[2026] A Guide to Country Music: From the Latest Hits to Classic Favorites

JoleneDolly Parton

Dolly Parton – Jolene [70’s]

It was released on January 19, 1946.

She is known as a country singer, actress, and author.

“Jolene” is a 1973 work.

It reached No.

1 on the country charts.

The song conveys the feelings of a woman pleading with the beautiful Jolene, who might seduce her man.

It is a medium-tempo song in a minor key, featuring an impressive guitar phrase in the intro.

White LightningGeorge Jones

GEORGE JONES WHITE LIGHTNING 59

Born in Texas, September 12, 1931 – April 26, 2013, he was a country music singer.

Jones was quite a heavy drinker and is said to have spent his days drinking bourbon.

His 1959 hit “White Lightning” is an upbeat, rockabilly-style song.

Check Yes Or NoGeorge Strait

George Strait – Check Yes Or No (Official Music Video)

A track released in 1995 by American country music singer George Strait.

It reached No.

1 on the charts in the United States and Canada.

The music video features actor and singer-songwriter Michael Ray Ryan and Dawn Waggoner, founder of the Texas Bikini Team.

There Goes My EverythingJack Greene

Jack Greene – There Goes My Everything

Jack Greene was an American country musician who had been active since 1965.

This track, which portrays the complex emotions surrounding a couple’s breakup, was released in 1966.

It reached No.

1 on the U.S.

charts and won a CMA Award.

Considered a country music standard, it has been covered by many artists.

Daddy Sang BassJohnny Cash

Johnny Cash-daddy sang bass

A track written by Carl Perkins, who is often called a rockabilly legend.

It was released as a single by Johnny Cash in 1968 and reached No.

1 on the country charts in the United States and Canada.

It has been covered by many artists, including Glen Campbell and Kitty Wells.

Folsom Prison BluesJohnny Cash

Johnny Cash – Folsom Prison Blues – Live at San Quentin (Good sound quality)

February 26, 1932 – September 12, 2003.

Born in Kingsland, Arkansas.

Actor, writer, country, rock, and rockabilly singer, songwriter.

Johnny was called the “Man in Black” because he always wore all-black outfits.

“Folsom Prison Blues,” from a live performance during his prison concert activities (San Quentin State Prison on January 1, 1958), became a massive hit, staying on the country chart for 92 weeks and on the pop chart for 122 weeks.

It’s a song with a pleasing “boom-chicka-boom” rhythm.

Coal Miner’s DaughterLoretta Lynn

Loretta Lynn – Coal Miner’s Daughter

Written by Loretta Lynn and released in 1970, the song is autobiographical.

Portraying a life in Kentucky filled with struggle and love, it later inspired an album, a book, and a feature film of the same name, and became her signature song.