Country music has long been a cornerstone of American culture. Although its styles may have evolved through time, certain hits remain timeless classics that remain an irrepressible force in American popular culture.
Chet Atkins achieves 28 weeks at number one on the Hot C&W Singles chart renamed Hot Country Singles.
Morgan Wallen had five number-one country songs in 2022 – two on each chart – which achieved number-one status, including “You Proof”, which broke a record for longest-running number one on a chart based on country radio airplay.
Martina McBride – “Independence Day”
Martina McBride released an anthem of sorts for Independence Day 1994: her song was called “Independence Day.” However, its narrative revealed a darker and more troubling tale about domestic abuse and one woman’s dramatic measures taken to break free.
Due to its sensitive subject matter and because many abused women fail to report abuse, McBride’s song did not quickly gain public recognition. Since then, however, she has become an outspoken supporter for women’s rights through music; performing the national anthem at major sporting events and actively working toward inclusivity and diversity within country music genre.
This song reigned atop the Hot Country Songs chart for ten weeks and holds the longest-ever top performance based solely on country airplay. Following its success, she would go on to record some of the highest album sales numbers ever seen within country music history.
“Independence Day” marked a departure from the traditional sounds of country radio at that time. It marked a turning point for genre, emphasizing more emotive storytelling while eschewing elements of honky-tonk music. Furthermore, “Independence Day” served as a precursor for what would later become the “Nashville Sound” that revolutionized production techniques while expanding country’s audience base.
Critics have pointed to the song’s topical content as one of its reasons for not reaching its potential on country music charts, while others suggest that its catchy tune and inspiring music video contributed to its success. The latter features an almost Felliniesque footage of beatings, bruises, broken glass and burning houses accompanied by hauntingly sad eyes in a young child – considered by many to be one of the greatest videos in country music and winning CMT Video of the Year award in 1995.
Bobbie Gentry – “Fancy”
At a time when female singers could be judged harshly based on their vocal range or body type, Bobbie Gentry was unapologetic about being honest and genuine in her songs – Fancy being one such song which explored sensuality, naked emotion, and self-respect.
Gentry first included this song on her 1971 album Patchwork, a collection of short stories set to music. It tells the tale of a woman struggling to decide between what she desires and what is right, while being supported by both a gospel choir and string section for added sexiness and soulful vibes.
Gentry’s song became a crossover hit and earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Performance Female. Additionally, Reba McEntire covered it on her album Rumor Has It in 1990 to create an iconic country classic; both versions feature equally soulful renditions.
Fancy remains one of the most beloved country songs ever written despite only having modest sales. It has come to symbolize female empowerment and self-worth, inspiring many female artists over time.
Gentry’s best song is Mornin’ Glory – an elegant ballad about waking up with your loved ones by your side each morning – it serves as a reminder of just how precious these moments truly are.
Gentry was known for her musical experiments throughout her career. As both a business savant and DIYer before they were even popular, she never shied away from taking risks and exploring new ideas – evidenced in the unique sound of her music. Typing “Bobbie Gentry” into any search engine will bring up plenty of information about this singer as well as some societal points of contention she faced during her lifetime.
Taylor Swift – “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”
Country music goes beyond pickup trucks, whiskey and fights–or even Lil Nas X’s viral smash “Texas Hold ‘Em.” At its best, country music tells a tale: it tells of hardship overcoming familial pride and heartache with an audible twang that fills your boots – this theme runs throughout country’s legacy from Hank Williams howling at the moon to George Jones pouring one out for all those lonely hearts to Taylor Swift singing her suburban cowgirl blues.
Billboard debuted its initial country chart in 1949 as two charts: Most Played Juke Box Folk Records and Hot C&W Sides; songs which have reached number one on both are noted. “Pistol Packin’ Mama” by Bob Wills and Red Foley became the inaugural country number one on both charts and it marked the first instance where multiple recordings of one song would be treated together as one entry (Billboard continued this practice until 1972 when it switched its policy and began treating all versions as separate entries).
Gene Autry marks his return to number one with “Back in the Saddle Again”, widely considered the pioneer of Nashville sound – which sought to move away from elements of honky-tonk music toward more refined production and universal appeal.
Tammy Wynette’s life and songs often reflected its turbulent experiences, such as 1968 chart-topper “Stand by Your Man,” which became an international crossover hit between herself and artist Charley Pride. Patsy Cline’s rendition of “Crazy” remains one of the most evocative country hits ever.
Glen Campbell was known for blending country with pop on songs such as “Wichita Lineman,” which spent six weeks at number one in 1970 and remains one of his timeless classics. Cowritten with Jimmy Webb, this anthem to working-class culture epitomized country at that time.
George Strait – “I Don’t Hurt Anymore”
Though country music may conjure images of pickup trucks, whiskey bottles, gun fights, and American flags, its true essence lies within family pride and overcoming hardship. These values have been evident throughout its history – from Hank Williams and Willie Nelson all the way up to George Strait and Lil Nas X today – with each generation passing these values along in song form. Whether you need an anthem to help get through tough times or romantic love songs there’s sure to be something suitable in this week’s top 5 country music chart!
Eddy Arnold ends a string of 28 consecutive number one singles with “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye,” only to be overtaken by Conway Twitty’s first country number one hit, “Next in Line.” Charley Pride became the first African-American performer to achieve success in country music when his single “All I Need Is Your Sweet Lovin'” reached number one on Hot Country Songs chart in September. Additionally, four female acts hit number one for the first time this year. The chart has changed its methodology by adopting a country airplay chart and changing to Hot Country Singles & Tracks, allowing multiple recordings of one song to count for inclusion for the first time; Billboard had initially treated multiple versions as separate entries.
In 1991, country and pop music started merging more fluidly. Faith Hill and Toby Keith saw success both on country charts and the cross-genre Billboard Hot 100; Faith Hill’s single “Breathe” even spent an entire year as number one of this latter chart. George Strait continued his reign atop country charts with “Achy Breaky Heart”, inspiring a revival in line-dancing that propelled Billy Ray Cyrus to stardom.
George Strait kicked off a two-week residency at Nashville’s Lincoln Center with an instant sell-out, heralding an exciting 2022 for Strait who will also perform at Austin City Limits Music Festival and open Moody Center, University of Texas’ new arena, respectively.