This self-penned tune became Twitty’s signature song, about a guy who can’t get over the woman he wronged and lost.

With the title track of their debut album, mother and daughter Naomi and Wynonna Judd made their case for being the biggest country duo of the ‘80s. One of the biggest pop-country crossovers in history, the beloved duet has lived on through remixes and constant karaoke rotation. Deanna Carter - 'Strawberry Wine'Ī commercial and critical success still filling Lower Broadway taverns with a chorus that offers 'My first taste of love, oh bittersweet.' Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton - “Islands in the Stream” The years go slowly by, but Jones still preys upon our minds. George Jones - “He Stopped Loving Her Today” With a rough but welcoming warmth, Stapleton croons a rendition of this country classic that’s worth toasting for years to come. Eric Church - “Springsteen”Ĭhurch expertly captures a fleeting feeling chased by all musicians - like the chorus says, “Sometimes a melody sounds like a memory.” Chris Stapleton - 'Tennessee Whiskey' On his 1989 chart-topper, Black tried - and failed - to drink a woman off of his mind. It's since been covered by everyone from Patti Page to Cyndi Lauper and Phish. In 1935, this jaunty tune became the first country song by a female artist to sell more than 1 million copies. Patsy Montana - 'I Want to be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart' The country music Class of 1989 returns to the all-time list, this time asking a question in the shadow of a generation-defining event. Watch Video: Story Behind the Song: 'Whiskey Lullaby' Alan Jackson - “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” 27 for an AMA with the writers who compiled this list Now, dust off your turntable (or boot up Spotify) and travel through 100 of the greatest tracks to come from Music City, Bakersfield and beyond.Īgree or disagree? We want to hear from you: Join us on Reddit at 12 p.m.

And, yes, as tough as it can be, only one song from Dolly. And when we say 'of all time,' we mean all time.Įvery era is reflected here, from the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers' historic recordings to the reign of the 'Nashville Sound,' outlaws, singing cowboys and pop crossovers.Īnd before you shake your fists and grumble furiously about how the list forgot 'Friends in Low Places' or gave '9 to 5' the short stick, let's establish one basic rule: One song per artist, with the exception being duets. How do you make a sprawling list of 100 tunes seem criminally short? Try to squeeze the greatest country songs of all time into that space.Īs we considered a century's worth of story-driven songcraft, we did our darndest to make sure all of the greats were recognized. View Gallery: 100 all-time greatest country songs

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