70 Best Classic Country Music Songs of All Time - Country Living
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70 Most Classic Country Songs of All Time

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Born from blues and folk, the country music genre has generated countless hits over the past several decades. From sad songs about mourning and loss, to funny country songs sure to make you laugh; from classic country beach tunes to romantic ballads, there's something for everyone when it comes to country music. But these 70 iconic country jams, from old Hank Williams and Patsy Cline tracks to more modern melodies with staying power (Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats" will never get old), top our list of the best country songs of all time.

Whether you're driving down an old dirt road, headed to a Southern wedding, going on a summer road trip, singing karaoke, or celebrating Christmas, there's a classic country song for every occasion. Whatever you're feeling or thinking, old-school greats like Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Merle Haggard have sang about it before. Whether you’re an old-fashioned purist, a fan of the best 90s country songs (we see you, Tim McGraw stans), or more of a modern country guy/gal, some of these tunes are the best classic country songs of all time, and you definitely won't regret adding them to your favorite playlist.

1

"Man of Constant Sorrow," The Stanley Brothers, 1951

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2

"Blue Moon of Kentucky," Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys, 1956

Bill Monroe At The New York Folk Festival
Michael Ochs Archives//Getty Images
3

"Coal Miner's Daughter," Loretta Lynn, 1960

Loretta Lynn Portrait
Michael Ochs Archives//Getty Images
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4

"Crazy Arms," Willie Nelson and Ray Price, 1956

5

"Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys," Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, 1978

Photo of Willie NELSON and Waylon JENNINGS
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6

"Delta Dawn," Tanya Tucker, 1972

Tanya Tucker in Concert at the Agora Ballroom in Atlanta - December 17, 1978
Tom Hill//Getty Images
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7

"Remember When," Alan Jackson, 2003

37th Academy of Country Music Awards - Show
Michael Caulfield Archive
8

"Standin' On the Corner (Blue Yodel #9)," Jimmie Rodgers, 1930

9

"Before He Cheats," Carrie Underwood, 2005

2007 CMT Music Awards - Show
Michael Loccisano
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10

"Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man," Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty, 1973

Photo of Conway TWITTY and Loretta LYNN
Richard E. Aaron//Getty Images
11

"Ring of Fire," Johnny Cash, 1963

Johnny Cash 'Ring Of Fire' Album Cover
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12

"I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," Hank Williams, 1949

Hank Williams and Band Performing
George Rinhart//Getty Images
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13

"Songs About Rain," Gary Allen, 2003

14

"Fancy," Reba McEntire, 1990

Reba McEntire in Concert  - Mountain View CA
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15

"I've Got a Tiger By the Tail," Buck Owens and the Buckaroos, 1965

BUCK OWENS;THE BUCKAROOS
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16

"Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)" Big & Rich, 2004

17

"D-I-V-O-R-C-E," Tammy Wynette, 1968

Tammy Wynette
Art Zelin
18

"The Dance," Garth Brooks, 1989

Garth Brooks Performs For The Parade Of Pennies
Beth Gwinn
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19

"Don’t Come Home A’ Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind)," Loretta Lynn, 1966

Loretta Lynn At a TV Show Taping
Waring Abbott//Getty Images
20

"The Most Beautiful Girl," Charlie Rich, 1974

Photo of Charlie RICH
David Redfern//Getty Images
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Jenae Sitzes
Editorial Assistant

Jenae is the editorial assistant for Prevention.com, where she regularly covers nutrition, beauty, celebrity workouts, and health trends. Previously, she was an intern at ELLE and CountryLiving.com and a web producer for O, the Oprah Magazine. When she’s not writing about health and wellness, Jenae is either playing video games or reading tweets about The Bachelor.

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