Smooth Vocals: The Secret to Charlie Rich Songs That Topped Multiple Charts

American country musician, Charlie Rich, has produced multiple hits that took the #1 seat on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The Silver Fox has wooed listeners worldwide with his smooth and powerful voice.

Please look at some of Charlie Rich songs and their successes.

1. The Most Beautiful Girl

Written by Billy Sherrill, Rory Bourke, and Norro Wilson, “The Most Beautiful Girl,” is a country ballad about a man’s desperate attempt to go after a woman after a heated argument. Before he can apologize, he first has to find the woman. The song topped three charts upon release, taking the #1 seat on the US Billboard’s Hot Country, Adult Contemporary, and Hot 100 charts.

Since its release in 1973, several artists have recorded versions of Charlie Rich‘s track, including Slim Whitman. Sergio Franchi, Roy Clark, and Engelbert Humperdinck.

2. Behind Closed Doors

Charlie Rich released “Behind Closed Doors” under his album of the same title in 1973. The almost-three minute piece peaked at the #1 spot on the Hot Country Songs chart, making it the first track by Rich to top the charts after releasing minor hits.

The song bagged awards from the Country Music Association, such as Song of the Year for the writer, Kenny O’Dell, and Singer of the Year for Rich. The song also entered #9 in Country Music Television’s 100 Greatest Songs in Country Music.

3. A Very Special Love Song

“A Very Special Love Song” was another single by Charlie Rich that topped the US Billboard Country Music and Adult Contemporary chart. The song stayed on the charts for weeks, and it almost made it to the top 10 of the Hot 100 chart.

The inspiration behind the song was “The Summer Knows” by Michel Legrand, the theme from a 1971 film. It was Rich’s favorite theme at the time.

4. Every Time You Touch Me (I Get High)

Rich and Sherrill wrote “Every Time You Touch Me (I Get High)” and released the song in 1975. The song peaked at #3 on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

The track starts with soft and classy piano keys, accompanied by the slow beat and Rich’s chill yet soothing voice. Rich hit the notes perfectly and gave out his throughout the song.

5. There Won’t Be any more.

This song’s jazz vibes are evident; you know it the first time you listen.

“There Won’t Be Anymore” was a song recorded in the 1960s and released in 1973. The song quickly became its fourth song of Rich, which took the #1 spot on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

The track featured strings, a saxophone, and a choral background which was Rich’s distinct style that can be heard from his previous records. 

6. I Don’t See Me In Your Eyes Anymore

The song “I Don’t See Me In You Eyes Anymore” was initially sung by Perry Como and Gordon Jenkins together with The Stardusters. Other artists like Helen Forrest, Kitty Kallen, Buddy Clark, and Sam Browne have sung their versions of the song since it was released.

Charlie Rich released his rendition in 1974. Rich’s version topped the US Billboard Hot Country Singles in June 1974. It was, overall, Rich’s fifth #1 track.

7. My Elusive Dreams

Initially performed by Curly Putman in 1967, “My Elusive Dreams” has produced several covers since its release. Charlie Rich unveiled his version of the song in 1975 and took the #3 spot on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

The track talks about a man pursuing lasting happiness by chasing his dreams and making his ways work. Together with his wife, they traveled to six states, all of which the plans didn’t work. The song’s chorus shows the man acknowledging that his wife is tired of following his fleeting dreams.

8. She Called Me Baby

Harlan Howard wrote “She Called Me Baby” in 1961 and recorded the song in 1962. Several artists released their song versions, including Jane Howard, who was married to Harlan, Patsy Cline, Carl Smith, and others.

Charlie Rich was no exception. Rich recorded the track at the RCA Victor Studio in 1964-1965. The song also featured strings and a choral background that was Rich’s style during that time. 

9. On My Knees

Charlie Rich’s ninth #1 hit, “On My Knees,” was recorded with Janie Fricke. The single stayed for a total of ten weeks on the Country charts.

The song had a moderate beat, with the choral background accompanied by the sweet vocals of Rich and Fricke bringing back good memories. The track’s lyrics talk about how a man tries to woo back the woman he once desired.

10. I Love My Friend

From Charlie Rich’s album The Silver Fox, “I Love My Friend” became Rich’s sixth #1 track on the Billboard Country charts. Norro Wilson and Billy Sherrill wrote the song.

The song features Rich’s soft singing voice accompanied by the piano and a slow beat. The choir added power and emphasis to some parts of the song. 

The lyrics talk about a man trying to comfort a friend hurt by someone else.  

Over the years, Charlie Rich created music that had a mix of jazz, blues, and country music. His soulful voice earned him a few chart-topping hits and multiple awards.

Here are more of Charlie Rich songs that are worth listening to.

• A Field Of Yellow Daisies
• Beautiful Woman
• The Fool Strikes Again
• I Lost My Head
• I’d Build A Bridge
• Mohair Sam
• Lonely Weekends
• Now Everybody Knows
• You Made It Beautiful
• Spanish Eyes

If you are into the old yet classy and smooth vibes, listen to Charlie Rich, and you’ll realize it’s worth trying.