John Anderson has one of the most recognizable voices in country music. From songs like “Would You Catch a Falling Star” to “Seminole Wind” he ruled the airwaves throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s. More recently, a diverse group of current stars and up-and-comers came together to pay tribute to the living legend, demonstrating just how large his mark on the genre is.
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Today (December 13), Anderson is celebrating his 69th birthday. To celebrate, we’re looking at four of his No. 1 singles.
“Straight Tequila Night”
Debbie Hupp and Kent Robbins co-wrote “Straight Tequila Night” and John Anderson released it in 1991 as the second single from his album Seminole Wind. It went on to become his first No. 1 single in nearly a decade and marked a major comeback for Anderson. More than that, the song ruled the airwaves throughout the ‘90s. In fact, you can probably still tune to a good country station and hear this track.
He may not have written the song, but like so many others, Anderson made this track his own. More than 30 years later, no one else’s voice fits this song’s narrative like his.
“Black Sheep”
Danny Darst and Robert Altman co-penned “Black Sheep” and John Anderson released it in 1983 as the lead single from his album All the People Are Talkin’. It was his third chart-topping single and his final trip to the top of the ‘80s.
“Black Sheep” is Anderson’s anthem for the outcasts and underdogs. It’s about a man who works a hard blue-collar job as an over-the-road trucker. He’s got a small home, a wife, and kids and is happy with his life. At the same time, his family seemingly looks down on him because they make more money. It’s a classic story and a favorite among those who feel like the black sheep of their families.
“Swingin’”
John Anderson co-wrote “Swingin’” with Lionel Delmore and released it in 1983 as the second single from his album Wild & Blue. The song went to the top of the chart, giving the singer/songwriter his second chart-topper.
“Swingin’” reminds listeners that the simplest things can become life-altering moments. The song starts with the narrator having a crush on a girl in his neighborhood. One day, he decides to call her and ask if she wanted to spend some time together. The pair’s lasting romance begins with an afternoon spent on her parents’ front porch swing.
“Wild and Blue”
We’ll close this celebration of John Anderson’s birthday with his first No. 1 single. Anderson co-wrote “Wild and Blue” with John Scott Sherrill and released it in 1982 as the lead single from his 1983 album of the same name. The song spent two weeks at the top of the charts. An ode to an untamable and unrequited love, songs don’t get much more timeless than this one.
Featured Image by Terry Wyatt/FilmMagic
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