The Best Country Songs From the 50s

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.

list ordered by

1
248 81

I Walk the Line This love song to June Carter is a classic '50s hit from Johnny Cash that is stark, epic, and lovelorn.

3
153 39

Your Cheatin’ Heart This sad, loverlorn song is another hit from Hank Williams from 1952.

4
201 63

Hey, Good Lookin This 1951 hit from Hank WIlliams was one in a line of jukebox hits for the country singer throughout the '50s

5
154 41

Walkin’ After Midnight This 1950s hit from Patsy Cline peaked at #2 on the charts and essentially launched her storied country career.

6
159 48

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
120 30

Cold, Cold Heart A 1951 classic ballad from Hank Williams that proved to be a popular radio play.

8
130 42

Oh Lonesome Me 1958 Don Gibson hit that would go on to be re-recorded by other like Ray Charles

9
99 28

Heartaches by the Number Another classic 1950s hit from Ray Price

10
101 31

Tennessee Waltz 1950 hit by Patty Page that would become that state's official song in the 1960s.

11
120 43

Sixteen Tons A 1955 hit about the difficult days in the coal mine.

12
105 37

A White Sport Coat A 1957 country hit for Marty Robbins

13
113 43

Jambalaya Popular 1952 hit from Hank Williams that was an old to the creole concoction

14
100 37

White Lightning 1955 George Jones hit about moonshine

The Best Country Songs for Weddings

15
85 31

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

16
77 26

Crazy Arms 1952 Ray Price hit that spent 20 weeks on the chart.

17
89 35

He'll Have to Go 1959 Jim reeves hit written by Joe and Audrey Allison

18
72 27

Kisses Sweeter Than Wine 1957 Jimmie Rodgers song written by The Weavers.

19
71 28

Heartbreak Hotel this 1956 Elvis hit was the King's first country-pop crossover hit.

20
71 30

Great Balls of Fire Infectious song from the country-pop corssover aritsi Jerry Lee Lewis from 1957

21
76 34

Release Me 1952 hit for Ray Price from an original 1946 song by Eddie Miller

The Best Rock Vocalists

22
68 29

I’m Moving On The 1950 hit that launched Hank Snow's career in country music.

23
69 31

Hound Dog 1956 Elvis hit that was the B-Side to "Don't Be Cruel"

24
59 24

Singing the Blues 1956 hit for crooner Marty Robbins

25
66 34

corey75419825 added Cattle Call

26
55 26

Why Don’t You Love Me Another 1950 hit for Hank WIlliams that reached #1 on the country charts.

27
57 28

The Ballad of Davy Crockett 1955 hit by Tennessee Ernie Ford that would be the theme song for the popular TV show

The Best Fast Country Songs

29
54 27

The Wild Side of Life This Hank Thompson #1 smash was a hit in 1952

30
54 28

Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On 1957 smash from country-pop crossover Jerry Lee Lewis. Song was #61 on Rolling songs best songs of all time.

31
47 24

Gone 1957 hit by Ferlin Husky

32
44 23

Hard Hearted Woman 1958 Elvis hit written by Claude Demetrius

34
39 28

Goodnight Irene 1950 hit from Ernet Tubb & Red Foley.

35
33 24

I'll Be There (if You Ever Want Me) 1954 Ray price hit that has been re-rcorded by numerous artist such as george jones, tammy wynette and others

36
41 32

I Want You I Need You I Love You 1956 hit from Elvis written by Maurice Mysels and Ira Kosloff

37
33 26

Mystery Train 1955 Elvis release that ranks as #77 on Rolling Stone's 500 greatest songs of all time.

38
36 30

Moanin’ the Blues 1952 hit for Hank WIlliams that made his a steady jukebox play during the decade.

40
27 33

Forgot to Remember to Forget 1955 brooding Elvis hit with a steel guiatr sound.

41
22 32

Raunchy 1957 hit by Bill Justis. Song written by Justis and SId Manker.

42
22 38

Down Yonder 1951 hit by Del Wood

country songs The Best Country Songs From the 50s

1
248 81

I Walk the Line This love song to June Carter is a classic '50s hit from Johnny Cash that is stark, epic, and lovelorn.

3
153 39

Your Cheatin’ Heart This sad, loverlorn song is another hit from Hank Williams from 1952.

4
201 63

Hey, Good Lookin This 1951 hit from Hank WIlliams was one in a line of jukebox hits for the country singer throughout the '50s

5
154 41

Walkin’ After Midnight This 1950s hit from Patsy Cline peaked at #2 on the charts and essentially launched her storied country career.

6
159 48

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
120 30

Cold, Cold Heart A 1951 classic ballad from Hank Williams that proved to be a popular radio play.

8
130 42

Oh Lonesome Me 1958 Don Gibson hit that would go on to be re-recorded by other like Ray Charles

9
99 28

Heartaches by the Number Another classic 1950s hit from Ray Price

10
101 31

Tennessee Waltz 1950 hit by Patty Page that would become that state's official song in the 1960s.

11
120 43

Sixteen Tons A 1955 hit about the difficult days in the coal mine.

12
105 37

A White Sport Coat A 1957 country hit for Marty Robbins

13
113 43

Jambalaya Popular 1952 hit from Hank Williams that was an old to the creole concoction

14
100 37

White Lightning 1955 George Jones hit about moonshine

15
85 31

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

16
77 26

Crazy Arms 1952 Ray Price hit that spent 20 weeks on the chart.

17
89 35

He'll Have to Go 1959 Jim reeves hit written by Joe and Audrey Allison

18
72 27

Kisses Sweeter Than Wine 1957 Jimmie Rodgers song written by The Weavers.

19
71 28

Heartbreak Hotel this 1956 Elvis hit was the King's first country-pop crossover hit.

20
71 30

Great Balls of Fire Infectious song from the country-pop corssover aritsi Jerry Lee Lewis from 1957

21
76 34

Release Me 1952 hit for Ray Price from an original 1946 song by Eddie Miller

22
68 29

I’m Moving On The 1950 hit that launched Hank Snow's career in country music.

23
69 31

Hound Dog 1956 Elvis hit that was the B-Side to "Don't Be Cruel"

24
59 24

Singing the Blues 1956 hit for crooner Marty Robbins

25
66 34

corey75419825 added Cattle Call

26
55 26

Why Don’t You Love Me Another 1950 hit for Hank WIlliams that reached #1 on the country charts.

27
57 28

The Ballad of Davy Crockett 1955 hit by Tennessee Ernie Ford that would be the theme song for the popular TV show

29
54 27

The Wild Side of Life This Hank Thompson #1 smash was a hit in 1952

30
54 28

Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On 1957 smash from country-pop crossover Jerry Lee Lewis. Song was #61 on Rolling songs best songs of all time.

31
47 24

Gone 1957 hit by Ferlin Husky

32
44 23

Hard Hearted Woman 1958 Elvis hit written by Claude Demetrius

34
39 28

Goodnight Irene 1950 hit from Ernet Tubb & Red Foley.

35
33 24

I'll Be There (if You Ever Want Me) 1954 Ray price hit that has been re-rcorded by numerous artist such as george jones, tammy wynette and others

36
41 32

I Want You I Need You I Love You 1956 hit from Elvis written by Maurice Mysels and Ira Kosloff

37
33 26

Mystery Train 1955 Elvis release that ranks as #77 on Rolling Stone's 500 greatest songs of all time.

38
36 30

Moanin’ the Blues 1952 hit for Hank WIlliams that made his a steady jukebox play during the decade.

40
27 33

Forgot to Remember to Forget 1955 brooding Elvis hit with a steel guiatr sound.

41
22 32

Raunchy 1957 hit by Bill Justis. Song written by Justis and SId Manker.

42
22 38

Down Yonder 1951 hit by Del Wood

44
0 0

1 248 81 I Walk the Line This love song to June Carter is a classic '50s hit from Johnny Cash that is stark, epic, and lovelorn.

2 161 42 El Paso Marty Robbins - 1959 hit for Marty Robbins that featured a Spanish guitar and is an ode to the city of its title.

3 153 39 Your Cheatin’ Heart This sad, loverlorn song is another hit from Hank Williams from 1952.

4 201 63 Hey, Good Lookin This 1951 hit from Hank WIlliams was one in a line of jukebox hits for the country singer throughout the '50s

5 154 41 Walkin’ After Midnight This 1950s hit from Patsy Cline peaked at #2 on the charts and essentially launched her storied country career.

6 159 48 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.

7 120 30 Cold, Cold Heart A 1951 classic ballad from Hank Williams that proved to be a popular radio play.

8 130 42 Oh Lonesome Me 1958 Don Gibson hit that would go on to be re-recorded by other like Ray Charles

9 99 28 Heartaches by the Number Another classic 1950s hit from Ray Price

10 101 31 Tennessee Waltz 1950 hit by Patty Page that would become that state's official song in the 1960s.

11 120 43 Sixteen Tons A 1955 hit about the difficult days in the coal mine.

12 105 37 A White Sport Coat A 1957 country hit for Marty Robbins

13 113 43 Jambalaya Popular 1952 hit from Hank Williams that was an old to the creole concoction

14 100 37 White Lightning 1955 George Jones hit about moonshine

15 85 31 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

16 77 26 Crazy Arms 1952 Ray Price hit that spent 20 weeks on the chart.

17 89 35 He'll Have to Go 1959 Jim reeves hit written by Joe and Audrey Allison

18 72 27 Kisses Sweeter Than Wine 1957 Jimmie Rodgers song written by The Weavers.

19 71 28 Heartbreak Hotel this 1956 Elvis hit was the King's first country-pop crossover hit.

20 71 30 Great Balls of Fire Infectious song from the country-pop corssover aritsi Jerry Lee Lewis from 1957

21 76 34 Release Me 1952 hit for Ray Price from an original 1946 song by Eddie Miller

22 68 29 I’m Moving On The 1950 hit that launched Hank Snow's career in country music.

23 69 31 Hound Dog 1956 Elvis hit that was the B-Side to "Don't Be Cruel"

24 59 24 Singing the Blues 1956 hit for crooner Marty Robbins

25 66 34 corey75419825 added Cattle Call

26 55 26 Why Don’t You Love Me Another 1950 hit for Hank WIlliams that reached #1 on the country charts.

27 57 28 The Ballad of Davy Crockett 1955 hit by Tennessee Ernie Ford that would be the theme song for the popular TV show

28 54 26 Long Gone Lonesome Blues Hank Williams and His Drifting Cowboys, Hank Williams - A 1950 hit for Hank WIliams that topped the charts for weeks on end.

29 54 27 The Wild Side of Life This Hank Thompson #1 smash was a hit in 1952

30 54 28 Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On 1957 smash from country-pop crossover Jerry Lee Lewis. Song was #61 on Rolling songs best songs of all time.

31 47 24 Gone 1957 hit by Ferlin Husky

32 44 23 Hard Hearted Woman 1958 Elvis hit written by Claude Demetrius

33 37 24 On Top of Old Smokey Grant Green - A 1951 hit for The Weavers & Terry Gilkyson

34 39 28 Goodnight Irene 1950 hit from Ernet Tubb & Red Foley.

35 33 24 I'll Be There (if You Ever Want Me) 1954 Ray price hit that has been re-rcorded by numerous artist such as george jones, tammy wynette and others

36 41 32 I Want You I Need You I Love You 1956 hit from Elvis written by Maurice Mysels and Ira Kosloff

37 33 26 Mystery Train 1955 Elvis release that ranks as #77 on Rolling Stone's 500 greatest songs of all time.

38 36 30 Moanin’ the Blues 1952 hit for Hank WIlliams that made his a steady jukebox play during the decade.

39 25 24 Captainharry added I Never Go Around Mirrors Lefty Frizzell

40 27 33 Forgot to Remember to Forget 1955 brooding Elvis hit with a steel guiatr sound.

41 22 32 Raunchy 1957 hit by Bill Justis. Song written by Justis and SId Manker.

42 22 38 Down Yonder 1951 hit by Del Wood

43 5 17 Cyrus Waugh added Cruise Florida Georgia Line

44 0 0

1
248 81

I Walk the Line This love song to June Carter is a classic '50s hit from Johnny Cash that is stark, epic, and lovelorn.

2
161 42

El Paso Marty Robbins - 1959 hit for Marty Robbins that featured a Spanish guitar and is an ode to the city of its title.

3
153 39

Your Cheatin’ Heart This sad, loverlorn song is another hit from Hank Williams from 1952.

4
201 63

Hey, Good Lookin This 1951 hit from Hank WIlliams was one in a line of jukebox hits for the country singer throughout the '50s

5
154 41

Walkin’ After Midnight This 1950s hit from Patsy Cline peaked at #2 on the charts and essentially launched her storied country career.

6
159 48

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
120 30

Cold, Cold Heart A 1951 classic ballad from Hank Williams that proved to be a popular radio play.

8
130 42

Oh Lonesome Me 1958 Don Gibson hit that would go on to be re-recorded by other like Ray Charles

9
99 28

Heartaches by the Number Another classic 1950s hit from Ray Price

10
101 31

Tennessee Waltz 1950 hit by Patty Page that would become that state's official song in the 1960s.

11
120 43

Sixteen Tons A 1955 hit about the difficult days in the coal mine.

12
105 37

A White Sport Coat A 1957 country hit for Marty Robbins

13
113 43

Jambalaya Popular 1952 hit from Hank Williams that was an old to the creole concoction

14
100 37

White Lightning 1955 George Jones hit about moonshine

15
85 31

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

16
77 26

Crazy Arms 1952 Ray Price hit that spent 20 weeks on the chart.

17
89 35

He'll Have to Go 1959 Jim reeves hit written by Joe and Audrey Allison

18
72 27

Kisses Sweeter Than Wine 1957 Jimmie Rodgers song written by The Weavers.

19
71 28

Heartbreak Hotel this 1956 Elvis hit was the King's first country-pop crossover hit.

20
71 30

Great Balls of Fire Infectious song from the country-pop corssover aritsi Jerry Lee Lewis from 1957

21
76 34

Release Me 1952 hit for Ray Price from an original 1946 song by Eddie Miller

22
68 29

I’m Moving On The 1950 hit that launched Hank Snow's career in country music.

23
69 31

Hound Dog 1956 Elvis hit that was the B-Side to "Don't Be Cruel"

24
59 24

Singing the Blues 1956 hit for crooner Marty Robbins

25
66 34

corey75419825 added Cattle Call

26
55 26

Why Don’t You Love Me Another 1950 hit for Hank WIlliams that reached #1 on the country charts.

27
57 28

The Ballad of Davy Crockett 1955 hit by Tennessee Ernie Ford that would be the theme song for the popular TV show

28
54 26

Long Gone Lonesome Blues Hank Williams and His Drifting Cowboys, Hank Williams - A 1950 hit for Hank WIliams that topped the charts for weeks on end.

29
54 27

The Wild Side of Life This Hank Thompson #1 smash was a hit in 1952

30
54 28

Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On 1957 smash from country-pop crossover Jerry Lee Lewis. Song was #61 on Rolling songs best songs of all time.

31
47 24

Gone 1957 hit by Ferlin Husky

32
44 23

Hard Hearted Woman 1958 Elvis hit written by Claude Demetrius

33
37 24

On Top of Old Smokey Grant Green - A 1951 hit for The Weavers & Terry Gilkyson

34
39 28

Goodnight Irene 1950 hit from Ernet Tubb & Red Foley.

35
33 24

I'll Be There (if You Ever Want Me) 1954 Ray price hit that has been re-rcorded by numerous artist such as george jones, tammy wynette and others

36
41 32

I Want You I Need You I Love You 1956 hit from Elvis written by Maurice Mysels and Ira Kosloff

37
33 26

Mystery Train 1955 Elvis release that ranks as #77 on Rolling Stone's 500 greatest songs of all time.

38
36 30

Moanin’ the Blues 1952 hit for Hank WIlliams that made his a steady jukebox play during the decade.

39
25 24

Captainharry added I Never Go Around Mirrors Lefty Frizzell

40
27 33

Forgot to Remember to Forget 1955 brooding Elvis hit with a steel guiatr sound.

41
22 32

Raunchy 1957 hit by Bill Justis. Song written by Justis and SId Manker.

42
22 38

Down Yonder 1951 hit by Del Wood

43
5 17

Cyrus Waugh added Cruise Florida Georgia Line

44
0 0