The golden era of traditional country and western music has passed, though some bands and musicians are keeping the classic era of the genre alive. However, it’s clear that country-pop is more or less the norm nowadays. There’s nothing particularly wrong with that, but you just can’t beat the hits from the early years. And the following five traditional country songs are still in rotation on country music radio stations today, proving that the classic age of the genre will never really die. Let’s take a look!
“Hey Good Lookin’” by Hank Williams
This classic from Hank Williams still makes the rotation on country music radio today. I can certainly see why. “Hey Good Lookin’” is one of Williams’ finest works, and many would say it’s the song that defined his career and legacy. Upon its release in 1951, it catapulted to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Not bad for a song that was apparently written in 20 minutes.
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“He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones
This song is one of the saddest, most heartwrenching country tunes of all time. And it really is a beautiful piece of work. “He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones was produced a little later than one might expect in 1980. It really sounds like an old-school country tune. This song has been covered about a million times, but nothing holds a candle to Jones’ weepy original.
“Wichita Lineman” by Glen Campbell
“Wichita Lineman” by Glen Campbell first made waves back in 1968. It’s a traditional country song that borders on pop and rock, but that traditional element is still very much there. It’s a legendary tune considered to be the first “existential” country song ever produced.
“Stand By Your Man” by Tammy Wynette
This traditional country song is a bit controversial. It was released in 1968 in the middle of the women’s lib movement of the 60s, and it’s a song about standing by one’s husband no matter what. It has a bit of a conservative vibe to it, and many believe it was a reactionary release from Tammy Wynette. Nevertheless, it still makes it to the airwaves often, and Wynette allegedly didn’t even know that it would spark political discourse after it was released.
“Mama Tried” by Merle Haggard
Quite a few Merle Haggard songs could make it to this list, but I went with “Mama Tried” based on how much people loved this tune back in the day. Released in 1968, “Mama Tried” is an early outlaw country music tune about being stuck in jail, with traditional elements worth noting. It’s a classic that has even been preserved by the National Recording Registry for its cultural significance.
Photo by David Redfern/Redferns
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