The success of Eddy Arnold songs paved the way for later singers such as Conway Twitty, George Strait, and Kenny Rogers, among others. Taken together, he was the first bona fide country music superstar of the modern era – and definitely, the most successful country hitmaker of all time, who had had a nine-year run of more than fifty consecutive top 10 hits from 1945 to 1954.
His purling singing voice appealed to large numbers of fans and transcended different musical tastes in country music. With that in mind, let’s walk down memory lane and relish in some of Eddy Arnold‘s greatest hits.
1. Make the World Go Away
This country-pop was written by the legendary songwriter Hank Cochran after a movie date in 1960. The film inspired him to write the song, and it only took him fifteen minutes to complete it. “Make The World Go Away” then became a hit, not only once but three times – with Arnold’s version reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and peaking at No. 6 on Billboard’s Hot 100. This country class is one of his signature hits.
2. It’s a Sin
Ever since Arnold recorded the song in 1947 – making it his second No. 1 on Billboard’s Country & Western chart, where it spent five weeks atop – several notable artists followed. This includes Elvis Presley, Don Gibson, George Jones, and Dottie West, among others.
3. Cattle Call
The song dates back a long way in time. It was written by songwriter Tex Owens as early as 1934. While watching the snowfall, his thoughts went out to cattle in all places. “I just wished I could call them all around me and break some corn over a wagon wheel and feed them,” he said.
A number of country artists recorded the song, with Arnold being the first to do so! He re-recorded the song eleven years later, which peaked at No. 1 on the country chart for two weeks. He made another record in 1963 – this time, with a simpler arrangement.
4. I’ll Hold You in My Heart
The song was written by Arnold himself and served as his first crossover hit, peaking at No. 22 on the Billboard Best Sellers in Stores chart. “I’ll Hold You In My Heart” also made a record for ranking atop the country charts for twenty-one remarkable weeks, making it the second longest-running No. 1 country hit of all time.
5. Don’t Rob Another Man’s Castle
Arnold finds himself singing about something he strongly believes in, and that’s not taking what doesn’t belong to you and respecting another man’s fortune. It’s a message that still holds true today.
For You
6. I Want to Go with You
Here’s another song Cochran wrote, which Arnold recorded in early 1966. While it only peaked at No. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, it achieved more success with country and adult contemporary audiences. It dominated the top spot on the country and easy listening charts.
7. Eddy’s Song
You will find various titles of Arnold’s best-known songs at that time in this song, which sings about a man who caught the love bug itch. There’s “I Wanna Play House With You,” “There’s No Wings On My Angel,” “What Is Life Without Love,” and more.
8. You Don’t Know Me
“You Don’t Know Me” was written by one of the finest composers in country music history, Cindy Walker, who based the title and storyline provided to her by Arnold. While this wasn’t one of Arnold’s biggest hits, only reaching No. 10 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, it has been recorded and performed by hundreds of artists such as Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, and Bob Dylan.
9. Tennessee Stud
Arnold channeled his farm boy persona with his famous rendition of this classic song. It follows the adventures of a man and his horse – a fearless, sun-colored, green-eyed stallion who bore the titular name.
Arnold’s version was nominated for a Grammy Award in both country and folk categories.
10. What Is Life Without Love
In 1946, Arnold asked one of life’s biggest questions as he sings about a man’s inability to forget his lover – the woman he yearns to return to someday. The song turned out to be his first No. 1 hit on the country chart.
Some More Eddy Arnold Songs That Originated The Nashville Sound
Indeed, there’s no one like Eddy Arnold when it comes to performing heartfelt and sentimental country ballads. Check out some more of his songs below.
How about you? Which among Eddy Arnold songs do you love the most?
