The 1970s marked a transformative era for country music. Artists explored new sounds and styles, pushing the genre’s boundaries. Traditional country melodies blended with more polished production techniques, creating a diverse musical landscape.
During this decade, country music saw the rise of iconic performers and unforgettable songs. Collaborations between male and female artists became popular, resulting in memorable duets. The emergence of subgenres like outlaw country and trucking songs added fresh perspectives to the country music scene. These changes set the stage for country music’s continued evolution in the decades to come.
Top 50 ’70s Country Tunes to Know
The 1970s brought us some of country music’s greatest hits. From top stars like Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton to one-hit wonders, this decade had it all. The list includes chart-toppers, amazing covers, and songs that crossed into pop. Some tunes you’ll know by heart. Others may be new to you, but they’re worth a listen. Each artist only gets one song on the list. That makes room for more voices that shaped the ’70s country. The mix has upbeat party songs and touching ballads. You’ll find both traditional country sounds and more modern styles.
1. “Jolene” – Dolly Parton (1973)
One of Dolly Parton’s most iconic tracks, “Jolene,” tells the heartbreaking tale of a woman pleading with another to leave her man alone. With its haunting melody and emotional lyrics, this song became a timeless classic and showcased Parton’s storytelling prowess.
2. “Coal Miner’s Daughter” – Loretta Lynn (1970)
Loretta Lynn’s autobiographical hit, “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” chronicles her humble beginnings in Kentucky. It’s a powerful ode to her father and the hardships of growing up poor, making it one of her signature songs.
3. “The Gambler” – Kenny Rogers (1978)
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Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler” is more than just a country song – it’s a life lesson. Through the story of a chance meeting on a train, Rogers teaches us about knowing when to hold ‘em and fold ‘em in life, making it an anthem for gamblers and philosophers alike.
4. “He Stopped Loving Her Today” – George Jones (1979)
Widely regarded as one of the greatest country songs of all time, George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today” is a heartbreaking ballad about unrequited love. Jones’ emotional delivery made this song a defining moment in his career.
5. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” – John Denver (1971)
A beloved classic, “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” captures the feeling of longing for the simplicity of home. John Denver’s smooth vocals and the catchy chorus made this an anthem for those who miss their roots.
6. “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” – Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson (1978)
This outlaw country duet, by two of the genre’s biggest stars, warns mothers about the rough life of cowboys. The song’s humor and charm helped it top the country charts and solidify both singers’ legendary status.
7. “If We Make It Through December” – Merle Haggard (1973)
Merle Haggard’s “If We Make It Through December” captures the struggles of a working-class man during hard times. The song’s bittersweet message of hope in the face of adversity resonated deeply with listeners.
8. “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)” – Waylon Jennings (1977)
This song, featuring Willie Nelson, is all about getting back to simple living. With its laid-back vibe and message of leaving behind materialism, “Luckenbach, Texas” became a country favorite.
9. “Rhinestone Cowboy” – Glen Campbell (1975)
“Rhinestone Cowboy” is the story of a dreamer chasing fame, and it resonated with fans far beyond the country genre. Glen Campbell’s smooth delivery and the song’s catchy melody made it a massive crossover hit.
10. “Behind Closed Doors” – Charlie Rich (1973)
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Charlie Rich’s sultry “Behind Closed Doors” was a groundbreaking song in its portrayal of intimate love. The track earned Rich several awards and became a fan favorite for its sophisticated sound.
11. “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” – Charley Pride (1971)
Charley Pride’s “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” is a cheerful, upbeat song about the simple joys of love. Pride’s velvety voice and the positive message made this song a country standard.
12. “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” – Willie Nelson (1975)
Willie Nelson’s “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” tells the poignant story of lost love. Its simple arrangement and emotional depth helped the song become one of Nelson’s signature hits.
13. “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” – Crystal Gayle (1977)
This smooth ballad by Crystal Gayle took the country world by storm with its soulful delivery. “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” became one of Gayle’s biggest hits and showed off her versatility as a singer.
14. “Good Hearted Woman” – Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson (1976)
“Good Hearted Woman” celebrates the enduring love of a woman who stands by her man through thick and thin. The duet between Jennings and Nelson became a classic of the outlaw country movement.
15. “Family Tradition” – Hank Williams Jr. (1979)
“Family Tradition” is Hank Williams Jr.’s anthem of rebellion and heritage. The song’s rowdy tone and its reflection on his family’s musical legacy made it a fan favorite, especially among those embracing the outlaw country lifestyle.
16. “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” – Charlie Daniels Band (1979)
This fiddle-driven tune tells the story of a fiddle contest between a boy and the devil. With its fast-paced rhythm and fiery performances, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” became a unique country hit that crossed over into pop.
17. “Southern Nights” – Glen Campbell (1977)
Glen Campbell’s “Southern Nights” is a dreamy, nostalgic song about the beauty of the South. Its upbeat tempo and smooth vocals made it a chart-topping hit.
18. “Whiskey River” – Willie Nelson (1973)
“Whiskey River” became one of Willie Nelson’s most iconic songs. It’s a soulful ode to drowning heartache in whiskey, and its raw emotion continues to resonate with country fans.
19. “Lyin’ Eyes” – Eagles (1975)
While known more for rock, the Eagles embraced their country roots with “Lyin’ Eyes.” The song’s smooth harmonies and storytelling about infidelity made it a crossover success.
20. “Here You Come Again” – Dolly Parton (1977)
Dolly Parton’s “Here You Come Again” brought a touch of pop to country. With its infectious melody and Parton’s sweet voice, it became one of her biggest crossover hits.
21. “It Was Almost Like a Song” – Ronnie Milsap (1977)
This emotional ballad by Ronnie Milsap tugs at the heartstrings with its tale of love lost. Milsap’s powerful vocals and the song’s piano-driven arrangement made it a standout hit of the decade.
22. “She Believes in Me” – Kenny Rogers (1978)
Kenny Rogers’ “She Believes in Me” is a tender ballad about a man’s gratitude for his partner’s unwavering faith in him. Rogers’ soulful delivery made this song a romantic favorite.
23. “Rose Garden” – Lynn Anderson (1970)
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Lynn Anderson’s “Rose Garden” is a classic country pop song that became a worldwide hit. With its message of resilience and accepting life’s ups and downs, the song’s catchy chorus continues to delight listeners.
24. “Teddy Bear” – Red Sovine (1976)
“Teddy Bear” is a tear-jerking tale of a disabled boy and the truckers who reach out to him. Red Sovine’s storytelling and heartfelt delivery made it a sentimental favorite among country fans.
25. “I Will Always Love You” – Dolly Parton (1974)
Before Whitney Houston’s famous version, Dolly Parton’s original “I Will Always Love You” was a tender farewell to a loved one. Parton’s emotional delivery made it one of the most powerful and enduring love songs in country music history.