I LOVE female singers. Don't know why, but there's something about the female voice that just gets to me, so I thought, with the help of YouTube, I would share some of my favorite all time singers.
These are in no particular order. I honestly don't think I could order them. Their styles are so diverse and their voices are so unique that it would be like comparing apples to oranges to tomatoes.
So here goes.
#1 Jody Miller.
Jody Miller began singing in the 1960's. Her 1st label, Capitol Records, couldn't quite decided what to do with her. They tried folk and pop. They even had her record in Italian. Finally she fell into a country groove and that is where she stayed. It would be in the 70's when she was recording for Epic under producer Billy Sherrill that she had her biggest hits. I think her voice is just beautiful and I think that she is such an attractive woman, even today in her late 60's.
#2 Mina
Mina is a legend in Italy. She has been topping the charts since the late 50's and continues to do so even today.
#3 Cilla Black.
I can't explain it - but I love her. Her voice was unique. She was one of the best belters of the 60's. She later became a major television personality in the UK.
#4 Lulu
This tiny Scots lass started racing up the charts at the tender age of 14. She's still very active in the recording studio.
#5 Billie Ray Martin
Her voice has a power and a smoothness to it that I love.
#6 Patty Pravo
She's completely unique and that is what I love about her. I also think this particular song is very sexy.
#7 Peggy March.
Remember "I Will Follow Him"? Even if you don't you've probably heard it. Peggy March didn't have a lot of chart success here in her home country but in Germany she is a superstar. This song, even though it's in English, was never released in the US
#8 Sophie Ellis Bextor
While she doesn't have the power and range of some of the other singers here, she does have a style and a class all her own. Not to mention she's gorgeous.
#9 Gale Garnett
What can I say - I am sucker for gorgeous women with deep voices
#10 Vicky Leandros
Greek born Vicky Leandros is well known all over Europe and has recorded in several languages. She's been active since the early 1960's. This one is from the 70's.
More to come soon
02 May 2009
MUSIC - My Top 50 Country Albums
My obsession with Country Music is pretty easily explained. It's the music I grew up with. It reminds me of my youth. In a way, it's my version of "comfort food". As a result, I have a tendency to prefer music from the 60's and 70's, but I do listen to modern country music as well.
I wanted to write about the albums that, over the years, have inspired and entertained me. Now, I recognize the importance of such figures as Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson to the history of country music, however you won't find them in my list. This list that follows is the 50 country and western albums that I think are essential to my collection. They are records that I think everyone should give a listen to at least once. And yes, I realize that the majority of this list pre-dates my existence on this planet, but I am a firm believer in the idea that if we're not familiar with the past, we really can't appreciate the presence.
I will not if each album is currently available on CD. You will hear me mention a company called Bear Family. They are from Germany and they produce boxed sets of "complete" recordings from a certain time period in each artists career. These boxed sets are expensive, but worth it if you particularly enjoy an artist. My only criticism of them is that the recordings on the discs are usually tracked in the order in which they were recorded and not in the 'albums' that they were originally released in. However, it is wonderful to have these 60's and 70's country songs finally available on CD. You can find more information at http://www.bear-family.de. If you're interested in one of the recordings that is out of print, my advice is to try ebay or the independent sellers on amazon.
It is impossible for me to give these albums 'rankings' so I have decided to present them in chronological order. Now - without further ado - my 50 Essential Country and Western Albums.
1 1956 Webb Pierce Wondering Boy To 21st Century ears, Webb Pierce's style of singing can sound very dated. It's very twangy. However, he was the most successful of the Honky Tonk artists, out ranking contemporaries such as Hank Williams and Lefty Frizzell on the charts. Today he is mostly remembered for his outlandish clothes and over the top lifestyle, but Webb Pierce was a fine singer. Wondering Boy was his 2nd Album on Decca records. It contains such classics as There Stands the Glass, Love Love Love, and Backstreet Affair. It is a picture of American Honky Tonk music in the 1950s. Available on CD in the Bear Family Boxed Set.
2 1958 Faron Young The Object Of My Affection Faron Young was billed as the 'Hillbilly Heartthrob' during his heyday. He was a presence on the country charts from 1954 to 1979 and had a very long and successful career. For some reason his record label, Capitol Records, decided that it would be a good idea to have Young record an album of Standards. The Object of My Affection is that album and while it doesn't contain any of Young's chart hits, it does contain several pop standards such as the title track, Don't Take Your Love Away From Me and The Nearness of You. Young proves that he is a diverse singer capable of handling many styles of music and his take on these classic tunes is very enjoyable to listen to. Available on CD in the Bear Family Boxed Set.
3 1963 Patsy Cline The Patsy Cline Story The Patsy Cline Story was the first album released after the singer's untimely death in 1963. If Cline had lived longer, she would very likely be even more of an icon that she is today. This album contains the majority of hits that she recorded for Decca Records along with the last studio recordings she made before that fateful plane crash. Cline was moving away from her hillbilly roots to a more crossover pop sound and this is evident in tracks such as Strange, Leavin' On Your Mind and Imagine That. If she had lived, she may have been the first artist to really and truly make the crossover from country to pop. Available on CD.
4 1963 Ray Price Night Life This 1963 album is one of the first 'concept albums' in country music. Price opens the album with a spoken introduction that leads in to the title track. The album is sheer honky tonk from that point on. Listening to this album conjures images of smoke filled bars and dim lights. From the opening number to the closing, the atmosphere is consistent. Price is one of country musics stronger vocalists and he shows his prowess on the title track as well as Are You Sure and Let Me Talk To You. Now, 46 years later, Night Life is still as vibrant and evocative as the day it was released. It's a classic country album that everyone should have. Available on CD.
5 1963 Timi Yuro Make The World Go Away Timi Yuro was never known as a country singer, but this blue eyed soul chanteuse frequently had a country flair to her sound and her 1963 album is her rendering of 12 country classics. Behind this diminutive singer's looks was a voice big enough and soulful enough to make Aretha Franklin jealous. Yuro's vocals are not always what you would expect for country music but her powerful and emotional singing does justice to the title track as well as her covers of Are You Sure and Legend In My Time. Not Available On CD.
6 1965 Bobby Bare Constant Sorrow Bobby Bare started off as a rock and roller in the late 50's, changed over to country and immediately started crossing over to the pop charts with his first two hits. Bare blurred the line between country, pop and folk and this album is a classic example of that mixing compositions by Bob Dylan with those written by Waylon Jennings and even Bare himself. Bare recorded for RCA Victor from 1962 to 1970 but he was never considered one of the top ranking stars by the label even though the majority of singles he released charted well. The reason for this is probably that Bare doesn't sound like anyone else. It's not the typical Nashville sound but it works with his delivery. This album contains Bare's version of Just To Satisfy You which is arguably the best recorded version. It also includes Blowin' In The Wind, Lemon Tree and Times Are Gettin' Hard. From the first track to the last, Constant Sorrow is a very fulfilling listening experience. Available on CD in the Bear Family Boxed Set.
7 1965 Merle Haggard Strangers Merle Haggard had made a few recordings for an independent label, Tally Records, when he signed with Capitol in 1965. Capitol bought the masters to his early recordings, two of which had become national hits, and this first LP, Strangers, is a compilation of his three hit singles, their b sides and his first recordings made for Capitol. This album is important for not only launching Haggard's career properly but also the career of song writer Liz Anderson (mother of singer Lynn) who composed the title track as well as The Worst Is Yet To Come. Available on CD.
8 1965 Wanda Jackson Blues In My Heart Wanda Jackson began her recording career while still a teenager. From 1954 to 1975, Jackson lent her distinctive style to both rockabilly and country records. In the mid seventies, with a lack of chart hits in the US, Jackson turned her focus to gospel music and her growing European fan base. Blues In My Heart is an album comprised completely of covers with a blues theme. Jackson puts her unique sound to use on such classics as Singing The Blues, Lonely Street and Night Life. It's a swingin' little record that will have you tapping your toe on the first listen. Available on CD in the Bear Family Boxed Set.
9 1965 Jody Miller Home Of The Brave Jody Miller never quiet fit the country music mould. The title track of this album was a bigger hit on the pop charts than the country, but she has an amazingly beautiful voice. Home Of The Brave is one of my favorite songs to come out of the 60's. Miller's performance is emotional and powerful. The album also contains covers of Born To Lose, and It Keeps Right On A Hurtin'. Miller is talent that was overlooked during her career and she deserves a reevaluation. Not available on CD.
10 1966 Liz Anderson Strangers In 1965 Liz Anderson won a BMI award for writing (All My Friends Are Gonna Be) Strangers which was Merle Haggards major hit. As a result of this she was signed to a recording contract with RCA Victor. Today Anderson is mainly remembered for being the mother of Lynn Anderson and the composer of several country hits, but throughout the 1960's and early 70's Liz was also a prolific recording artist, releasing 9 Albums for RCA Victor and several singles on the Epic Lable. Anderson's first album, Strangers, contains her famous title track as well as The Bottle Turned Into A Blonde and I Cried All The Way To The Bank. Anderson's witty lyrics and her very sweet sounding voice make for 30 minutes of very entertaining listening any time you pick up one of her LPs. This one is my particular favorite. Not available on CD.
11 1967 Bobby Bare, Liz Anderson, Norma Jean The Game Of Triangles In 1967, RCA Victor recorded 5 sides featuring these three 'second string' artists and released them on an album along with two solo tracks from each artist. The album and the title single both immediately became hits. While The Game Of Triangles is, by today's standards, a corny song, you can't deny that it's fun. Bobby Bare as the cheating husband, Liz Anderson as the suffering wife and Norma Jean as the slut - it's pure country music magic. Not available on CD.
12 1967 Bobbie Gentry Ode To Billie Joe 1967 was a monumental year for country music. A young woman from Mississippi by the name of Bobbie Gentry managed to land her first album in the number one spot on both the country and pop charts. Ode to Billie Joe, the title track from the album also topped the pop singles chart and it made the top 20 in the country chart. The album is a pictorial of southern delta living from it's opening track, Mississippi Delta, to the title track that ends side two. It is, hands down, a great album. Bobbie Gentry's star burned too quickly and the genius of her later recordings never lived up to the success of her first album, but any time you listen to Bobbie Gentry, you can instantly recognize the brilliant writer and performer that she is. It's a pity that popular taste was never able to keep up with her. Available on CD.
13 1967 Dolly Parton Hello, I'm Dolly Another monumental event in 1967 went by relatively unnoticed. A young lady from Tennessee released her first album on Monument records and the career of Dolly Parton was officially started. Parton had released a couple of unsuccessful singles prior to her contract with Monument, but it was her album and it's initial single, Dumb Blonde, that caught the ear of Porter Wagoner and lead to her signing a contract with RCA Victor and appearing on his television show. This album is pure unfiltered Dolly. It's not polished and slick like her later releases would be. Her with and her intelligence shows through on all of the tracks but especially Your Old Handy Man, Something Fishy, and I Don't Want To Throw Rice. Available on CD.
14 1968 Waylon Jennings Only The Greatest In the 1960's Waylon Jennings conservative, clean cut image was the polar opposite of the outlaw image he would develop in the 70's and 80's, but during this time he made many great recordings. The title album would lead one to believe that this was a greatest hits collection, but that's not the case. The album did contain his highest ranking single to that date, Only Daddy That'll Walk The Line, as well as 11 other newly recorded tracks including Weakness in a Man, California Sunshine and Too Far Gone. Jennings style during this time period is very similar to that of Bobby Bare and his voice shines in these early recordings. Available on CD.
15 1968 Loretta Lynn Fist City Loretta Lynn is a one of a kind talent in country music. No other singer can capture her sound and very few song writers can compete with her wit. Fist City was her 14th album for Decca Records in a space of 5 years. The album contains the title track as well as What Kind Of A Girl Do You Think I Am, Jackson Ain't A Very Big Town and I'm Shootin' For Tomorrow. It's classic Loretta Lynn from beginning to end. Available on CD.
16 1968 Billie Jo Spears The Voice Of Billie Jo Spears Beaumont, Texas native, Billie Jo Spears, was never as successful in the US country music scene as she should have been, however in the 1970's she developed a strong European fan base. Her first album for Capitol records is made up mostly of cover songs and it is not surprising that it was not a huge success. While Spears' voice is bluesy and strong, her versions of these songs don't stray too far from the better known originals. Her cover of Harper Valley PTA was the only single released from the album and while it is a great performance, it is still a cover. The hidden gem on this record is the deliciously clever Get Behind Me Satan and Push. Regardless of the lack of original material, it is still a great album and good fun to listen to. Not available on CD.
17 1969 Brenda Lee Johnny One Time Even though she was only 25 years old in 1969, Johnny One Time was Brenda Lee's 20th album for Decca Records and the title track was her 47th single. Producer Owen Bradley had planned on Brenda Lee filling the shoes of Patsy Cline and making a cross over into Pop music. While this was never as successful as hoped, it is evident in listening to the recordings from the late 60's that Lee was capable of more than strictly country. Except for a brief 1977 diversion to Elektra Records, Lee would record exclusively for Decca Records from 1956 to 1986. This album owes more to 60's pop than it does country music but it is an amazing record and it's obvious that if Lee had really wanted to become another Nancy Wilson or Dusty Springfield, she had the voice to do it. Not available on CD.
18 1969 Bonnie Owens Lead Me On Today Bonnie Owens is remembered cheifly as being the wife of first, Buck Owens and then Merle Haggard, but Bonnie Owens was a strong singer in her own right and even though she didn't have a lot of chart success, she released several albums for Capitol records that are enjoyable. My favorite of these is Lead Me On, partially because of the captivating title cut but also because of great tracks like Tonight I'll Throw A Party and How Can Our Cheatin' Be Wrong. Available on CD in the Bear Family Boxed Set.
19 1969 Jeannie C. Riley Things Go Better With Love Jeannie C. Riley scored such a big hit with her first album, Harper Valley PTA, that she could never live up to the standard she had set for herself. Nevertheless over the following ten years, Riley would release many great albums. Things Go Better With Love is my particular favorite. When it was initially released, the album cover was a fold out poster of Riley in her miniskirt and boots. It's a record that people collect as much for the cover as they do for the vinyl within. The album contains the classic title track as well as the early feminist song, The Rib, and my personal favorite, The Backside of Dallas. Not available on CD.
20 1969 Connie Smith Connie's Country In her autobiography Dolly Parton named Connie Smith as the only real female singer in country music saying 'the rest of us just pretend.' High prise coming from one of Country's most respected and beloved artists but well deserved. Smith is a powerhouse vocalist and her 1969 album, Connie's Country, allows her to prove it. Nearly every recording Smith made during her tenure at RCA Victor could be considered a classic. Her voice is rich and beautiful and songs like Seattle, The Sound Of Different Drums, Ribbon of Darkness and Gathering Flowers For The Master's Bouquet are perfect showcases for her talent. In my opinion, this is the best album she has recorded to date. Not available on CD.
21 1970 Jessie Colter A Country Star Is Born In my first post on this blog, I reviewed this 1970 debut of Jessi Colter. I stand by my opinion that it is a great album that was unjustly overlooked at the time it was released. Her cover of Brenda Lee's Too Many Rivers is a great take on the original and the tracks It's All Over Now and If She's Where You Like Living are standouts on this gem of an album. Not available on CD.
22 1970 LaWanda Lindsey We'll Sing In The Sunshine I love LaWanda Lindsey. Perhaps it's my love for an underdog. Lindsey never got the success she deserved. In my mind, her recordings always sound like they are around 5 years ahead of their time. Her voice is similiar to Tammy Wynettes - perhaps huskier and lower - and her delivery is brasher and beltier than Wynettes. Her second solo album from Chart Records, We'll Sing in the Sunshine, contains the title track plus great numbers such as the sassy I'll Just Take Your Word For It Baby and Wrong Number. If you haven't heard LaWanda Lindsey, you're missing out. Not available on CD.
23 1970 Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton Porter Wayne and Dolly Rebecca Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton were one of the most successful duet teams of the late 60's and this was their fourth album recorded together. It produced two top 10 hits, Just Someone I Used To Know and Tomorrow Is Forever. The album contains a nice mix of Dolly Parton originals as well as songs by other composers and it's a highly entertaining packaged from RCA Nashville. Not available on CD.
24 1970 Peggy Sue All American Husband Loretta Lynn's baby sister Crystal Gayle became a star in her own right in the middle 70's, but few people remember the middle sister, Peggy Sue Webb. Peggy Sue's biggest claim to fame is that she is co-composer of Don't Come Home A Drinkin', however in 1969 and 1970 she released two albums of her own for Decca Record, this being the second one. While her voice is similiar to Loretta Lynn's, Peggy Sue has a style all her own and it shines on the title track as well as After The Preacher's Gone and Romeo. If you like Loretta Lynn, you'll love Peggy Sue. Not available on CD.
25 1970 Sammi Smith Help Me Make It Through The Night Sammi Smith's debut album is a joy from begining to end. The haunting first track, Saunders' Ferry Lane, is one of the most beautiful and sad country songs ever written and Smith's husky alto infuses it with a pained sensuality. The title track was a major hit and Smith's version is the definitive version, but this album contains several other wonderful cuts including He's Everywhere, When Michael Calls, and This Room For Rent. Not available on CD.
26 1970 Tammy Wynette The First Lady This album produced a number one single for Wynette, Run Woman Run, which is reason enough to have this record alone. However, the album is packed with songs that are completely suited to Wynette's unique vocal style. Playin' Around With Love, which would become a hit for Barbara Mandrell the next year, The Lovin' Kind and I Wish I Had A Mommy Like You are among the best recordings Wynette made in her prolific career. Not available on CD.
27 1971 Lynn Anderson With Strings In 1970, Lynn Anderson signed with Columbia Records and her meteoric rise to fame began. However few people remember that from 1967 to 1970 she also recorded for Chart Records, an independant lable that was distributed by RCA Victor. With Strings was the last album of new material released on Chart after she had left the lable. This album however consists of some of her previous recordings that have been overdubbed with strings in an attempt to capitalize on the success of her Columbia release of Rose Garden, a song that had a very prominent string section. On this album Anderson provides the listener with amazing performances on songs such as Where's The Playground Bobby, Love Of The Common People, and the bluesy He Even Woke Me Up To Say Goodbye. Anderson's chart recordings sound fresh and alive today and in my opinion have aged better than her more successful recordings for Columbia. This album is my favorite. Not available on CD.
28 1971 Barbara Mandrell Treat Him Right Barbara Mandrell began her musical career when she was just twelve years old playing Pedal Steel for the likes of Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline. She made her first record at 15, but it wouldn't be until she was 21 that she was signed to a major lable contract. In 1969 Columbia records signed the young singer and released several singles. This album contains those singles as well as other material and gives us a glimpse of the star that Mandrell would become. Her bluesy voice is great on cuts like He'll Never Take The Place Of You, Playin' Around With Love, and Do Right Woman Do Right Man. Not available on CD.
29 1973 Barbara Fairchild Kid Stuff Barbara Fairchild's fourth album for Colubmbia records, Kid Stuff, would be the highest chart ranking album of her career. The album contains two top ten singles, Kid Stuff and Baby Doll as well as the great You Hear Me Boy and covers of Satin Sheets and Behind Closed Doors. The bad news was that Fairchild's career was already on it's downhill slide. By 1978 she was no longer charting singles. Fairchild retired from the music business but in the 1990's staged a comeback by launching into Gospel music. Not available on CD.
30 1973 Norma Jean The Only Way To Hold Your Man This 1973 album was Norma Jean's final record for RCA Victor. Norma Jean never quite reached superstar status. She had been the female lead on the Porter Wagoner show prior to Dolly Parton and had several middle of the road hits. Her very deep voice and down home sound is unique and she shines on many of the tracks on this album including The Lord Knows I'm Drinkin', Stoned Again, Superman and It's A Long Way To Heaven. Not available on CD.
31 1973 Jeannie Seely Can I Sleep In Your Arms This is Jeannie Seely's final major album. Although she has been an active member of the Grand Old Opry since the 1960's - and was the first to wear a mini-skirt on stage at the opry - she has never surpassed the success of her 4th single, Don't Touch Me. This final album's title track was a top ten hit and the album contains Seely's excellent cover of Pride. Seely's voice is intimate and she always sounds as if she is whispering in your ear. It's amazing that she didn't have more chart success. She is an excellent performer. Not available on CD.
32 1974 Connie Cato Super Connie Cato Connie Cato never quite made it as a country singer. It wasn't for lack of talent. Her voice is vaguely reminiscent of a young Dolly Parton. Her debut album from Capitol records was probably just a little bit too racy for 1974 with such saucy cuts as Superskirt, Super Kitten and Big Stick Of Dynamite. The sexual references abound in this album, but really, it's just good clean fun. Not available on CD.
33 1974 Melba Montgomery Aching Breaking Heart I love Melba Montgomery. Originally billed as the female George Jones, her voice has a similar yodel quality to it as Jones. This 1974 recording for Capitol records contains some of my favorite Montgomery tracks including the super emotional Eloy Crossing. Montgomery should have been a bigger success than she was. Her recordings of My Arms Stay Open Late, Walk On Me and the title track are filled with the hope, sorrow, pain and joy that make country music what it is. Not available on CD.
34 1976 Jim Ed Brown, Helen Cornelius I Don't Want To Have Ot Marry You After 20 years in the music industry, Jim Ed Brown launched a duet partnership with the unknown Helen Cornelius that would provide him with the biggest hits of his career. This, their first album produced two top ten hits, the title track and Saying Hello Saying I Love You Saying Goodbye. They would continue to have hits together until 1981 when Jim Ed Brown retired from the music industry. Not available on CD.
35 1977 Emmylou Harris Luxury Liner Emmylou Harris is the only artist on my list two have two albums. It's not that I am a huge fan, it's just that both of these albums (released back to back in 1977 and 1978) are absolute classics. The track You're Supposed To Be Feeling Good is reason alone to pick up Luxury Liner, but when you do you'll also get classics like You Never Can Tell, Pancho and Lefty, and Tulsa Queen. Available on CD.
36 1977 Tanya Tucker Ridin' Rainbows Tanya Tucker celebrated her 18th birthday by releasing her 8th major lable album, 1977's Ridin' Rainbows. At the young age of 14, Tucker had wowed country audiences with her hit single Delta Dawn. By 1977 she was a seasoned performer with several hits under her belt. The title track of this album peaked at #12, but Dancing the Night Away did well on the charts and It's A Cowboy Lovin' Night went all the way to #7. Available on CD.
37 1977 Twiggy Please Get My Name Right I know you're all thinking 'Twiggy?!?', but believe it or not, the model/actress actually recorded two country and western albums for Phonogram in the late 1970's and they're both very good. This is the 2nd one and my favorite of the two. Twiggy was actually a very talented singer and tracks such as the hilarious Cooking School and You've Got Me To Hold On To as well as the title track show off her voice and her innate musicality. Give her a listen - you'll be pleasantly surprised. Not available on CD.
38 1978 Janie Fricke Singer Of Songs Janie Fricke did not take the easy road to stardom. She spent her first few years in Nashville in demand as a session singer and a jingle singer. She was signed to Columbia records in 1977 and her first album, Singer of Songs, while failing to top the charts, is filled with wonderful songs that gave America a hint of what was to come from this talented singer. Standout tracks are I Loved You All The Way, Baby It's You and Please Help Me (I'm Falling In Love WIth You). Not available on CD.
39 1978 Emmylou Harris Quarter Moon In A Ten Cent Town Emmylou Harris topped her 1977 hit Luxury Liner with this album. Quarter Moon In A Ten Cent Town is a perfectly packaged set of songs. Harris had hits with Easy From Now On, To Daddy, Two More Bottles of Wine, Leavin' Louisiana In The Broad Daylight, and Ain't Living Long Like This. The entire album is a classic. Available on CD.
40 1979 Dottie West Special Delivery After 20 years in the music industry, Dottie West hit the peak of her career with 1979's Special Delivery. Dottie West was the first female country singer to win a Grammy award (1965 Here Comes My Baby) and her star continued to grow throughout the 60's and 70's. A Lesson In Leavin' from this album was her first solo single to top the country charts. The album also produced the top 20 singles You Pick Me Up (And Put Me Down) and Leavin's for Unbelievers. Not available on CD.
41 1981 Crystal Gayle Hollywood Tennessee In her 20 years as a major lable recording artist Crystal Gayle, the youngest sister of Loretta Lynn, was very prolific. Gayle released 20 albums during this time and had several top ten hits. Hollywood Tennessee is my favorite of her albums. Recorded for Columbia Records, the album includes three top ten hits, You Never Gave Up On Me, Livin' In These Troubled Times and Woman In Me. On top of the hits, the album is filled with great tracks such as the ballads Love Crazy Love and Crying In The Rain. Available On CD (Out of Print).
42 1987 Highway 101 Highway 101 The original lineup of the band Highway 101 was pure magic. Paulette Carson's vocals backed by guitarist Jack Daniels, bassist Chris Stone and drummer Chuck Morris instantly caught the attention of the record buying public and this, their first album produced four top 5 hits. In 1990 Carson left the group to persue a solo career that never quite took off and shortly after Daniels left as well. Highway 101 continued on but the replacements failed to capture the magic of the original members. This first album has a great group of cuts from the hits Somewhere Tonight, Whiskey If You Were A Woman, Cry Cry Cry and The Bed You Made For Me to the lesser known Woman Walk the Line and Bridge Across Forever. Available On CD.
43 1991 Brooks and Dunn Brand New Man Neither Leon Brooks or Ronnie Dunn had much success as solo artist when they first came to Nashville, but when the two paired up in 1991, they quickly took over the country charts. This debut album produced four #1 hits and one #6 hit. It's a great album that includes 90's classics like Brand New Man, Neon Moon, Boot Scootin' Boogie, My Next Broken Heart and Lost and Found. Their voices compliment each other in a way that few other duet teams have been able to replicate. Get out your line dancin' shoes, if you must, but more than that - enjoy a great album. Available On CD.
44 1991 Lorrie Morgan Something In Red Even though she is the daughter of country star George Morgan, Lorrie Morgan didn't have an easy road to chart success. She would struggle in the music industry for nearly 15 years before acheiving her first breakthrough record in 1989. By 1991 when she released Something in Red she had acheived five top ten hits and this album would produce three more, the wonderful title track only making it to 14 on ths charts. Morgan is best on ballads and her intimate style of singing is reminiscent of Jeannie Seely. Highlights on this album are A Picture Of Me (Without You) and Except For Monday. Available On CD.
45 1992 Kathy Mattea Lonesome Standard Time West Virginia native, Kathy Mattea, is one of the few mainstream singers to admit to having classical voice training, but if you listen to her music you can tell that her deep contralto voice is well supported and controlled. The training and her West Virginia roots have served this singer well. While Lonesome Standard Time is not her highest chart ranking album, it is one of my favorites. The track Standing Knee Deep In The River (Dyin' of Thirst) is one of the most amazing country songs ever written. This album also includes other greats like the title track, Listen To The Radio and Amarillo. Available On CD.
46 1993 Deborah Allen Delta Dreamland By the time that she released Delta Dreamland in 1993, Deborah Allen's star had passed. Allen had several hits in the early 80's but the inconsistency in styles of her albums possibly alienenated many of her early fans. Allen is now in demand as a songwriter and session singer, but this 1993 album is an olverlooked classic. With her bluesy vocals and great songs, Delta Dreamland should have been a big hit, but the record buying public was still too busy line dancing. Standout cuts are the title track, Chain Lightning, Two Shades of Blue and Rock Me (In the Cradle of Love). Available On CD (Out of Print).
47 1993 Carlene Carter Little Love Letters With Carlene Carter's musical heritage, it's no wonder she has become a well respected country music artist. Little Love Letters is a clever mix of songs and interludes. The album is worth buying for the track Unbreakable Heart alone, but the listener gets a package that also includes Every Little Thing and Wastin' My Time With You. Classic 90's country at it's best. Available on CD.
48 1996 Rosanne Cash 10 Song Demo Rosanne Cash has always been a country music chameleon shifting styles and frequently bordering on rock and roll. Being the daughter of Johnny Cash didn't hurt her career, but Rosanne is talented in her own right. This 1996 album, recorded mostly in her home, didn't chart and produced no hit singles, but it is an amazingly personal and beautiful album. The first cut, The Price of Temptation, is beautiful in it's simplicity. If you want an album that's just good to lay back and listen to, you can't get better than this. Available On CD.
49 1996 Patty Loveless Trouble With The Truth Patty Loveless has been a major force in country music since her debut in 1987. This 1996 album won her a grammy award and is my favorite of all her albums. One of the things I love most about it is that it is an album that has a flow from beginning to end and never feels like a record pulled together from session tracks. From the opening Tear Stained Letter to the final Someday I Will Lead The Parade you feel like Patty is telling you a very personal story. It's a great musical experience. Available On CD.
50 1996 Trisha Yearwood Everybody Knows By the teim Everybody Knows was released in 1996, Trisha Yearwood had amassed 11 top ten hits in her five years of recording. This album would add one more to that count, Believe Me Baby (I Lied). Yearwood's voice is beautiful and I think I would like her no matter what she was singing. I've loved this album since the day I brought it home from the CD store, but I can say that about all of her albums. I picked this one because of the strength of all the songs. Available On CD.
As I come to the end of this article, I have to confess that I am amazed by the diversity of Country and Western music. For someone to say 'I don't like Country Music' they have to really be saying 'I haven't bothered to listen to Country Music'. From the late 1940's to today Country Music has given birth to so many great songs, many of which have crossed over to top the pop charts as well. Country Music is down home music but it's also sophisticated ballads and rockin' numbers as well. It is truly American music - as diverse in its styles as our country is in our population. Personally, I can't wait to see what the next 50 years brings.
I wanted to write about the albums that, over the years, have inspired and entertained me. Now, I recognize the importance of such figures as Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson to the history of country music, however you won't find them in my list. This list that follows is the 50 country and western albums that I think are essential to my collection. They are records that I think everyone should give a listen to at least once. And yes, I realize that the majority of this list pre-dates my existence on this planet, but I am a firm believer in the idea that if we're not familiar with the past, we really can't appreciate the presence.
I will not if each album is currently available on CD. You will hear me mention a company called Bear Family. They are from Germany and they produce boxed sets of "complete" recordings from a certain time period in each artists career. These boxed sets are expensive, but worth it if you particularly enjoy an artist. My only criticism of them is that the recordings on the discs are usually tracked in the order in which they were recorded and not in the 'albums' that they were originally released in. However, it is wonderful to have these 60's and 70's country songs finally available on CD. You can find more information at http://www.bear-family.de. If you're interested in one of the recordings that is out of print, my advice is to try ebay or the independent sellers on amazon.
It is impossible for me to give these albums 'rankings' so I have decided to present them in chronological order. Now - without further ado - my 50 Essential Country and Western Albums.
1 1956 Webb Pierce Wondering Boy To 21st Century ears, Webb Pierce's style of singing can sound very dated. It's very twangy. However, he was the most successful of the Honky Tonk artists, out ranking contemporaries such as Hank Williams and Lefty Frizzell on the charts. Today he is mostly remembered for his outlandish clothes and over the top lifestyle, but Webb Pierce was a fine singer. Wondering Boy was his 2nd Album on Decca records. It contains such classics as There Stands the Glass, Love Love Love, and Backstreet Affair. It is a picture of American Honky Tonk music in the 1950s. Available on CD in the Bear Family Boxed Set.
2 1958 Faron Young The Object Of My Affection Faron Young was billed as the 'Hillbilly Heartthrob' during his heyday. He was a presence on the country charts from 1954 to 1979 and had a very long and successful career. For some reason his record label, Capitol Records, decided that it would be a good idea to have Young record an album of Standards. The Object of My Affection is that album and while it doesn't contain any of Young's chart hits, it does contain several pop standards such as the title track, Don't Take Your Love Away From Me and The Nearness of You. Young proves that he is a diverse singer capable of handling many styles of music and his take on these classic tunes is very enjoyable to listen to. Available on CD in the Bear Family Boxed Set.
3 1963 Patsy Cline The Patsy Cline Story The Patsy Cline Story was the first album released after the singer's untimely death in 1963. If Cline had lived longer, she would very likely be even more of an icon that she is today. This album contains the majority of hits that she recorded for Decca Records along with the last studio recordings she made before that fateful plane crash. Cline was moving away from her hillbilly roots to a more crossover pop sound and this is evident in tracks such as Strange, Leavin' On Your Mind and Imagine That. If she had lived, she may have been the first artist to really and truly make the crossover from country to pop. Available on CD.
4 1963 Ray Price Night Life This 1963 album is one of the first 'concept albums' in country music. Price opens the album with a spoken introduction that leads in to the title track. The album is sheer honky tonk from that point on. Listening to this album conjures images of smoke filled bars and dim lights. From the opening number to the closing, the atmosphere is consistent. Price is one of country musics stronger vocalists and he shows his prowess on the title track as well as Are You Sure and Let Me Talk To You. Now, 46 years later, Night Life is still as vibrant and evocative as the day it was released. It's a classic country album that everyone should have. Available on CD.
5 1963 Timi Yuro Make The World Go Away Timi Yuro was never known as a country singer, but this blue eyed soul chanteuse frequently had a country flair to her sound and her 1963 album is her rendering of 12 country classics. Behind this diminutive singer's looks was a voice big enough and soulful enough to make Aretha Franklin jealous. Yuro's vocals are not always what you would expect for country music but her powerful and emotional singing does justice to the title track as well as her covers of Are You Sure and Legend In My Time. Not Available On CD.
6 1965 Bobby Bare Constant Sorrow Bobby Bare started off as a rock and roller in the late 50's, changed over to country and immediately started crossing over to the pop charts with his first two hits. Bare blurred the line between country, pop and folk and this album is a classic example of that mixing compositions by Bob Dylan with those written by Waylon Jennings and even Bare himself. Bare recorded for RCA Victor from 1962 to 1970 but he was never considered one of the top ranking stars by the label even though the majority of singles he released charted well. The reason for this is probably that Bare doesn't sound like anyone else. It's not the typical Nashville sound but it works with his delivery. This album contains Bare's version of Just To Satisfy You which is arguably the best recorded version. It also includes Blowin' In The Wind, Lemon Tree and Times Are Gettin' Hard. From the first track to the last, Constant Sorrow is a very fulfilling listening experience. Available on CD in the Bear Family Boxed Set.
7 1965 Merle Haggard Strangers Merle Haggard had made a few recordings for an independent label, Tally Records, when he signed with Capitol in 1965. Capitol bought the masters to his early recordings, two of which had become national hits, and this first LP, Strangers, is a compilation of his three hit singles, their b sides and his first recordings made for Capitol. This album is important for not only launching Haggard's career properly but also the career of song writer Liz Anderson (mother of singer Lynn) who composed the title track as well as The Worst Is Yet To Come. Available on CD.
8 1965 Wanda Jackson Blues In My Heart Wanda Jackson began her recording career while still a teenager. From 1954 to 1975, Jackson lent her distinctive style to both rockabilly and country records. In the mid seventies, with a lack of chart hits in the US, Jackson turned her focus to gospel music and her growing European fan base. Blues In My Heart is an album comprised completely of covers with a blues theme. Jackson puts her unique sound to use on such classics as Singing The Blues, Lonely Street and Night Life. It's a swingin' little record that will have you tapping your toe on the first listen. Available on CD in the Bear Family Boxed Set.
9 1965 Jody Miller Home Of The Brave Jody Miller never quiet fit the country music mould. The title track of this album was a bigger hit on the pop charts than the country, but she has an amazingly beautiful voice. Home Of The Brave is one of my favorite songs to come out of the 60's. Miller's performance is emotional and powerful. The album also contains covers of Born To Lose, and It Keeps Right On A Hurtin'. Miller is talent that was overlooked during her career and she deserves a reevaluation. Not available on CD.
10 1966 Liz Anderson Strangers In 1965 Liz Anderson won a BMI award for writing (All My Friends Are Gonna Be) Strangers which was Merle Haggards major hit. As a result of this she was signed to a recording contract with RCA Victor. Today Anderson is mainly remembered for being the mother of Lynn Anderson and the composer of several country hits, but throughout the 1960's and early 70's Liz was also a prolific recording artist, releasing 9 Albums for RCA Victor and several singles on the Epic Lable. Anderson's first album, Strangers, contains her famous title track as well as The Bottle Turned Into A Blonde and I Cried All The Way To The Bank. Anderson's witty lyrics and her very sweet sounding voice make for 30 minutes of very entertaining listening any time you pick up one of her LPs. This one is my particular favorite. Not available on CD. 
11 1967 Bobby Bare, Liz Anderson, Norma Jean The Game Of Triangles In 1967, RCA Victor recorded 5 sides featuring these three 'second string' artists and released them on an album along with two solo tracks from each artist. The album and the title single both immediately became hits. While The Game Of Triangles is, by today's standards, a corny song, you can't deny that it's fun. Bobby Bare as the cheating husband, Liz Anderson as the suffering wife and Norma Jean as the slut - it's pure country music magic. Not available on CD.
12 1967 Bobbie Gentry Ode To Billie Joe 1967 was a monumental year for country music. A young woman from Mississippi by the name of Bobbie Gentry managed to land her first album in the number one spot on both the country and pop charts. Ode to Billie Joe, the title track from the album also topped the pop singles chart and it made the top 20 in the country chart. The album is a pictorial of southern delta living from it's opening track, Mississippi Delta, to the title track that ends side two. It is, hands down, a great album. Bobbie Gentry's star burned too quickly and the genius of her later recordings never lived up to the success of her first album, but any time you listen to Bobbie Gentry, you can instantly recognize the brilliant writer and performer that she is. It's a pity that popular taste was never able to keep up with her. Available on CD.
13 1967 Dolly Parton Hello, I'm Dolly Another monumental event in 1967 went by relatively unnoticed. A young lady from Tennessee released her first album on Monument records and the career of Dolly Parton was officially started. Parton had released a couple of unsuccessful singles prior to her contract with Monument, but it was her album and it's initial single, Dumb Blonde, that caught the ear of Porter Wagoner and lead to her signing a contract with RCA Victor and appearing on his television show. This album is pure unfiltered Dolly. It's not polished and slick like her later releases would be. Her with and her intelligence shows through on all of the tracks but especially Your Old Handy Man, Something Fishy, and I Don't Want To Throw Rice. Available on CD.
14 1968 Waylon Jennings Only The Greatest In the 1960's Waylon Jennings conservative, clean cut image was the polar opposite of the outlaw image he would develop in the 70's and 80's, but during this time he made many great recordings. The title album would lead one to believe that this was a greatest hits collection, but that's not the case. The album did contain his highest ranking single to that date, Only Daddy That'll Walk The Line, as well as 11 other newly recorded tracks including Weakness in a Man, California Sunshine and Too Far Gone. Jennings style during this time period is very similar to that of Bobby Bare and his voice shines in these early recordings. Available on CD.
15 1968 Loretta Lynn Fist City Loretta Lynn is a one of a kind talent in country music. No other singer can capture her sound and very few song writers can compete with her wit. Fist City was her 14th album for Decca Records in a space of 5 years. The album contains the title track as well as What Kind Of A Girl Do You Think I Am, Jackson Ain't A Very Big Town and I'm Shootin' For Tomorrow. It's classic Loretta Lynn from beginning to end. Available on CD.
16 1968 Billie Jo Spears The Voice Of Billie Jo Spears Beaumont, Texas native, Billie Jo Spears, was never as successful in the US country music scene as she should have been, however in the 1970's she developed a strong European fan base. Her first album for Capitol records is made up mostly of cover songs and it is not surprising that it was not a huge success. While Spears' voice is bluesy and strong, her versions of these songs don't stray too far from the better known originals. Her cover of Harper Valley PTA was the only single released from the album and while it is a great performance, it is still a cover. The hidden gem on this record is the deliciously clever Get Behind Me Satan and Push. Regardless of the lack of original material, it is still a great album and good fun to listen to. Not available on CD.
17 1969 Brenda Lee Johnny One Time Even though she was only 25 years old in 1969, Johnny One Time was Brenda Lee's 20th album for Decca Records and the title track was her 47th single. Producer Owen Bradley had planned on Brenda Lee filling the shoes of Patsy Cline and making a cross over into Pop music. While this was never as successful as hoped, it is evident in listening to the recordings from the late 60's that Lee was capable of more than strictly country. Except for a brief 1977 diversion to Elektra Records, Lee would record exclusively for Decca Records from 1956 to 1986. This album owes more to 60's pop than it does country music but it is an amazing record and it's obvious that if Lee had really wanted to become another Nancy Wilson or Dusty Springfield, she had the voice to do it. Not available on CD.
18 1969 Bonnie Owens Lead Me On Today Bonnie Owens is remembered cheifly as being the wife of first, Buck Owens and then Merle Haggard, but Bonnie Owens was a strong singer in her own right and even though she didn't have a lot of chart success, she released several albums for Capitol records that are enjoyable. My favorite of these is Lead Me On, partially because of the captivating title cut but also because of great tracks like Tonight I'll Throw A Party and How Can Our Cheatin' Be Wrong. Available on CD in the Bear Family Boxed Set.
19 1969 Jeannie C. Riley Things Go Better With Love Jeannie C. Riley scored such a big hit with her first album, Harper Valley PTA, that she could never live up to the standard she had set for herself. Nevertheless over the following ten years, Riley would release many great albums. Things Go Better With Love is my particular favorite. When it was initially released, the album cover was a fold out poster of Riley in her miniskirt and boots. It's a record that people collect as much for the cover as they do for the vinyl within. The album contains the classic title track as well as the early feminist song, The Rib, and my personal favorite, The Backside of Dallas. Not available on CD.
20 1969 Connie Smith Connie's Country In her autobiography Dolly Parton named Connie Smith as the only real female singer in country music saying 'the rest of us just pretend.' High prise coming from one of Country's most respected and beloved artists but well deserved. Smith is a powerhouse vocalist and her 1969 album, Connie's Country, allows her to prove it. Nearly every recording Smith made during her tenure at RCA Victor could be considered a classic. Her voice is rich and beautiful and songs like Seattle, The Sound Of Different Drums, Ribbon of Darkness and Gathering Flowers For The Master's Bouquet are perfect showcases for her talent. In my opinion, this is the best album she has recorded to date. Not available on CD.
21 1970 Jessie Colter A Country Star Is Born In my first post on this blog, I reviewed this 1970 debut of Jessi Colter. I stand by my opinion that it is a great album that was unjustly overlooked at the time it was released. Her cover of Brenda Lee's Too Many Rivers is a great take on the original and the tracks It's All Over Now and If She's Where You Like Living are standouts on this gem of an album. Not available on CD.
22 1970 LaWanda Lindsey We'll Sing In The Sunshine I love LaWanda Lindsey. Perhaps it's my love for an underdog. Lindsey never got the success she deserved. In my mind, her recordings always sound like they are around 5 years ahead of their time. Her voice is similiar to Tammy Wynettes - perhaps huskier and lower - and her delivery is brasher and beltier than Wynettes. Her second solo album from Chart Records, We'll Sing in the Sunshine, contains the title track plus great numbers such as the sassy I'll Just Take Your Word For It Baby and Wrong Number. If you haven't heard LaWanda Lindsey, you're missing out. Not available on CD.
23 1970 Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton Porter Wayne and Dolly Rebecca Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton were one of the most successful duet teams of the late 60's and this was their fourth album recorded together. It produced two top 10 hits, Just Someone I Used To Know and Tomorrow Is Forever. The album contains a nice mix of Dolly Parton originals as well as songs by other composers and it's a highly entertaining packaged from RCA Nashville. Not available on CD.
24 1970 Peggy Sue All American Husband Loretta Lynn's baby sister Crystal Gayle became a star in her own right in the middle 70's, but few people remember the middle sister, Peggy Sue Webb. Peggy Sue's biggest claim to fame is that she is co-composer of Don't Come Home A Drinkin', however in 1969 and 1970 she released two albums of her own for Decca Record, this being the second one. While her voice is similiar to Loretta Lynn's, Peggy Sue has a style all her own and it shines on the title track as well as After The Preacher's Gone and Romeo. If you like Loretta Lynn, you'll love Peggy Sue. Not available on CD.
25 1970 Sammi Smith Help Me Make It Through The Night Sammi Smith's debut album is a joy from begining to end. The haunting first track, Saunders' Ferry Lane, is one of the most beautiful and sad country songs ever written and Smith's husky alto infuses it with a pained sensuality. The title track was a major hit and Smith's version is the definitive version, but this album contains several other wonderful cuts including He's Everywhere, When Michael Calls, and This Room For Rent. Not available on CD.
26 1970 Tammy Wynette The First Lady This album produced a number one single for Wynette, Run Woman Run, which is reason enough to have this record alone. However, the album is packed with songs that are completely suited to Wynette's unique vocal style. Playin' Around With Love, which would become a hit for Barbara Mandrell the next year, The Lovin' Kind and I Wish I Had A Mommy Like You are among the best recordings Wynette made in her prolific career. Not available on CD.
27 1971 Lynn Anderson With Strings In 1970, Lynn Anderson signed with Columbia Records and her meteoric rise to fame began. However few people remember that from 1967 to 1970 she also recorded for Chart Records, an independant lable that was distributed by RCA Victor. With Strings was the last album of new material released on Chart after she had left the lable. This album however consists of some of her previous recordings that have been overdubbed with strings in an attempt to capitalize on the success of her Columbia release of Rose Garden, a song that had a very prominent string section. On this album Anderson provides the listener with amazing performances on songs such as Where's The Playground Bobby, Love Of The Common People, and the bluesy He Even Woke Me Up To Say Goodbye. Anderson's chart recordings sound fresh and alive today and in my opinion have aged better than her more successful recordings for Columbia. This album is my favorite. Not available on CD.
28 1971 Barbara Mandrell Treat Him Right Barbara Mandrell began her musical career when she was just twelve years old playing Pedal Steel for the likes of Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline. She made her first record at 15, but it wouldn't be until she was 21 that she was signed to a major lable contract. In 1969 Columbia records signed the young singer and released several singles. This album contains those singles as well as other material and gives us a glimpse of the star that Mandrell would become. Her bluesy voice is great on cuts like He'll Never Take The Place Of You, Playin' Around With Love, and Do Right Woman Do Right Man. Not available on CD.
29 1973 Barbara Fairchild Kid Stuff Barbara Fairchild's fourth album for Colubmbia records, Kid Stuff, would be the highest chart ranking album of her career. The album contains two top ten singles, Kid Stuff and Baby Doll as well as the great You Hear Me Boy and covers of Satin Sheets and Behind Closed Doors. The bad news was that Fairchild's career was already on it's downhill slide. By 1978 she was no longer charting singles. Fairchild retired from the music business but in the 1990's staged a comeback by launching into Gospel music. Not available on CD.
30 1973 Norma Jean The Only Way To Hold Your Man This 1973 album was Norma Jean's final record for RCA Victor. Norma Jean never quite reached superstar status. She had been the female lead on the Porter Wagoner show prior to Dolly Parton and had several middle of the road hits. Her very deep voice and down home sound is unique and she shines on many of the tracks on this album including The Lord Knows I'm Drinkin', Stoned Again, Superman and It's A Long Way To Heaven. Not available on CD.
31 1973 Jeannie Seely Can I Sleep In Your Arms This is Jeannie Seely's final major album. Although she has been an active member of the Grand Old Opry since the 1960's - and was the first to wear a mini-skirt on stage at the opry - she has never surpassed the success of her 4th single, Don't Touch Me. This final album's title track was a top ten hit and the album contains Seely's excellent cover of Pride. Seely's voice is intimate and she always sounds as if she is whispering in your ear. It's amazing that she didn't have more chart success. She is an excellent performer. Not available on CD.
32 1974 Connie Cato Super Connie Cato Connie Cato never quite made it as a country singer. It wasn't for lack of talent. Her voice is vaguely reminiscent of a young Dolly Parton. Her debut album from Capitol records was probably just a little bit too racy for 1974 with such saucy cuts as Superskirt, Super Kitten and Big Stick Of Dynamite. The sexual references abound in this album, but really, it's just good clean fun. Not available on CD.
33 1974 Melba Montgomery Aching Breaking Heart I love Melba Montgomery. Originally billed as the female George Jones, her voice has a similar yodel quality to it as Jones. This 1974 recording for Capitol records contains some of my favorite Montgomery tracks including the super emotional Eloy Crossing. Montgomery should have been a bigger success than she was. Her recordings of My Arms Stay Open Late, Walk On Me and the title track are filled with the hope, sorrow, pain and joy that make country music what it is. Not available on CD.
34 1976 Jim Ed Brown, Helen Cornelius I Don't Want To Have Ot Marry You After 20 years in the music industry, Jim Ed Brown launched a duet partnership with the unknown Helen Cornelius that would provide him with the biggest hits of his career. This, their first album produced two top ten hits, the title track and Saying Hello Saying I Love You Saying Goodbye. They would continue to have hits together until 1981 when Jim Ed Brown retired from the music industry. Not available on CD. 
35 1977 Emmylou Harris Luxury Liner Emmylou Harris is the only artist on my list two have two albums. It's not that I am a huge fan, it's just that both of these albums (released back to back in 1977 and 1978) are absolute classics. The track You're Supposed To Be Feeling Good is reason alone to pick up Luxury Liner, but when you do you'll also get classics like You Never Can Tell, Pancho and Lefty, and Tulsa Queen. Available on CD.
36 1977 Tanya Tucker Ridin' Rainbows Tanya Tucker celebrated her 18th birthday by releasing her 8th major lable album, 1977's Ridin' Rainbows. At the young age of 14, Tucker had wowed country audiences with her hit single Delta Dawn. By 1977 she was a seasoned performer with several hits under her belt. The title track of this album peaked at #12, but Dancing the Night Away did well on the charts and It's A Cowboy Lovin' Night went all the way to #7. Available on CD.
37 1977 Twiggy Please Get My Name Right I know you're all thinking 'Twiggy?!?', but believe it or not, the model/actress actually recorded two country and western albums for Phonogram in the late 1970's and they're both very good. This is the 2nd one and my favorite of the two. Twiggy was actually a very talented singer and tracks such as the hilarious Cooking School and You've Got Me To Hold On To as well as the title track show off her voice and her innate musicality. Give her a listen - you'll be pleasantly surprised. Not available on CD.
38 1978 Janie Fricke Singer Of Songs Janie Fricke did not take the easy road to stardom. She spent her first few years in Nashville in demand as a session singer and a jingle singer. She was signed to Columbia records in 1977 and her first album, Singer of Songs, while failing to top the charts, is filled with wonderful songs that gave America a hint of what was to come from this talented singer. Standout tracks are I Loved You All The Way, Baby It's You and Please Help Me (I'm Falling In Love WIth You). Not available on CD.
39 1978 Emmylou Harris Quarter Moon In A Ten Cent Town Emmylou Harris topped her 1977 hit Luxury Liner with this album. Quarter Moon In A Ten Cent Town is a perfectly packaged set of songs. Harris had hits with Easy From Now On, To Daddy, Two More Bottles of Wine, Leavin' Louisiana In The Broad Daylight, and Ain't Living Long Like This. The entire album is a classic. Available on CD.
40 1979 Dottie West Special Delivery After 20 years in the music industry, Dottie West hit the peak of her career with 1979's Special Delivery. Dottie West was the first female country singer to win a Grammy award (1965 Here Comes My Baby) and her star continued to grow throughout the 60's and 70's. A Lesson In Leavin' from this album was her first solo single to top the country charts. The album also produced the top 20 singles You Pick Me Up (And Put Me Down) and Leavin's for Unbelievers. Not available on CD.
41 1981 Crystal Gayle Hollywood Tennessee In her 20 years as a major lable recording artist Crystal Gayle, the youngest sister of Loretta Lynn, was very prolific. Gayle released 20 albums during this time and had several top ten hits. Hollywood Tennessee is my favorite of her albums. Recorded for Columbia Records, the album includes three top ten hits, You Never Gave Up On Me, Livin' In These Troubled Times and Woman In Me. On top of the hits, the album is filled with great tracks such as the ballads Love Crazy Love and Crying In The Rain. Available On CD (Out of Print).
42 1987 Highway 101 Highway 101 The original lineup of the band Highway 101 was pure magic. Paulette Carson's vocals backed by guitarist Jack Daniels, bassist Chris Stone and drummer Chuck Morris instantly caught the attention of the record buying public and this, their first album produced four top 5 hits. In 1990 Carson left the group to persue a solo career that never quite took off and shortly after Daniels left as well. Highway 101 continued on but the replacements failed to capture the magic of the original members. This first album has a great group of cuts from the hits Somewhere Tonight, Whiskey If You Were A Woman, Cry Cry Cry and The Bed You Made For Me to the lesser known Woman Walk the Line and Bridge Across Forever. Available On CD.
43 1991 Brooks and Dunn Brand New Man Neither Leon Brooks or Ronnie Dunn had much success as solo artist when they first came to Nashville, but when the two paired up in 1991, they quickly took over the country charts. This debut album produced four #1 hits and one #6 hit. It's a great album that includes 90's classics like Brand New Man, Neon Moon, Boot Scootin' Boogie, My Next Broken Heart and Lost and Found. Their voices compliment each other in a way that few other duet teams have been able to replicate. Get out your line dancin' shoes, if you must, but more than that - enjoy a great album. Available On CD.
44 1991 Lorrie Morgan Something In Red Even though she is the daughter of country star George Morgan, Lorrie Morgan didn't have an easy road to chart success. She would struggle in the music industry for nearly 15 years before acheiving her first breakthrough record in 1989. By 1991 when she released Something in Red she had acheived five top ten hits and this album would produce three more, the wonderful title track only making it to 14 on ths charts. Morgan is best on ballads and her intimate style of singing is reminiscent of Jeannie Seely. Highlights on this album are A Picture Of Me (Without You) and Except For Monday. Available On CD.
45 1992 Kathy Mattea Lonesome Standard Time West Virginia native, Kathy Mattea, is one of the few mainstream singers to admit to having classical voice training, but if you listen to her music you can tell that her deep contralto voice is well supported and controlled. The training and her West Virginia roots have served this singer well. While Lonesome Standard Time is not her highest chart ranking album, it is one of my favorites. The track Standing Knee Deep In The River (Dyin' of Thirst) is one of the most amazing country songs ever written. This album also includes other greats like the title track, Listen To The Radio and Amarillo. Available On CD.
46 1993 Deborah Allen Delta Dreamland By the time that she released Delta Dreamland in 1993, Deborah Allen's star had passed. Allen had several hits in the early 80's but the inconsistency in styles of her albums possibly alienenated many of her early fans. Allen is now in demand as a songwriter and session singer, but this 1993 album is an olverlooked classic. With her bluesy vocals and great songs, Delta Dreamland should have been a big hit, but the record buying public was still too busy line dancing. Standout cuts are the title track, Chain Lightning, Two Shades of Blue and Rock Me (In the Cradle of Love). Available On CD (Out of Print).
47 1993 Carlene Carter Little Love Letters With Carlene Carter's musical heritage, it's no wonder she has become a well respected country music artist. Little Love Letters is a clever mix of songs and interludes. The album is worth buying for the track Unbreakable Heart alone, but the listener gets a package that also includes Every Little Thing and Wastin' My Time With You. Classic 90's country at it's best. Available on CD.
48 1996 Rosanne Cash 10 Song Demo Rosanne Cash has always been a country music chameleon shifting styles and frequently bordering on rock and roll. Being the daughter of Johnny Cash didn't hurt her career, but Rosanne is talented in her own right. This 1996 album, recorded mostly in her home, didn't chart and produced no hit singles, but it is an amazingly personal and beautiful album. The first cut, The Price of Temptation, is beautiful in it's simplicity. If you want an album that's just good to lay back and listen to, you can't get better than this. Available On CD.
49 1996 Patty Loveless Trouble With The Truth Patty Loveless has been a major force in country music since her debut in 1987. This 1996 album won her a grammy award and is my favorite of all her albums. One of the things I love most about it is that it is an album that has a flow from beginning to end and never feels like a record pulled together from session tracks. From the opening Tear Stained Letter to the final Someday I Will Lead The Parade you feel like Patty is telling you a very personal story. It's a great musical experience. Available On CD.
50 1996 Trisha Yearwood Everybody Knows By the teim Everybody Knows was released in 1996, Trisha Yearwood had amassed 11 top ten hits in her five years of recording. This album would add one more to that count, Believe Me Baby (I Lied). Yearwood's voice is beautiful and I think I would like her no matter what she was singing. I've loved this album since the day I brought it home from the CD store, but I can say that about all of her albums. I picked this one because of the strength of all the songs. Available On CD.As I come to the end of this article, I have to confess that I am amazed by the diversity of Country and Western music. For someone to say 'I don't like Country Music' they have to really be saying 'I haven't bothered to listen to Country Music'. From the late 1940's to today Country Music has given birth to so many great songs, many of which have crossed over to top the pop charts as well. Country Music is down home music but it's also sophisticated ballads and rockin' numbers as well. It is truly American music - as diverse in its styles as our country is in our population. Personally, I can't wait to see what the next 50 years brings.
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