The Best Classic Country Songs
Country music is one of the most popular genres of music in the United States, and old country songs are appreciated by fans of all ages. No list of the top country songs of all time would be complete without the classic country music of legendary artists like Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline.
Sometimes called country western, or country and western music, classic country songs are steeped in Americana and tell the story of ordinary, loving, hard working, often hard drinking, and sometimes long-suffering people, just like many of us. Sometimes the best country songs are deceptively simple sounding in their portraits of American life, but that's what makes classic country so endearing - and so relatable.Â
Out of all the classic country western singers, Johnny Cash had some of the biggest crossover success. The singer/songwriter eventually tapped into rock, gospel, folk, and other genres, but is best remembered for classic country songs like "Ring of Fire," "Folsom Prison Blues," and "I Walk the Line." He and wife June Carter Cash - classic country music royalty in her own right - were together best known for their duet of "Jackson," a No. 2 hit on the Country Music charts in 1967.Â
Patsy Cline may now be remembered as one of the women in classic country, but she fought her for it, particularly in era that didn't accord female country western singers the same advantages of their male counterparts. Though she didn't live to fully appreciate her legacy (Cline was killed in a plane crash at age 30), her old country songs like "Crazy" and "I Fall to Pieces" are counted along with the best country songs of all time.
Hank Williams, considered by some to be the godfather of 20th century country music, performed popular country songs of his era that still influence musicians to this day. "Your Cheatin' Heart" and "Hey, Good Lookin'" are but two examples. Those old radio hits are as ingrained into American culture as apple pie.Â
What are your favorite country music songs that are considered classics? Vote up good country songs from the best of old country music, or add one that makes you cherish the best classic country songs. If you like both older and newer country music, vote on the best country artists of all time.Â
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- As Merle Haggard says, "mamma tried" to raise her boy right, but it just didn't work out that way.
- This sad Hank Williams song is one to which your can drown your sorrows in a tall glass of wine or beer.
Classic and heartbreaking song by George Jones
This sad sack Hank Williams song was made even more famous when Elvis re-recorded it.
Johnny Cash's signature song with the famous line, "I shot a ran in Reno, just to watch him die."
More Folsom Prison Blues- #56 of 2,068 onThe Best Songs Of All Time, Ranked
- #4 of 102 onThe Best Songs Named After US Cities
- #65 of 77 onThe Best Country Karaoke Songs You Need to Sing
The name is pretty self-explanatory on this one.
- This heart-breaking and flagellating song by Patsy Cline has always been a country classic.More Crazy
- #5 of 90 onThe Best 1960s Country Songs
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- #21 of 54 onThe Best Romantic Country Songs
- Nobody quite does self pity like Cline, another classic and cry-worthy tune from her makes the list.More I Fall to Pieces
- #1 of 90 onThe Best 1960s Country Songs
- #745 of 2,068 onThe Best Songs Of All Time, Ranked
- #17 of 32 onThe Best Country Pop Songs Ever
George Straight sings about the understated woes of a rodeo cowboy.
More Amarillo by Morning- #1 of 71 onThe 50+ Best Country Songs From the 80s, Ranked by Fans
- #2 of 49 onThe Best Country Songs About Traveling
- #26 of 102 onThe Best Songs Named After US Cities
- 10Another Dolly Parton hit to make the list, this song is about the pleas on one woman to Jolene to stop cheating with her husband.
- This WIllie Nelson song about eternal love is so classic its practically been covered to death.More Always on My Mind
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- #3 of 136 onThe Best Country Songs From the 70s
John Denver's ode to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah River.
- #6 of 136 onThe Best Country Songs From the 70s
- #871 of 2,068 onThe Best Songs Of All Time, Ranked
- #1 of 49 onThe Best Country Songs About Traveling
- This Hank Williams tune was inducted tot he Grammy Hall of Fame
- A 1969 Waylon Jennings hit that was reportedly inspired by Ike and Tina Turner
- This Dolly Parton love song is a country classic that was made a mainstream hit when it was re-recorded by Whitney Houston
- 18Beuatiful song that's an ode to the city which includes a the wonderful music of a Spanish guitar. Song won a grammy in 1961More El Paso
- #4 of 90 onThe Best 1960s Country Songs
- #5 of 44 onThe Best Country Songs From the 50s
- #15 of 102 onThe Best Songs Named After US Cities
- Another ode to the occupations of the south and the lives lived by the hard-driving coal workers and their family. This Loretta Lynn song is a classic.
An ode to a lost love that Conway Twitty done wrong.
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- #9 of 136 onThe Best Country Songs From the 70s
- This wailing tune from Tammy Wynette is an ode to being faithful that is quintessentially country.More Stand By Your Man
- #8 of 90 onThe Best 1960s Country Songs
- #19 of 32 onThe Best Country Pop Songs Ever
- #12 of 92 onThe Top Country Songs By Women
A veteran gambler teaches a young man when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em.
More The Gambler- #12 of 136 onThe Best Country Songs From the 70s
- #3 of 77 onThe Best Country Karaoke Songs You Need to Sing
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