Music

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The Best Country Songs From the 50s

Updated December 1, 2019 10.5k votes 2.6k voters 146.1k views44 items

List RulesVote 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.

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1
472
137
Hey, Good Lookin
This 1951 hit from Hank WIlliams was one in a line of jukebox hits for the country singer throughout the '50s
2
450
132
Your Cheatin’ Heart
This sad, loverlorn song is another hit from Hank Williams from 1952.
3
516
164
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
371
104
Walkin’ After Midnight
This 1950s hit from Patsy Cline peaked at #2 on the charts and essentially launched her storied country career.
5
346
99
El Paso
1959 hit for Marty Robbins that featured a Spanish guitar and is an ode to the city of its title.
More El Paso
#5 of 112 The Best 1960s Country Songs#18 of 176 The Best Classic Country Songs
6
302
79
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.
7
263
69
Jambalaya
Popular 1952 hit from Hank Williams that was an old to the creole concoction
8
266
76
Cold, Cold Heart
A 1951 classic ballad from Hank Williams that proved to be a popular radio play.
9
218
61
Heartaches by the Number
Another classic 1950s hit from Ray Price
10
249
80
Sixteen Tons
A 1955 hit about the difficult days in the coal mine.

11
240
79
Oh Lonesome Me
1958 Don Gibson hit that would go on to be re-recorded by other like Ray Charles
12
214
70
Tennessee Waltz
1950 hit by Patty Page that would become that state's official song in the 1960s.
13
180
52
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
14
208
68
White Lightning
1955 George Jones hit about moonshine
15
209
73
A White Sport Coat
A 1957 country hit for Marty Robbins
16
155
45
I’m Moving On
The 1950 hit that launched Hank Snow's career in country music.
17
181
65
He'll Have to Go
1959 Jim reeves hit written by Joe and Audrey Allison
18
151
59
Kisses Sweeter Than Wine
1957 Jimmie Rodgers song written by The Weavers.
19
149
58
Crazy Arms
1952 Ray Price hit that spent 20 weeks on the chart.
20
146
57
Great Balls of Fire
Infectious song from the country-pop corssover aritsi Jerry Lee Lewis from 1957

21
155
64
Release Me
1952 hit for Ray Price from an original 1946 song by Eddie Miller
22
139
53
Heartbreak Hotel
this 1956 Elvis hit was the King's first country-pop crossover hit.
23
130
53
Singing the Blues
1956 hit for crooner Marty Robbins
24
119
50
Long Gone Lonesome Blues
A 1950 hit for Hank WIliams that topped the charts for weeks on end.
25
116
52
Why Don’t You Love Me
Another 1950 hit for Hank WIlliams that reached #1 on the country charts.