The essential classic country playlist

Arguably the most recognizable hit from country icon Hank Williams, "Hey Good Lookin'" topped the charts upon its release in 1951. Influenced by a similarly named track by composer Cole Porter and imbued with Williams's characteristic vocals, it exemplifies this legend's influence on the traditional country sound. A

According to Kitty Wells, "it wasn't God who made honky tonk angels." Released in 1952, the song was surprisingly progressive for its day. "Too many times married men think they're still single," Wells sings. "And that's caused many a good girl to go wrong." 

Appearing on Johnny Cash's 1955 debut, "Folsom Prison Blues" inspired one of the most iconic performances in country music history, held at the actual Folsom Prison in California. It was an instant hit for Cash and earned him a Grammy Award the following year. 

Written by Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline's melancholy vocals helped turn "Crazy" into a smash hit in 1961. 

Frequently described as the greatest song in country music history, this 1980 hit is one of George Jones's most notable vocal performances. 

A true storytelling tale of Lynn's humble upbringing as the daughter of a coal miner in Kentucky, "Coal Miner's Daughter" exemplifies the working-class ethos that defined this era of country music. It also inspired an award-winning film with the same name, starring Sissy Spacek. 

Country music is packed with fine drinking songs, but there are none finer than Willie Nelson's 1972 classic "Whiskey River." If you've never had the chance to hear this song live, it's definitely something to add to any country fan's bucket list. 

Pretty much nobody in country music has ever done a heartbreak song like Hank Williams, and "Your Cheatin' Heart" remains one of the genre's finest. An instant success upon its release in 1953, it's the kind of tune that country traditionalists pine for today. 

It is actually true that Merle Haggard was doing time at San Quentin State Prison around the time he was 20 years old, lending a hefty dose of authenticity to that iconic "I turned 21 in prison doing life without parole" lyric. Since its release, "Mama Tried" has become an iconic refrain for outlaws of all stripes. 

No genre does storytelling better than country music, and Roger Miller's "King of the Road" is proof. Telling the tale of a rambling troubadour who's freed himself from the confines of conventional society, this song has been covered by countless country legends, including Merle Haggard and Dolly Parton, since its release in 1965. 

There are so many legendary songs associated with prolific songwriter Dolly Parton, but none more so than "Jolene." It's a stunning showcase of Parton's songwriting and vocal abilities, one that continues to resonate with music fans today. 

Co-written by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, "Good Hearted Woman" was actually inspired by the tumultuous and abusive relationship between Tina Turner, the "good-hearted woman," and "two-timin' man" Ike Turner. The song was a #1 twice, once upon its initial release and later in a duet between Jennings and Nelson. 

The wife of George Jones and an immensely talented performer, Tammy Wynette's tumultuous life was often reflected in songs like "Stand By Your Man," a #1 hit that earned the artist crossover success upon its release in 1968. 

The king of "countrypolitan," Glen Campbell blurred the lines between pop and country with songs like "Wichita Lineman." Written originally by Jimmy Webb, the song is considered one of the genre's greatest songs thanks to its contemplative lyrics and Campbell's stunning vocal performance. 

There's no story more compelling in country music than the tale of how a fiddle player named Johnny beat the Devil himself in a musical contest for the ages. Released by the Charlie Daniels Band in 1979, the song was a massive hit, peaking at #3 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. 

Cowboy tunes are an essential part of country music's history, and Gene Autry is one of the most compelling purveyors of those tales. "Back In The Saddle Again," released in 1939, is more western than country, but still an early progenitor of later cowboys like Chris LeDoux and George Strait. 

It's a bluegrass song, sure, but there's no denying the influence that Bill Monroe's "Blue Moon of Kentucky" — and so much else in his body of work — has had on country music. 

With his seductive vocals and commanding stage presence, Conway Twitty was a staple of '70s country. Released in 1970, this eternal love tune was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. 

In 1972, Tanya Tucker recorded her version of "Delta Dawn" at the ripe old age of 13. It still remains one of her most legendary vocal performances, along with being one of the most curious — and compelling — story songs in the genre. 

In 1970, Charley Pride became a household name with the release of "Kiss An Angel Good Morning," which was a success on both the pop and country charts. It's an endlessly catchy tune, with an upbeat melody that just makes sense on any classic country playlist.