Country music is a genre full of impactful stories and life lessons that artists have turned into touching beats and melodies. Throughout the decades, radios across the country have been blessed with some of the most thrilling, awe-inspiring stories on record. Here are the top seven.

Beloved Country Songs Through the Years

1. Dolly Parton’s “Jolene”

Dolly Parton manages to cross generations with her hit “Jolene.” This classic about one woman begging another not to take her love away is both tragic and haunting.

2. Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now”

Known across the airwaves as one of the smoothest harmonized songs in country music, Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” captures listeners’ most longing desires for an estranged partner, especially during the late-night hours.

3. Eric Church’s “Springsteen”

Eric Church takes listeners back to a distant past of their own when he connects a melody to a memory in this soul-searching single.

4. Deanna Carter’s “Strawberry Wine” 

Deanna Carter makes fans feel like they’re 17 again with her “Strawberry Wine” single. This hit is still a favorite for bar performers and karaoke singers.

 5. The Judds’ “Why Not Me”

Country lovers have long enjoyed the mother-daughter duo of Naomi and Wynonna Judd. Their “Why Not Me” single put them on top of the charts in the ‘80s and quickly made a case for them to be the top duo in the country world.

6. Reba McEntire’s “Fancy”

While Bobbie Gentry originally wrote the song in 1969, Reba McEntire took “Fancy” to a whole new level with her powerful voice. This song, which tells the story of a girl who moves from rags to riches, remains one of the top performances in all of country music.

7. Willie Nelson’s “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain”

Emotions run high when listening to Willie Nelson’s “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.” The singer’s soothing tone captures fans’ attention and enthralls listeners in the story of this one-of-a-kind country song.

 

Country music has a rising star in Elizabeth Barnes Music. The Minneapolis, MN, native’s latest album—“IV-Ever Adorer”—features a heartbreaking and personal story about life, love, and tragic loss. Elizabeth Barnes writes all of her own songs and travels around the country playing in bars, at weddings, and at other venues. If you’re looking for a new contemporary country artist to play at your next event, call (952) 484-9371. You can also find her songs on Spotify, Apple Music, and her website.