Music

The Best Country Songs From the 50s

Updated December 1, 2019 10.1k votes 2.8k voters 160.7k views

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Vote up and add all of your favorite country songs from the 1950s.

Country music is the most popular genre of music and its popularity stems from classic country songs such as these from the 1950s that have paved the way for other, more current artists. The country songs of the 1950s are steeped in Americana and tell the story of ordinary, hard working, hard drinking, and long suffering people just like many of us.

The songs on this list from top classic country artists such as Don Gibson, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, and Hank Williams. Vote up the greatest 1950s country songs, or add a song that makes you love '50s country music it if it isn't already on the list.

Ranked by

1
Your Cheatin’ Heart
This sad, loverlorn song is another hit from Hank Williams from 1952.
2
Hey, Good Lookin
This 1951 hit from Hank WIlliams was one in a line of jukebox hits for the country singer throughout the '50s
3
I Walk the Line
This love song to June Carter is a classic '50s hit from Johnny Cash that is stark, epic, and lovelorn.
4
Cold, Cold Heart
A 1951 classic ballad from Hank Williams that proved to be a popular radio play.
5
El Paso
1959 hit for Marty Robbins that featured a Spanish guitar and is an ode to the city of its title.
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6
Walkin’ After Midnight
This 1950s hit from Patsy Cline peaked at #2 on the charts and essentially launched her storied country career.
7
The Battle of New Orleans
1959 hit for Johnny Horton that tells of the 1815 battle of new orleans from the perspective of an American Soldier.
8
Jambalaya
Popular 1952 hit from Hank Williams that was an old to the creole concoction
9
Heartaches by the Number
Another classic 1950s hit from Ray Price
10
Sixteen Tons
A 1955 hit about the difficult days in the coal mine.

11
Oh Lonesome Me
1958 Don Gibson hit that would go on to be re-recorded by other like Ray Charles
12
Tennessee Waltz
1950 hit by Patty Page that would become that state's official song in the 1960s.
13
A White Sport Coat
A 1957 country hit for Marty Robbins
14
It Wasn't Go Who Made Honky Tonk Angels
this Kitty Wells hit was the response to "The Wild Side of LIfe" shortly after its release in 19532 becomeing the housewives country antjem of the early 1950s
15
He'll Have to Go
1959 Jim reeves hit written by Joe and Audrey Allison
16
White Lightning
1955 George Jones hit about moonshine
17
I’m Moving On
The 1950 hit that launched Hank Snow's career in country music.
18
Release Me
1952 hit for Ray Price from an original 1946 song by Eddie Miller
19
Great Balls of Fire
Infectious song from the country-pop corssover aritsi Jerry Lee Lewis from 1957
20
Heartbreak Hotel
this 1956 Elvis hit was the King's first country-pop crossover hit.

21
Kisses Sweeter Than Wine
1957 Jimmie Rodgers song written by The Weavers.
22
Crazy Arms
1952 Ray Price hit that spent 20 weeks on the chart.
23
Singing the Blues
1956 hit for crooner Marty Robbins
24
Long Gone Lonesome Blues
A 1950 hit for Hank WIliams that topped the charts for weeks on end.
25
The Ballad of Davy Crockett
1955 hit by Tennessee Ernie Ford that would be the theme song for the popular TV show