If you love country music, there are a few classic songs out there that you likely know by heart. And no matter how many covers and renditions of those songs make it to the ears of fans, none of them will match the sheer quality of the OG tunes. Let’s look at a few classic country songs that have been covered many times through the years, but those covers will never beat the original tunes.
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“Jolene” by Dolly Parton
Plenty of talented vocalists have covered Dolly Parton, but no one will ever beat her sweet, recognizable, and iconic voice. “Jolene” might just be Parton’s most well-known song, and the songwriting is similarly amazing.
“Jolene” has a few excellent covers out there. Miley Cyrus, Parton’s goddaughter, did a stellar job back in the day. The White Stripes, Alison Krauss, and Kelly Clarkson also tossed out a few noteworthy covers. But nothing will beat Parton’s original 1973 classic.
“On The Road Again” by Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson has released dozens of albums through the years and written hundreds of songs. Plenty of his hits could have made it to this list, but you can’t beat his career-defining tune “On The Road Again” from 1980.
Not only is this country song virtually perfect, but it captures the spirit of classic country music, as well as Nelson’s love for making music and traveling around the country to share it. Buckcherry, Phish, and even Neil Young have covered this song.
“I Walk The Line” by Johnny Cash
Even people who aren’t diehard fans of country music will sing along when this tune comes on. “I Walk The Line” by Johnny Cash might as well define the whole of the outlaw country icon’s career.
Released in 1956, this tune has really stood the test of time. Cash’s contemporaries, like Dolly Parton and Waylon Jennings, covered this song. Even modern-day musicians, like Halsey and Noël Akchoté, have given “I Walk The Line” a shot.
“Mama Tried” by Merle Haggard
If you like your classic country songs with a bit of a folk vibe, you probably already love “Mama Tried” by Merle Haggard. Another outlaw country song on this list, “Mama Tried” is a true classic with a searing electric guitar riff. And plenty of non-country outfits and musicians have covered this 1968 song, such as The Grateful Dead.
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