Jolene by Dolly Parton
One of Dolly Parton's most iconic songs, "Jolene," kicks off our list. Parton penned this mesmerizing track herself, serving as the title track for one of her albums. It remains beloved by fans of both modern and classic country music and secured its place at No. 217 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Miley Cyrus, Olivia Newton-John, and Pentatonix.
Would You Lay With Me by Tanya Tucker
Tanya Tucker stirred controversy gracing the cover of Rolling Stone at just 15 years old while singing the sultry "Would You Lay With Me." Alongside hits like "Delta Dawn" and "What's Your Mama's Name," this track showcased Tucker's captivating voice and stage presence, polarizing audiences.
I'm A Ramblin' Man by Waylon Jennings
Hailing from Littlefield, Texas, Waylon Jennings struck gold with "I'm A Ramblin' Man," topping both the U.S. and Australia's country music charts in 1974. Fun fact: his son, Shooter, portrayed him in the Johnny Cash biopic "Walk The Line."
Pure Love by Ronnie Milsap
"Pur Love" propelled Ronnie Milsap into stardom, despite his lack of prior chart-toppers. Drawing from influences like Elvis Presley and Ray Charles, Milsap carved his niche in the industry and continued his musical journey well into his 80s, even hosting the podcast "Music and Milsap."
Marie Laveau by Bobby Bare Bobby
Bare's catchy rendition of "Marie Laveau," penned by Shel Silverstein, kept audiences entertained for 18 weeks on the country charts. While incorporating fictional elements, the song immortalizes the legacy of the real-life voodoo queen Marie Laveau from Louisiana history.
I Will Always Love You by Dolly Parton
Concluding our list with another Dolly Parton classic, "I Will Always Love You" holds a special place in the hearts of fans. Originally dedicated to her mentor Porter Wagoner, Parton's rendition inspired legendary performances by Whitney Houston and others, though she famously withheld Elvis Presley's attempt to cover the song due to disagreements over publishing rights.
More must-reads: