The Ultimate Country Playlist: Exploring the #1 Country Song of All Time and More

The quest to determine the #1 country song of all time has been a topic of debate among music lovers for decades.

Country music, with its rich tapestry of storytelling and heartfelt melodies, has produced countless iconic songs that have shaped the genre and touched the hearts of millions. In this article, we'll dive deep into the world of country music, starting with the track that consistently tops the charts as the greatest country song ever recorded. From there, we'll explore the greatest hits of legendary artists who have left an indelible mark on the industry.

Whether you're a die-hard country fan or new to the genre, join us on this journey through the best that country music has to offer, from timeless classics to modern hits that continue to define the genre.

Country music has a rich tapestry of iconic songs that have shaped the genre and touched the hearts of millions. In this article, we'll dive into the world of country music, exploring the songs and artists that have left an indelible mark on the industry. From the undisputed #1 country song of all time to the greatest hits of legendary artists, let's take a journey through the best that country music has to offer.

The #1 Country Song of All Time: "I Walk the Line" by Johnny Cash

When it comes to crowning the ultimate #1 country song of all time, one track consistently rises to the top: "I Walk the Line" by the legendary Johnny Cash. This iconic song has earned its place as the top country song across multiple reputable sources:

• It's listed as #1 on WatchMojo's "Top 20 Greatest Country Songs of All Time" list

• It's the first song mentioned in TimeOut's "35 Best Country Songs of All Time" list

• It tops the list of "The Top Ten Selling Country Songs of All-Time" from 97.1 Hank-FM

The Story Behind the Song

"I Walk the Line" was Johnny Cash's first No. 1 hit on the Billboard chart and remained on the charts for an impressive 43 weeks. Cash wrote the song as a "pledge of devotion" to his new wife, Vivian Liberto, reportedly composing it backstage in one night.

Why It Reigns Supreme

The lasting popularity of "I Walk the Line" can be attributed to several factors:

1. Cash's distinctive voice and deadpan delivery

2. The iconic and relatable lyrics

3. Its cultural impact and recognition even among non-country music fans

4. Its representation of classic, old-school country music

Impact on Johnny Cash's Career

"I Walk the Line" had a profound impact on Johnny Cash's career:

• It was Cash's first #1 hit on the Billboard country charts, reaching #17 on the pop charts

• The song sold over two million copies, making it a massive commercial success

• It became Cash's signature song and helped define his iconic "boom-chicka-boom" sound

• The success with Sun Records launched Cash's recording career in earnest

The song's theme of fidelity and staying true to oneself became closely associated with Cash's public image, adding depth to his persona as an artist. Its enduring popularity led to multiple re-recordings throughout his career, and the song's title was used for both a 1970 film starring Gregory Peck and the 2005 biopic about Cash starring Joaquin Phoenix.

Exploring the Greatest Hits of Country Legends

While "I Walk the Line" may hold the crown, country music is filled with incredible songs from legendary artists. Let's explore some of the top tracks from other country music icons.

Dolly Parton's Greatest Hits

Dolly Parton has left an indelible mark on country music. Here are some of her top songs:

1. "I Will Always Love You"

2. "Jolene"

3. "9 to 5"

4. "Coat of Many Colors"

5. "Joshua"

6. "The Bargain Store"

7. "Love Is Like a Butterfly"

8. "Two Doors Down"

9. "It's All Wrong, But It's All Right"

10. "Why'd You Come in Here Looking Like That"

Hank Williams' Influential Tracks

Hank Williams set the standard for country music songwriting. His most influential songs include:

1. "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry"

2. "Your Cheatin' Heart"

3. "Move It on Over"

4. "Lovesick Blues"

5. "Hey Good Lookin'"

6. "Cold, Cold Heart"

7. "Jambalaya (On the Bayou)"

8. "I Saw the Light"

9. "Lost Highway"

10. "Long Gone Lonesome Blues"

Garth Brooks' Chart-Toppers

Garth Brooks revolutionized country music in the '90s. His top songs include:

1. "Friends in Low Places"

2. "The Dance"

3. "If Tomorrow Never Comes"

4. "The Thunder Rolls"

5. "Unanswered Prayers"

6. "Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)"

7. "The River"

8. "Ain't Goin' Down ('Til the Sun Comes Up)"

9. "Shameless"

10. "Two of a Kind, Workin' on a Full House"

Loretta Lynn's Iconic Tracks

Loretta Lynn's fearless songwriting made her a country music icon. Her top songs include:

1. "Coal Miner's Daughter"

2. "Don't Come Home A-Drinkin' (With Lovin' on Your Mind)"

3. "You Ain't Woman Enough (To Take My Man)"

4. "Fist City"

5. "One's On the Way"

6. "The Pill"

7. "You're Lookin' at Country"

8. "Love Is the Foundation"

9. "Blue Kentucky Girl"

10. "Dear Uncle Sam"

Johnny Cash's Greatest Hits

Beyond "I Walk the Line," Johnny Cash had numerous other hits:

1. "Ring of Fire"

2. "Folsom Prison Blues"

3. "Man in Black"

4. "Hurt"

5. "A Boy Named Sue"

6. "Jackson" (with June Carter Cash)

7. "Sunday Morning Coming Down"

8. "One Piece at a Time"

9. "Don't Take Your Guns to Town"

John Denver's Country Classics

John Denver brought a folk influence to country music. His top country songs include:

1. "Take Me Home, Country Roads"

2. "Thank God I'm a Country Boy"

3. "Rocky Mountain High"

4. "Annie's Song"

5. "Sunshine on My Shoulders"

6. "Back Home Again"

7. "Leaving on a Jet Plane"

8. "Follow Me"

9. "Calypso"

10. "Some Days Are Diamonds (Some Days Are Stone)"

Willie Nelson's Fan Favorites

Willie Nelson's distinctive voice and songwriting have made him a country music legend. His top songs include:

1. "On the Road Again"

2. "Always on My Mind"

3. "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain"

4. "Crazy"

5. "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys"

6. "Pancho and Lefty"

7. "Good Hearted Woman"

8. "To All the Girls I've Loved Before"

9. "Hello Walls"

10. "Whiskey River"

Merle Haggard's Country Classics

Merle Haggard's music often reflected the experiences of working-class America. His top songs include:

1. "Mama Tried"

2. "Okie from Muskogee"

3. "The Fightin' Side of Me"

4. "If We Make It Through December"

5. "Sing Me Back Home"

6. "Workin' Man Blues"

7. "The Bottle Let Me Down"

8. "I Think I'll Just Stay Here and Drink"

9. "Big City"

10. "That's The Way Love Goes"

Conclusion

From Johnny Cash's "I Walk the Line" to the countless hits by other country music legends, these songs represent the heart and soul of the genre. They showcase the storytelling, emotional depth, and musical craftsmanship that have made country music a beloved part of American culture. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the genre, these songs offer a fantastic starting point for exploring the rich history of country music.

Richard Sutherland

RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.org

Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.