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Legends & Classics

The legends who built country music, from Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn to George Strait and Dolly Parton, and the stories behind the songs you grew up on.

Latest Stories

The Hidden Meaning Behind Cotton Eye Joe You Never Knew

"Cotton Eye Joe" carries a story that stretches from the American South to global fame, with a meaning that has intrigued and puzzled for generations.

Johnny Cash’s “Sixteen Tons”: A New Twist on an Old Favorite

Johnny Cash released one of the most amazing performances of the classic hit “Sixteen Tons.”

Listen to Keith Whitley, the Voice Behind the Classic Hit “When You Say Nothing at All”

Keith Whitley’s original version of “When You Say Nothing at All” was a chart-topping country hit when it was released in 1988.

“I Take a Lot of Pride in What I Am”: Revisiting Merle Haggard’s Outlaw Anthem

In the country song, “I Take a Lot of Pride in What I Am,” Merle Haggard reflects upon his life before he rose to fame.

George Strait features Willie Nelson in Legendary collaboration “Sing One With Willie”

King of Country, George Strait, meets Red-Headed Stranger Willie Nelson for a one-of-a-kind duet in the single “Sing One With Willie.”

Waylon Jennings Pushed Back Against the Status Quo in 1975 Hit Track “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way”

Legendary country icon Waylon Jennings called for a change in his 1975 self-penned number-one country hit “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way.”

How songwriter Larry Weiss turned “Rhinestone Cowboy” into a 70s Classic

Larry Weiss made country music history when he wrote “Rhinestone Cowboy” in the 1970s. Find out his writing formula for the smash hit. 

Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton make top duet hit “Please Don’t Stop Loving Me”

Country legends Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton sprinkle the magic of love in the heart-wrenching ballad “Please Don’t Stop Loving Me.”

The History behind Glen Campbell’s “Rhinestone Cowboy”

With his signature hit “Rhinestone Cowboy,” Glen Campbell made a theme song for the tenacious dreamers. 

Johnny Cash statue to represent Arkansas at US Capitol

A new statue honoring the Arkansas native and country music icon Johnny Cash will be unveiled at Statuary Hall in September. 

Tammy Wynette’s Signature Song, “Stand by Your Man,” Made Her a Country Music Queen

If there were one song that would forever be affixed to Tammy Wynette, it would be her number-one 1968 track, “Stand by Your Man.” Here’s why.

It’s Love Over Luxury in Reba McEntire’s Hit Song “Little Rock”

In Reba McEntire’s Neo-traditional hit song “Little Rock,” we are reminded to always choose love over luxury. 

Alan Jackson Describes What He Wants from A Partner in His Song “Wanted”

Where did Alan Jackson get the inspiration for his hit country song “Wanted”? Let’s find out.  

Conway Twitty’s Yeehaw-feel Cover of Merle Haggard’s Classic Hit “Mama Tried”

Country superstar Conway Twitty shocked fans when he released his yeehaw-feel cover of Merle Haggard’s classic hit “Mama Tried.” 

Garth Brooks Inspires World Peace in Song “We Shall Be Free”

Country singer Garth Brooks brings a powerful statement of hope and unity in the 1992 single “We Shall Be Free.” 

How Kenny Loggins’ “Footloose” Became the 80s’ Iconic Soundtrack

No matter the era, “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins is a theme song for the youth craving to ‘cut loose.’

Keith Whitley Poured His Heart Out in “Tell Lorrie I Love Her”

Keith Whitley’s 1990 track “Tell Lorrie I Love Her” was a tribute to the love he left behind after his untimely passing in 1989. 

George Canyon Unexpectedly Covers the Classic Hit “Kiss an Angel Good Morning”

George Canyon excited fans when he released his cover of the classic hit song “Kiss an Angel Good Morning.”

Before Willie Nelson: B.J. Thomas’ Unreleased Version of “Always On My Mind”

Let’s talk about how not a lot of people know that before Willie Nelson, there was B.J. Thomas’ version of “Always On My Mind,”

3 Mind-blowing Facts about Country Legend Jack Greene

We dug up must-known facts about Jack Greene to keep his irreplaceable presence in the mainstream alive. 

Who was Dolly Parton’s First Crush?

Just like any regular lady, Dolly Parton used to fangirl over a 50s heartthrob in country music. 

“All I Have to Offer You (Is Me)”: A Look at Charley Pride’s Ode to Unconditional Love

Let’s find out what it means to love someone unconditionally with Charley Pride’s hit song “All I Have to Offer You (Is Me).”

Keith Whitley Looks Back on Past Relationship with “I Wonder What You Think of Me”

Keith Whitley holds onto his high school lover with the single “I Wonder What You Think of Me.”

“My Home’s in Alabama” is Alabama’s Single to Stardom

In the single “My Home’s in Alabama,” the particular state is where the heart is for the country band Alabama. 

American Rapper MC Chris Shares How Willie Nelson’s Kindness Blew Him Away

American rapper Mc Chris shared a post on Facebook about legendary country icon Willie Nelson’s act of kindness, and fans were definitely touched. 

George Jones and Tammy Wynette Took on the Pop Standard “Near You” and Made It a Country Hit

Country legends George Jones and Tammy Wynette covered the pop standard “Near You” in 1977, making it a number-one country hit. 

Joe Bonsall, Legendary Tenor Vocalist of The Oak Ridge Boys, dies at 76

After 50 years of performing with the band The Oak Ridge Boys, Bonsall recently passed away due to ALS complications.   

Brooks & Dunn Collabs with Lanco for A Remake of “Mama Don’t Get Dressed Up for Nothing”

Country singer Brooks & Dunn surprised fans with a Lanco collab for a remake of “Mama Don’t Get Dressed Up for Nothing.”

Conway Twitty Sings a Tear-jerking Cover of “D-I-V-O-R-C-E”

Conway Twitty sings a male perspective of Tammy Wynette’s 60s smash hit D-I-V-O-R-C-E. 

Throwback to Randy Travis’ 1988 Hit Single “Honky Tonk Moon” 

“Honky Tonk Moon” by Travis is a wonderful song to play for cozying up your moody afternoon.