Country singer Lynn Anderson was without a doubt born to be a star. Her parents, Casey and Liz Anderson, were both renowned songwriters who raised her into a musical family. When it was her time to shine, Lynn Anderson songs quickly cracked the country charts and made her a multi-award-winning artist.
While her personal life was with controversies, where she faced a number of legal problems, Lynn Anderson always came back even stronger. With that in mind, let’s celebrate her illustrious career with some of her greatest hits. Keep on scrolling below to find out.
1. Rose Garden
This song was originally recorded by Billy Joe Royal in 1967 and has since been recorded by various artists in different styles. But it was Anderson’s version that has been considered a country music standard.
“Rose Garden” absolutely became the biggest hit of her career. Not only did it reach No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, but it was also her first crossover onto the pop chart – peaking at No. 3. It also became a hit in sixteen other countries, and eventually helped her win a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
2. Cry
This 1951 popular ballad helped Anderson achieve major success in country music with her version that was released two decades later.
“Cry,” which sings about how crying is the best way to let go of whatever pain you’re feeling, helped Anderson showcase her powerful husky voice and a great gift in storytelling.
3. If I Kiss You (Will You Go Away)
What makes this song extra special is that it’s written by none other than Anderson’s mother, legendary country singer-songwriter Liz Anderson. The poignant ballad finds Anderson singing about pain and sorrow she wishes to disappear, just like how the hurt she gets from playing instantly goes away with just one kiss from her mother.
4. You’re My Man
This song shows how bold Anderson can be as she tells the whole world of her affection for her lover, saying that there’s no one else in the world for her but him.
“You’re My Man” was very successful. It reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, where it stayed an entire week.
5. What a Man My Man Is
Written by Anderson’s then-husband, the song celebrates a successful marital relationship.
“What a Man My Man Is” went on to become Anderson’s last No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, where it remained atop for a week and spent a total of nine weeks. Since then, Anderson re-recorded the song several times, including on her 2004 album The Bluegrass Sessions – which helped her earn her first Grammy Award nomination in more than three decades.
6. How Can I Unlove You
Written by Joe South, who also wrote Anderson’s signature tune “Rose Garden,” the song finds the country icon feeling deep regret for falling in love with a man who only ended up breaking her heart.
“Tell me how can I unfeel the way I feel for you?” she wonders.
7. Keep Me in Mind
While Anderson’s career was still going strong three years after her major crossover hit, she still made her shift to more sophisticated country music to attract a larger listening audience. “Keep Me in Mind” was her first entry to countrypolitan.
8. That’s a No No
Anderson showed how fierce she was as she dropped a big no to a pleasure-seeking man. While he always gets his way, with girls swooning over his presence, he should know by now that it’s impossible for Anderson to love him.
9. Top of the World
The song was originally recorded by American pop duo Carpenters but only intended it to be an album cut. However, when Anderson covered and released “Top of the World,” her version ranked No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. It even crossed over the pop chart, peaking at No. 74 on Billboard Hot 100.
The success of Anderson’s version encouraged Carpenters to release the song.
10. Promises, Promises
This song became Anderson’s second major hit, hitting No. 4 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. It also helped the album of the same name become a major seller.
Some More Lynn Anderson Songs That We Will Treasure Forever
Here are some more songs to help you enjoy Lynn Anderson’s strong, husky voice that brought her atop the charts.
Without a doubt, she is dearly missed. We’re glad these Lynn Anderson songs will keep her legacy alive.
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