LIST: Country Songs Turning 40 in 2024

The 1980s were a transformative decade for country music. Neotraditional, outlaw, and pop influences added variety to the genre and contributed to an increase in crossover artists. Some of country music’s most noteworthy names produced major hits during this period and solidified their place in the hearts of country music fans.

Revisit 14 country songs that are celebrating their 40th birthday this year below!

1. “God Bless the U.S.A.” by Lee Greenwood

Considered to be one of the best patriotic anthems of our time, Lee Greenwood wrote “God Bless the U.S.A.” at the beginning of his career as a tribute to his country. The song has since been widely used in film, television, artwork, sporting events, and more.

2. “City of New Orleans” by Willie Nelson

“City of New Orleans” is one of Willie Nelson’s cover songs that proved to be a big hit when it topped the country charts and earned a Grammy nomination. The song was originally penned by Steve Goodman in 1971. Arlo Guthrie released his version the following year, and Nelson followed suit over a decade later.

3. “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band)” by Alabama

One of Alabama’s most well-known songs, “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band),” was actually released on the B-side of their album Roll On. It outperformed their hit song “I’m Not That Way Anymore,” featured on the album’s A-side, and became the band’s 14th No. 1 single.

4. “Let’s Fall to Pieces Together” by George Strait

George Strait’s music is timeless, and his career is still going so strong that he just broke the record for the highest concert attendance in U.S. history. His heartbreak song “Let’s Fall to Pieces Together” tells the story of a man who lost the love of his life and finds solace in a woman who has found herself in the same situation. It became King George’s fifth number-one hit.

5. “Mama He’s Crazy” by The Judds

“Mama He’s Crazy” was written by Kenny O’Dell and recorded by the mother-daughter duo The Judds. It became the first number-one hit for Naomi and Wynonna Judd and the second-ever country number-one sung by a female duo.

6. “Tennessee Homesick Blues” by Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton wrote and recorded “Tennessee Homesick Blues” for the soundtrack of the 1984 film Rhinestone. The song topped the charts and earned Parton her 10th overall Grammy nomination for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female.

7. “I Don’t Know A Thing About Love” by Conway Twitty

Conway Twitty featured his daughter, Joni Lee, as the backing vocals on “I Don’t Know a Thing About Love.” The song was Twitty’s 48th chart-topping hit and was covered by Texas country music artist Cody Johnson on his 2021 album Human: The Double Album.

8. “That’s The Way Love Goes” by Merle Haggard

“That’s The Way Love Goes” was originally written and recorded by Johnny Rodriguez in 1973. The song has been covered by many country artists, including Connie Smith, Crystal Gayle, Ronnie Dunn, and Alan Jackson. Haggard’s version was one of the most successful, winning him the Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance.

9. “Everyday” by the Oak Ridge Boys

“Everyday” became the milestone tenth number-one single for the country music group The Oak Ridge Boys. At this point in their career, the band had nearly 40 years of history together and would go on to release an astounding 30 albums over the course of their musical career.

10. “Elizabeth” by the Statler Brothers

“Elizabeth” is the first song written by Jimmy Fortune shortly after he joined The Statler Brothers in 1983. He was inspired by watching actress Elizabeth Taylor’s performance in the movie Giant. The band would later play the song for Elizabeth Taylor on her 52nd birthday.

11. “Honey (Open That Door)” by Ricky Skaggs

Ricky Skaggs released “Honey (Open That Door)” as the second single from his album Don’t Cheat In Our Hometown. It quickly topped the charts and became his seventh career number-one hit on the country charts.

12. “The Sound of Goodbye” by Crystal Gayle

Crystal Gayle is the elder sister to country music royalty Loretta Lynn and is a successful artist in her own right. During her career, she has landed 22 singles at the top of the charts. The thirteenth of those singles was “The Sound of Goodbye.”

13. “I May Be Used (But Baby I Ain’t Used Up)” by Waylon Jennings

Country music legend Waylon Jennings went from an impoverished childhood to playing bass guitar for Buddy Holly to being one of the most recognizable names in country music. He released many iconic songs over his career and was a pioneer of the Outlaw Country movement.

14. “Still Losing You” by Ronnie Milsap

“Still Losing You” is one of North Carolina native Ronnie Milsap’s biggest hits. It was his 25th single to land in the number-one spot on the country charts and tells a story of longing for love lost.