", believing she would be a great fit for the song. However, after some convincing, Brooks realized that he might be the better choice for the track. While the song was a hit, reaching #3 on the Hot Country Songs chart, it actually broke a streak for Brooks. Prior to this single, Garth had five straight #1 hit songs.
- Artist: John Anderson
- Year: 1983
- Album: Wild & Blue
"Swingin'" is a feel-good song by John Anderson that won the 1983 CMA Single of the Year award. The inspiration for this catchy tune came from a chance encounter Anderson had with a group of kids playing on a tire swing. This simple, joyful moment translated into a memorable hit that resonated with many, capturing the carefree spirit of youth and young love.
- Artist: Marty Stuart
- Year: 1991
- Album: Tempted
"Tempted" is a song co-written and recorded by American country music artist Marty Stuart. Released in August 1991, it served as the third single and the title track from his album Tempted. Before embarking on his own successful country music career, Marty Stuart honed his skills and gained valuable experience by playing in the bands of legendary artists Lester Flatt and Johnny Cash. This background helped shape his unique sound and contributed to his later success as a solo artist.
- Artist: George Strait
- Year: 2008
- Album: Troubadour
George Strait's "Troubadour" is his twenty-fifth studio album. The title track, "Troubadour," is particularly notable, featuring background vocals from another country music legend, Vince Gill. The song was the second single released from this album. This collaboration between two giants of the genre adds a special touch to the song. In 2009, the song was nominated for a Grammy Award.
- Artist: Glen Campbell
- Year: 1969
- Album: Galveston
"Galveston" was written by Jimmy Webb. Originally, the song was intended as an anti-war song, capturing the fear and uncertainty of a soldier caught up in the Vietnam War. When Glen Campbell recorded the song, his upbeat arrangement gave it a more optimistic feel, broadening its appeal. Webb, who also penned classics like "Wichita Lineman" and "MacArthur Park," crafted "Galveston" with the same lyrical depth and emotional resonance that marked his other works. Campbell's rendition, however, added a layer of hopefulness that resonated with a wide audience, making the song a memorable hit.
- Artist: C.W. McCall
- Year: 1975
- Album: Black Bear Road
"Convoy" is a song written by C.W. McCall, who was actually a real-life advertising executive. Whent the song became an unexpected hit, it launched his country music career. Originally intended as a novelty tune, the song's popularity soared, capturing the imagination of listeners with its catchy rhythm and trucker-themed lyrics. The success of "Convoy" was so significant that it inspired a 1978 action film of the same name.
- Artist: Reba McEntire
- Year: 1990
- Album: Rumor Has It
"Fancy" was originally written and recorded by Bobbie Gentry in 1969. Years later, when Reba McEntire was asked if there was any particular song she wanted to cover, she immediately suggested "Fancy." Reba had always been fond of the song and saw an opportunity to bring her own unique style to it. Her rendition of "Fancy" has since become one of her signature hits, showcasing her powerful vocals and storytelling ability.
- Artist: Kenny Rogers
- Year: 1977
- Album: Kenny Rogers
"Lucille" is a song performed by Kenny Rogers that earned him the Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 1978. Contrary to an urban legend, the name "Lucille" was not chosen because it was the name of Kenny Rogers' mother. In reality, the song was brought to him by its writers with the name already included.
- Artist: Waylon Jennings
- Year: 1974
- Album: The Ramblin' Man
"Amanda" was first recorded by Don Williams in 1973. The next year, Waylon Jennings recorded a cover version of the song for his album The Ramblin' Man. Despite its inclusion on the album, the song wasn't released as a single at that time. Fast forward more than four and a half years, and the original track received new production for inclusion Jennings's first greatest hits album. In April 1979, "Amanda" was finally issued as a single and quickly rose to #1 on the country charts and stayed there for three weeks.
- Artist: George Strait
- Year: 1981
- Album: Strait Country
The song "Unwound" by George Strait holds a special place in country music history. Originally penned for Johnny Paycheck, the song found its way to Strait when Paycheck was unable to record it due to being in jail. This twist of fate turned out to be a pivotal moment for Strait, as "Unwound" became his first top ten hit, reaching number 6 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The success of this single marked the beginning of George Strait's legendary career in country music, setting the stage for decades of hits and a lasting legacy in the genre.
- Artist: LeAnn Rimes
- Year: 1996
- Album: Blue
Contrary to popular belief, "Blue" was not originally intended for the legendary Patsy Cline. Writer Bill Mack's friend suggested he give it to her, however, in order to make it a hit. He was never able to, but many artists have covered the song in the succeeding years. LeAnn Rimes was just 13 years old when she recorded a version showcasing a voice that belied her age. Her rendition of "Blue" not only captivated audiences but also made history. Rimes became the youngest person ever to win a Grammy Award in a major category, cementing her place in the annals of music history.
- Artist: Patsy Cline
- Year: 1961
- Album: Patsy Cline Showcase
"Crazy," a song written by the legendary Willie Nelson, became one of Patsy Cline's most iconic hits. Although Cline never reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, "Crazy" dominated the Country charts, holding the top spot for an impressive eight weeks. This song remains a testament to both Nelson's songwriting prowess and Cline's unforgettable voice.
- Artist: Dolly Parton
- Year: 1973
- Album: Jolene
Dolly Parton’s iconic song "Jolene" has an interesting backstory that intertwines real-life events and personal encounters. The name "Jolene" was inspired by a young fan who approached Dolly for an autograph during one of her performances. The girl’s name struck a chord with Dolly, and she decided to use it in her songwriting. The narrative of the song itself was inspired by a young bank teller who had been flirting with Dolly's husband. Feeling a mix of emotions, Dolly penned the song as a heartfelt plea to this woman, asking her to leave her husband alone.
- Artist: The Oak Ridge Boys
- Year: 1981
- Album: Fancy Free
"Elvira" was originally written and recorded by Dallas Frazier in 1966. Interestingly, the name "Elvira" in the Oak Ridge Boys's hit song wasn't inspired by a woman, as the lyrics might lead one to believe. Instead, it was inspired by the name of a street in East Nashville, Tennessee.
