1970s Country Songs That 99% of People Will Recognize

The 1970s resulted in a lot of amazing music, especially in the country music world. This decade was a golden one for traditional country music and outlaw country songs alike, and there’s so much country music from the 70s that even casual fans of the genre will recognize them within a few seconds. Let’s revisit a few classics, shall we? I dare you not to sing along!

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“Delta Dawn” by Tanya Tucker

This classic from a young Tanya Tucker was released in 1972. The song itself is a bit older, having been written by Larry Collins and Alex Harvey back in the early 1970s. Bette Midler made waves with her version. However, Tucker’s Top 10 version from 1972 is one of the most memorable renditions out there.

“Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys” by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson

This Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings classic is a go-to for country karaoke. And I bet even the most casual country music fans know that chorus by heart. This outlaw country gem was released in 1975 and is still one of both artists’ most popular songs.

“Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver

Even if you’ve never considered yourself a country fan in your life, you definitely know the 1975 country-folk hit “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard this song drunkenly sung at karaoke bars by people of all ages, creeds, and homelands. It’s a classic if there ever was one.

“Man In Black” by Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash was known for many chart-topping songs, but few are as memorable as the unique country tune “Man In Black” from 1971. This has to be one of the most well-known protest songs to come out of the country music genre, and it’s a beautifully written statement about the state of the world, war, and mass incarceration. 

“Jolene” by Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton’s bittersweet ballad “Jolene” might just be her most famous song. And it’s also one of the most instantly recognizable country songs of all time. Released in 1973, “Jolene” was a serious hit for Parton, and it’s still loved by listeners, young and old, today.

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