Videos by American Songwriter
Kacey Musgraves
Favorite Old-School Country Songs
“You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man)” – Loretta Lynn
Clever little sassy song…never gets old! Loretta did not play around!
“Rhinestone Cowboy” – Glen Campbell
The epitome of 70’s country but ahead of its time in a lot of ways.
“Ode to Billie Joe” – Bobbie Gentry
This song had such cool, dark, conversational lyrics, and the track was so moody and cool. Not to mention, Bobbie was such a hottie back in the day.
“Act Naturally” – Buck Owens
I sang this song a lot growing up. Classic Buck. Only three chords and puts me in a good mood.
“Are You Sure” – Willie Nelson
This song–a recent obsession–is so heartbreakingly simple. The lyrics are honest, the melody is gorgeous. A perfect Willie song!
Craig Campbell
Songs About Georgia
“The Moon Over Georgia” – Shenandoah
By far one of the greatest bands in country music. This is one of the most well written songs about a girl choosing a guy for love and not riches. Growing up in Georgia, sometimes all you have to offer a girl is the moon.
“Chattahoochee” – Alan Jackson
This song describes me and all of my buddies from high school. I think Alan and I have got to be related somehow!
“Watermelon Crawl” – Tracy Byrd
After playing piano for Tracy I found a new love for this song. No matter where you go, people love to do the Watermelon Crawl.
“We Rode In Trucks” – Luke Bryan
Luke and I are friends and I played in his band before I got my record deal. He doesn’t mention Georgia specifically in the song but he does reference the Flynt River which is in Georgia. Once again, a song that describes life growing up in Georgia and I love it!
“Bible Belt” – Travis Tritt
Another song that doesn’t say “Georgia” but has Atlanta in there so you know the story takes place in GA. Growing up in a strong Southern Baptist home, I know all too well the repercussions of doing what you shouldn’t do. Travis explains it very clearly in this song.
Teea Goans
Favorite Duets
“Sweet Thang” –Ernest Tubb and Loretta Lynn
This song is what duet singing is all about. A total “he-said/she-said” song. The attitude is authentic and nobody could have done it better than E.T. and Loretta.
Favorite Willie Nelson Song
“Nightlife” – Willie Nelson
I love the fact that this was not written as a standard country song. The song portrays a place that you know is a sad, hard place to be, but one verse in and you want to be there. Only Willie can take you on a trip like that.
Favorite Male Vocal
“You Take Me For Granted” – Merle Haggard
It’s obvious that this song was written from a very real place, but Merle interpreted the song far past the lyrics.
Cheatin’ Heart Song
“The Cold Hard Facts Of Life” – Porter Wagoner
Cheatin’. Drinkin’. Murder. Are there any questions?
Favorite song about places
“If I Ever See Utah Again” – Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers
This could also work in the “Should Be a Hit” category. Larry tells the story of a late night with Roger Miller that led to the hook…and 30 years later, Larry finished the song. I’m sure glad he did.
Andy Gibson
Tragic Love Songs
“Liza Jane” – Vince Gill
Always loved this song. Great guitar and great beat. Can’t help but rock out when you hear it.
“It’s Now Or Never” – Elvis Presley
So dynamic and dramatic. It has a kind of Latin element to it. When the chorus kicks in its balls to the wall! Knocks me out!
“Besame Mucho” – Pedro Infante
Probably the most famous love song in the Latin world also covered by tons of people including the Beatles. Written by a 14 year old girl who had never kissed anyone! Classic!
“Crying” – Roy Orbison
A buddy of mine Joe Melson wrote this with Roy. It’s so beautiful it makes me want to cry. I covered it during my Grand Old Opry debut at the Ryman
“Yesterday” – Paul McCartney
This song still gives me chills every time I hear it. So beautiful. The words and melody are so lasting. It will always be my favorite.
Afie Jurvanen (Bahamas)
Willie Nelson songs
I’m my opinion, the best singer, ever. Everything he says sounds right to me.
“Little Things” – Willie Nelson
It’s from a little known album called Sweet Memories. Probably my favorite song on my favorite album. It’s about calling your ex and gently shooting the breeze. I have it on cassette, CD and LP.
“Help Me Make It Through The Night” – Willie Nelson
I think Kris Kristofferson wrote this song, but Willie always sings it the way it was supposed to be sung.
“Stardust” – Willie Nelson
A classic. A standard. His label told him that if he put this record out it would be career suicide. Turned out to be his biggest seller. I guess it’s a standard for good reason.
“You Were Always On My Mind” – Willie Nelson
Even if he sang this to every lover he ever had, it would still be the sweetest, sincere love song.
“Georgia On My Mind” – Willie Nelson
Also a classic, but it kinda blows away all the other versions. Produced by Booker T, and it sounds incredible. His voice cuts through like a diamond.
Scott Borchetta (CEO of Big Machine)
Favorite country songs
“Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” – Waylon Jennings
There’s a good argument that could be made that if it wasn’t for Waylon and this song I may not have ever made it to Nashville. The beautiful sarcasm and struggle in this song reminds us all to question authority.
“Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground” – Willie Nelson
How do you pick just one Willie song? You don’t. But this ain’t a bad place to start. It’s all there, the heartbreaking vocal, the spine tingling guitar. Put it on. Now.
“Love Story” – Taylor Swift
This amazing song defined the true artistry and true songwriting significance for Taylor – it was the first single off her second album, Fearless. The pressure for an artist to deliver the goods after a massive breakthrough is unexplainable. Taylor delivered. Big. And worldwide. This release also specifically announced that Big Machine was dropping an anchor and that we were going to be here for a while. Baby, just say yes…
“What Hurts The Most” – Rascal Flatts
This was another situation where I heard this song for the first time listening to Gerry House on the way into the office. I pulled over and called then-manager Trey Turner to tell him how amazing this sounded on the radio. I think this also started my official stalking of Dann Huff.
“Sunday Kind Of Love” – Reba McEntire
I remember the first time I heard this on the radio I was driving south on I-65 and I almost wrecked. This falls into two categories – Female Vocalist & Sexiest. After hearing it, let’s just say I couldn’t wait to get home to my girlfriend…
“I Can Still Make Cheyenne” – George Strait
This single came out while I was VP of Promotion at MCA. I had to beg George, Irv, Tony and Bruce to let it be a single. I don’t know of a better rodeo heartbreak song. He still performs it and I believe he will until the cowboy rides away…
“The Dance” – Garth Brooks
Don’t know what else can be said about it but it’s all there. Maybe the most perfect song and single ever.
