“Sunday in the South:” A Recollection of Sacred Sundays

Founded in the City of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Shenandoah is an American country music group known for their blend of traditional and neotraditional country sound. The group started in 1984 with the members Marty Raybon as the lead vocals, Ralph Ezell playing the bass guitar, Stan Thorn playing the keyboards, Jim Seales playing the lead guitar, and Mike McGuire playing the drums.

This award-winning group has already released nine studio albums, two of which are certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Among these, 26 singles entered the Billboard Hot Country Songs. Moreover, they have also had a number of number-one hits, which includes “The Church on Cumberland Road,” and “Two Dozen Roses” in 1989, “Next to You, Next to Me” in 1990, and “If Bubba Can Dance (I Can Too)” in 1994.

In 1989, aside from two of their songs that placed no. 1 on the charts, their single “Sunday in the South” also went on to be one of the best country songs that year. It is one of their career-defining songs especially in the late 80’s through the early 90’s. Read and know more about this no. 1 hit of Shenandoah in 1989.

About the Song

A number-one hit in 1989, “Sunday in the South” is a staple country music tune which talks about a recollection of sacred Sundays. This is more focused on the Southern part of the United States also known as Dixieland.

“Sunday in the South” started airing on radios in May 1989 after its official release. However, it was originally recorded by Shenandoah a year before. This four-minute song was penned by American songwriter Jay Booker. In addition, American record producer Rick Hall and songwriter Robert Byrne produced the song for Columbia Records.

Furthermore, after recording the single, Shenandoah included it on their third studio album, The Road Not Taken. To note, the song was their second of many no. 1 hits that went big in the United States and Canada.

Indeed, “Sunday in the South” was a definite chart-topper. Simultaneously, it went no. 1 on both the Billboard Hot Country Songs as well as on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks. On the other hand, the hit stayed on the year-end charts. Specifically, it placed no. 19 on the Billboard Country Songs while no. 68 on the RPM Country Tracks.

WATCH and listen to Shenandoah perform their 1989 hit “Sunday in the South.”

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