Charlie Daniels Band - The Devil Went Down To Georgia

It was on this day in 1978 that the Charlie Daniels Band walked into a Nashville studio and record the song "The Devil Went Down To Georgia." Enjoy the video below of a live performance of this song. Keep It Classic! - Trooper

Randy Travis - It's Just A Matter Of Time

On this day in 1989, Randy Travis took the song "It's Just A Matter Of Time" to the top of the Billboard Country Chart. But it wasn't the first time the song had listed on the charts. Sonny James took it to #1 in February 1970 and Glen Campbell took it to #7 in 1985. Enjoy the video from Randy below.

Keep It Classic, Trooper

Charlie Rich - The Most Beautiful Girl

It was on this day in 1973 that Charlie Rich took "The Most Beautiful Girl" to the top of the Billboard Country Singles chart. Enjoy the video below and Keep It Classic!

Trooper

Tammy Wynette - Stand By Your Man

It was on this day, November 23, 1968 that Tammy Wynette took "Stand By Your Man" to the top of the Billboard Country charts. The song also crossed onto the Pop Charts peaking at #19, and was released in the UK in 1975 peaking at #1 as well.

Keep It Classic!

-Trooper

Tammy Wynette - Stand By Your Man - Live
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Patsy Cline - I Fall To Pieces

It was on this day in 1960 that Patsy Cline walked into a recording studio and recorded "I Fall To Pieces." Check out this classic recording from the Glenn Reeves Show in 1963.

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Trooper

Statler Brothers - "More Than A Name On A Wall."

Sorry it's one day late, but I was driving around my hometown yesterday and heard this song on the radio. Everytime I hear this song it sets me back! Thanks to all those how have served and are serving our country. God Bless you all. Enjoy the video from the Statler Brothers, "More Than A Name On A Wall."

Keep It Classic!
Trooper

Happy Birthday Donna Fargo

Happy Birthday today to Yvonne Vaughn, better known as Donna Fargo who was born on this day in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Donna took 6 songs to the top of the Billboard Country charts including 1972's "Happiest Girl In the Whole USA." Enjoy the video below.

Keep It Classic!
-Trooper

CMA Awards: 1979

This Wednesday the 2009 CMA Awards will be handed out in Nashville, so today lets look back 30 years at the big winners. The show originated from the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville on October 8, 1979 and Kenny Rogers hosted the show.

Single Of The Year - The Devil Went Down To Georgia, Charlie Daniels Band

• Song Of The Year (Songwrites Award) - The Gambler, Don Schiltz
• Album Of The Year - The Gambler. Kenny Rogers
• Vocal Duo Of The Year - Kenny Rogers & Dottie West
• Vocal Group of The Year- Statler Brothers
• Female Vocalist Of The Year - Barbara Mandrell
• Male Vocalist Of The Year - Kenny Rogers
• Entertainer Of The Year - Willie Nelson

Keep It Classic! Trooper

Outlaws! Willie, Waylon and more...

Here is a review of one of the great Classic Country albums. The term "outlaw" had been bandied about after Waylon Jennings' 1972 hit "Ladies Love Outlaws," but it didn't permanently gel until the release of the album Wanted! The Outlaws in 1976. The songs in this packaged product weren't new — the album contained previously released material by Jennings, Willie Nelson, Tompall Glaser, and Jennings' wife Jessi Colter (who had hit the charts a year earlier with "I'm Not Lisa"). But it marked the industry's recognition of the changing times, and as the center point of a campaign to publicize Nashville's new "progressive" breed, it worked like a charm. It quickly became the first country album to sell more than a million copies, and it boosted the careers of all involved. by Kurt Wolff

Wanted! The Outlaws Buy The CD Now!

Keep It Classic! Trooper

Christmas In Dixie - Alabama

It was on this day in 1982 that RCA records released, in my opinon, the greatest Country Christmas in my lifetime...Christmas from Alabama. To this day, 27 years later, songs from this album are still some of the most played on Country stations during the Christmas season. Songs like Christmas In Dixie, Mary & Joesph's Boy, Tennessee Christmas and Santa Claus (I Still Believe). Enjoy some clips from the CD, and if you'd like download a few with the links below. Keep It Classic!

Barbara Mandrell "Sleeping Single In A Double Bed" #1 11/4/78

After 9 years of songs on the Billboard Country charts, Barbara Mandrell scored her first #1 on this day in 1978 with Sleeping Single In A Double Bed. Take a listen below and Keep It Classic!

-Trooper

Willie Nelson "City Of New Orleans" #1 11/3/84

It was on this day, November 3, 1984 that Willie Nelson took the Arlo Guthrie #4 hit from 1972 all the way to the top of the Billboard Country Charts. The song was written by Steve Goodman on a train trip to New Orleans after his wife had fallent to sleep. Keep it classic!

Trooper

Willie Nelson - Stardust (1978) Album Review

One of Willie Nelson's greatest! At the height of outlaw country, Willie Nelson pulled off perhaps the riskiest move of the entire bunch. He set aside originals, country, and folk and recorded Stardust, a collection of pop standards produced by Booker T. Jones. Well, it's not entirely accurate to say that he put away country and folk, since these are highly idiosyncratic interpretations of "Georgia on My Mind," "All of Me," "Moonlight in Vermont," and "Don't Get Around Much Anymore," blending pop, country, jazz, and folk in equal measures. It's not that Willie makes these songs his own, it's that he reimagines these songs in a way that nobody else could, and with his trusty touring band, he makes these versions indelible. It may be strange to think that this album, containing no originals from one of America's greatest songwriters, is what made him a star, and it continues to be one of his most beloved records, but it's appropriate, actually. Stardust showcases Nelson's skills as a musician and his entire aesthetic — where there is nothing separating classic American musical forms, it can all be played together — perhaps better than any other album, which is why it was a sensation upon its release and grows stronger with each passing year. by Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Click Here To Purchase Willie Nelson's Stardust from 1978

Keep It Classic! -Trooper

Happy Birthday "Whispering" Bill Anderson

Bill Anderson celebrates a birthday today. One of the most successful songwriters in country music history, Bill Anderson was also a hugely popular singer in his own right, earning the nickname "Whispering Bill" for his gentle, airy vocal style and occasional spoken narrations. Happy Birthday Bill! Enjoy his #1 classic below, "Still."
Keep It
Classic, Trooper

Paulette Carlson departs Highway 101 10/31/1990

It was on this day 19 years ago that Paulette Carlson announced she was leaving the band Highway 101 to pursue a solo career. Between 1987 and 1990, Carlson had led Highway 101 into the Billboard Top 10 ten times including three #1 songs. After that, Highway 101 never got close to the same success and Paulette's solo career did the same. Some things are better left unchanged. Enjoy one of those #1's from Highway 101 below... Cry, Cry, Cry.

Keep It Classic, Trooper

Johnny Cash - His Greatest Hits Album Review

There have been no shortage of Johnny Cash compilations over the years, particularly of his classic Columbia recordings. There's something for whatever your taste — single-disc compilations with just the hits and extravagant multi-disc box sets tracing his entire career. Man in Black: Greatest Hits falls somewhere in between, presenting a comprehensive 30-song overview of (primarily) Cash's work for Columbia. That means the bulk of his groundbreaking Sun work is missing — "I Walk the Line," "Ballad of a Teenage Queen," and "Guess Things Happen That Way" are here, but classics such as "Get Rhythm," "Cry! Cry! Cry!," and "Folsom Prison Blues" (included in a later live version) aren't — but they're all available on Rhino's excellent Sun Years collection; this is notable for being an affordable and relatively exhaustive overview of the Columbia years, which is something that hasn't been attempted before this collection. There may be a few hits and cult favorites missing from this compilation, but it does a stellar job in featuring the best, most important cuts from Cash's prolific years with the label, and it makes an excellent companion to The Sun Years for the serious Cash fan on a budget.
by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Get the CD Now! Johnny Cash - The Man in Black: His Greatest Hits

Happy Birthday Lee Greenwood!

Lee Greenwood, born in Los Angeles on this day in 1942 rose out deal cards during the day and singing in smokey casinos at night to be discovered by Mel Tillis' manager. Lee paid his own plane ticket to Nashville, cut a few demos and a year later was on his way up the Country music charts. His is known most notably for the timeless classic "God Bless The USA," but jumped on the charts for the first time in 1982 with "It Turns Me Inside Out." Happy Birthday Lee! Enjoy a live performance below, and Keep It Country!

Trooper

Travis Tritt "Anymore" #1 October 26th, 1991

It was on this day, October 26th, 1991 that Travis Tritt took his power ballad "Anymore" to the top of the Billboard charts. It's the second of five #1 songs that he has taken to the top since his debut on charts in 1989. Do you remember his first #1? It was "Help Me Hold On" from 1990. Enjoy the live live performance from Travis Tritt below and as always, Keep It Classic!

Trooper

Happy Birthday T.G. Sheppard

Happy Birthday to T.G. Sheppard who was born on this day in 1944 as Bill Browder in Humboldt, TN. Check out the video below of T.G. filling in for Ralph Emory on Nashville Now! in 1984. T.G. also performs Slow Burn.

Keep It Classic, Trooper

Happy Birthday Randy Travis!

Randy Traywick born today in 1959 at Memorial Hospital in Monroe, North Carolina. Under the name Randy Travis, his rich baritone and hardcore country stance are a guiding light in the rise of the New Traditionalists in the late-1980s. Randy turns 50. Enjoy one of his biggest tunes ever, "Forever & Ever Amen." Keep It Classic! -Trooper

Dwight Yoakam & Buck Owens

One of the coolest duets in Country Music history was recorded on this day in 1988. Dwight & Buck stepped into a Columbia Recording Studio in Hollywood and recorded "Streets Of Bakersfield. Enjoy the video. Keep it classic! -The Trooper

Juice Newton

Happy Birthday today to Juice Newton who turns 57 today. Juice charted songs on both the Pop and Country charts from 1976 - 1989 including "Queen Of Hearts" from 1981. Enjoy the video below, and for more Classic Country click here.

Keep It Classic -Trooper

Willie Nelson "Georgia On My Mind"

It was on this day (2/15/79) that Willie Nelson picked up two awards at the Grammy's including Best Country Vocal Performance for "Georgia On My Mind." Check out the video below as Willie performs the song with Ray Charles. And for more Classic Country, click here.

Keep It Classic -Trooper

Sylvia "Nobody"

I ran across this video today and thought I would pass it along. Sylvia was an artist from the '80's and scored eleven Top 10 singles between '80 & '85 including two #1 songs on the Billboard Country charts. One was "Drifter"which hit in 1981, and the other was "Nobody"which not only topped the country charts, but rose to #5 on the Pop Chart. Enjoy the video below, and for more Classic Country, click here.

Keep It Classic! -Trooper

Highwaymen

On this day in 1986 The Highwaymen album was certified Gold. The Highwaymen were a Who's Who of Country Legends which included Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings. Also on this day in 1978 Ronnie Milsap hit #1 with "Almost Like A Song." Then on this day in 1979 Eddie Rabbitt began a 3-week run at the top spot with "Every Which Way But Loose." For more Classic Country, click here.

Keep It Classic! -Trooper

Oak Ridge Boys

It was on this day (2/9/1980) that the Oak Ridge Boys hit #1 on the Billboard Country Charts with the Rodney Crowell penned song "Leaving Louisiana in The Broad Daylight." Also in 1975 Willie Nelson recorded "Blue Eyes Cryin' In The Rain," and birthday wishes going out today to Travis Tritt who turns 46. Enjoy the Oaks below performs "Louisiana" and "Elvira" below on the Tonight Show (1981). And for more Classic Country, click here.

Keep It Classic! -Trooper

George Jones "He Stopped Loving Her Today"

Today could be considered the "Super Bowl Of Classic Country." Because it was on this day in 1980 that George Jones stepped into a Columbia Recording studio in Nashville and recorded the national anthem of Classic Country, "He Stopped Loving Here Today." What's more George bet his producer Billy Sherrill that it wouldn't go #1. Thank goodness he was wrong. Enjoy George performing the song below, and for more Classic Country, click here.

Keep It Classic! -Trooper

George Strait "Pure Country"

On this day (2/3) in 1993, the soundtrack to the motion picture "Pure Country" starring George Strait went Double Platinum, which is two million copies sold. I must admit the acting in the movie by George Strait was a little suspect, but I did like the movie. Enjoy the signature song from the movie, "I Cross My Heart." And for more Classic Country music click here.

Keep It Classic! -Trooper

Doug Stone - A Jukebox With A Country Song

It was on this day (2/1) in 1992 that Doug Stone hot the top of the Billboard Country Chart with "A Jukebox With A Country Song." It was Doug's 2nd #1 hit, he topped the charts months before for the first time with "In A Different Light." Enjoy the "Jukebox" video below, and for more Classic Country, click here.

Keep It Classic! -Trooper

(Old Dogs-Children and) Watermelon Wine

On this day, January 27, 1973 Tom T. Hall topped the Billboard Country charts with "(Old Dogs-Children and) Watermeleon Wine. Also Birthday wishes today go to Tracy Lawrence (41). Enjoy a video from Tom T. Hall singing "Watermelon Wine, and if you'd like to check out any more Classic Country Music click here. Keep It Classic! -Trooper

Dukes of Hazzard turns 30 today!

Yep, it's hard to imagine that 30 years ago today (1/26/79) the CBS Television Network debuted a new series starring John Schneider, Tom Wopat, and Waylon Jennings as the "voice and hands" of the show. Them Duke Boys, the General Lee and Daisy Duke filled our Friday nights until 1985. The shows have been replayed in syndication including on CMT in 2007 & 08." Enjoy the video opening to the show along with Waylon's theme song. And if you would like to check out more Classic Country Music, click here. Keep It Classic! -Trooper

Happy Birthday...WHO?

Happy birthday wishes today go to Bobby Ward (68). You may not recognize the name, but you will recognize his work. Bobby Ward penned hits like Crystal Gayle's "Half The Way" and Ronnie Milsap's "He Got You," and plays keyboard on "Always On My Mind," "The Dance" and "Kentucky Rain." Enjoy a little Elvis "Kentucky Rain". And to check out more of your Classic Country Favorites, click here. Keep It Classic !

-Trooper

Classic Country Today: January 22nd

Birthday wishes today to Teddy Gentry of Alabama (57) and J.P. Pennington of Exile (60). In 1955 Porter Wagoner makes his Grand Ole Opry debut, and on this day in Glen Campbell's "Wichita Lineman" goes Gold. Also on this day in 1990 at the American Music Awards, Randy Travis wins Single of the Year for "Deeper Than The Holler." Enjoy Randy performing "Hard Rock Bottom of Your Heart" on Nashville Now.

Keep It Classic -Trooper

Classic Country Today: January 20

Happy Birthday today to John Michael Montgomery (44) who was born on this day in Daneville, KY. John was master of the 90's Country ballads: "I Swear" , "I Can Love You Like That" and "I Love The Way You Love Me." In 1968 Merle Haggard hit #1 on the Billboard chart with "Sing Me Back Home." In 1989 Country stars The Oak Ridge Boys, Crystal Gayle, Moe Bandy, Steve Wariner, Lee Greenwood, Randy Travis and Loretta Lynn perform at President George Bush's Inauguration. In 1973, Jerry Lee Lewis appeared on the Grand Ole Opry and broke the two rules: no swearing and no rock n' roll.

Enjoy a liitle John Michael Montgomery. Keep It Classic! -Trooper

Classic Country Today: January 19th

Birthdays today include Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers who turns 70 today (1/19/39). Phil is one of the few people to have been elected into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame and a one-time member of the Grand Ole Opry. Also Dolly Parton celebrates her 63rd birthday today (1/19/46).

Topping the charts on January 19th:
"The Ballad Of Jed Clampett" Flatt and Scruggs ('63)
"I Love" Tom T. Hall ('74)
"How Blue" Reba McEntire ('85)

Enjoy a video from the birthday girl, Dolly with "Here You Come Again." If you would like to view or download music from anyone mentioned here today, click here: Dolly Parton, Everly Brothers, Reba McEntire, Tom T. Hall, and Flatt & Scruggs

Keep It Classic -Trooper

Dan Seals "Bop"

On this day (1/18) in 1986 Dan Seals hit the top of the charts with the Pop crossover "Bop." Before his success in the 80's and 90's on the country charts (10 #1's from 1980 to 1994), Dan was half of the 70's soft rock duo of England Dan & John Ford Coley (4 #1's 1976 from 1976 to 1979). Enjoy the video "Bop" below and if you are interested in any more of Dan's music. click these links: Dan Seals CD's or Dan Seals MP3 Downloads

Keep It Classic -Trooper

Eddie Rabbitt, Charlie Rich & Steve Earle

Big stuff happened on this day in Country Music history. 1981 Eddie Rabbitt scored #1 on the Billboard charts with "I Love A Rainy Night." In 1973 Epic Records released Charlie Rich's "Behind Closed Doors." And birthday wishes to Steve Earle who was born on this day in 1955. Enjoy the videos below (Sorry, could get a Steve Earle video)If you would like more information on any of their music click the following links: Eddie Rabbitt, Charlie Rich, Steve Earle

Keep It Classic - Trooper


Eddie Rabbitt - I Love A Rainy Night


Charlie Rich - Behind Closed Doors

Glen Campbell "Rhinestone Cowboy"

in 1976 on this day (1/14), Glen Campbell picked up four Grammy nominations for "Rhinestone Cowboy" including Record Of The Year. Below is a recent performance of Glen doing the song with an orchestra. If you are interested in any of Glen's music click here: Glen Campbell's Music or Glen Campbell mp3's

Keep It Classic! -Trooper

Birthday Wishes...

Happy Birthday today to William Lee Golden of the Oak Ridge Boys (70), Ray Price (83) and Ricky Van Shelton (52). Take a look back and some of their biggest songs, and if you'd like any of their music click here: Oak Ridge Boys , Ray Price , Ricky Van Shelton .

Keep It Classic! -Trooper

Oak Ridge Boys "Ya'll Come Back Saloon"


Ray Price "For The Good Times"


Ricky Van Shelton "Somebody Lied"

Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash "Jackson"

It was on this day, January 11, 1967 that Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash walked into a Columbia Records recording studio and recorded the smash hit "Jackson." Enjoy the video below, and if you'd like to purchase any of Johnny's music Click Here


Keep It Classic! -Trooper

Merle Haggard "I Think I'll Just Stay Here And Drink"

On this day (January 10th) in 1981 Merle Haggard hits the top of the charts with the song "I Think I'll Just Stay Here And Drink." Merle penned the song one evening after a friend asked him to come over to his house for the evening, and Merle's reply was "no thanks, I think I'll just stay here and drink." And the rest is history. I couldn't find a good video of the song, so here's Merle singing "Ramblin' Fever" on Pop Goes Country. If you would like to purchase any of Merle's music, click here: 40 #1 Hits

Keep It Classic! -Trooper

Happy Birthday Elvis!

Elvis would have been 73 years old today. He was the "King Of Rock n' Roll," but he also had some songs chart on the Country Charts. Enjoy "the King" with "Suspicious Minds." If you would like to checkout Elvis' music, click on this link: Elv1s 30 #1 Hits

Keep It Classic! Trooper

Don Williams "Tulsa Time"

On this day in 1979 Don Williams hit the top of the Billboard Country Charts with "Tulsa Time." Enjoy the video and if you would like some Don Williams music, check this out The Definitive Collection

Keep It Classic!
-Trooper

Tanya Tucker "What's Your Mama's Name"

It was on this day in 1973 that 15-year old Tanya Tucker walked into the studio to record 'What's Your Mama's Name." As "hot" and "risque" as she became over the next few years in her career check out how modest she dressed for the Hee Haw performance below.

Once again, feel free to show me some love by clicking on some ad's above, and to purchase or download Tanya's music, click the links below the video. Keep It Classic! -Trooper

John Denver "Back Home Again"

It was on this day in 1975 that John Denver's "Back Home Again" was certified Gold (500,000 copies sold). John's was one of the most popular folk/country acts of the 70's who could capture an audience simply with his voice and a Gibson guitar. Enjoy a performance from Ireland below as he sings "Back Home Again."

Feel free to show me some love by clicking a few ad links above, or if you would like to purchase John Denver's music, check out the links below the video. Keep It Classic! -Trooper

The Year Begins Without Hank Williams

The year of 1953 began without one of the greatest influences on Country Music. January 1st, 1953 Hank Williams was pronounced dead in Oak Hill, West Virginia after passing away in the back of his car on the way to a show in Canton Ohio at the age of 21.

When you think of it, how many 21 year olds have ever made as big of an impact on a music genre not to mention so many artists 50 years later who cling to Hank as the single most influence in their music careers. Enjoy some Hank below, and show me some love by clicking on a banner ad above. If you are interested in some of Hank's music, click on the links below the video. Keep It Classic! -Trooper