My "Attempt" at a Greatest Country Songs List

Combination of lyrical & musical excellence, influence, & historical significance. A certain amount of bluegrass, americana, country-rock, and alt-country allowed although I will steer clear of southern-rock.

(I have marked RE on songs I know require an explanation for their position, which I will be adding soon)

1. Willie Nelson: "Red Headed Stranger" (1975)-----------RE

2. Tammy Wynette: "Stand By Your Man" (1969)-----------RE

Also: "D.I.V.O.R.C.E."


3. Hank Williams: "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" (1949)

Also: "Your Cheatin' Heart"

4. David Allen Coe: "You Never Even Called Me By My Name" (1974)

Also: "Spotlight" (1976)


5. Patsy Cline: "Crazy" (1961)

Also: "I Fall To Pieces"


6. Willis Alan Ramsey: "Ballad of Spider John" (1972)-----------RE

7. Gene Clark: "Life's Greatest Fool" (1974)----------RE

8. Johnny Cash: "I Walk The Line" (1957)

9. John Prine: "Sam Stone" (1971)----------RE

10. Lefty Frizzell: "If You've Got The Money (I've Got The Time)" (1950)

Favorite Folk Albums

Not many flower children on this list

1. Van Morrison: Astral Weeks (1968)