Country music, with its harmonious ensemble of banjos, harmonicas, electric guitars, violins, and acoustic guitars, has captured many fans from around the world. Although it began in 1920s, the music gained its popularity during the 1940s. With many styles and sub-genres of country music nowadays, there are still many old country songs that remain close to the heart of their lovers. Here are the top four of evergreen country songs of all time.
1. George Jones – “He Stopped Loving Her Today”
The song was written by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman for the American country singer George Jones. The song was released in April 1980 and was included in Jones’ album “I am What I Am”. For six years, the song remained Jones’ number one single. The song tells about a man who never gave up loving a woman. The day the man stopped loving her was the day he died. Surprisingly, the woman of his life turned up at his funeral.
2. Patsy Cline – “Crazy”
Although originally written by Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline’s version received the most positive reviews and became the number two hit in 1962. In 1961, Willie Nelson, who at the time had written many hit songs but had not yet succeeded with his own recording, offered the song to country singer Billy Walker, which was turned down. The song then went to Patsy Cline who successfully brought the song to be listed in the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles for 21 weeks.
3. Hank Williams, Sr. – “Your Cheatin’ Heart”
The song was written and recorded by Hank Williams, Sr. in 1952, but was not released until his death in 1953. The slow blues ballad, telling the true story of a lover who was guilty of cheating on the singer, was inspired by Williams’ first wife Audrey Williams. The song has been recorded by many notable singers from various genres such as Nat King Cole, Elvis Presley, Louis Armstrong, Patsy Cline, Van Morrison, Fats Domino, and LeAnn Rimes.
4. Marty Robbins – “El Paso”
“El Paso” was first released in September 1959 in Robbins’ album “Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs”. The single not only became a hit on country music charts; pop music charts also received the song very well. In early 1960, both music charts placed the song on their number one position. In 1961, “El Paso” received a Grammy Award for the Best Country & Western Recording. The four-minute and thirty-eight second song tells the story of a cowboy from El Paso, Texas who fell in love with Feleena, a beautiful girl who danced at Rosa’s Cantina.