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Country music was known as hillbilly music and old-time music until the mid-40's. It evolved to be known as simply country. In 2006 country music experienced one of its best years to date in album sales increasing more than 19 percent from previous years. Many of the songs of the country music genre have managed to cross over to the pop charts enabling its popularity and sales to prosper while other music genres decrease.

Some of the most unforgettable country hits come from many well-known artists, groups and solo singers alike. "Crazy" is a song by Patsy Cline that most people recognize immediately. As soon as the song begins everyone begins humming or singing along. It is one of the hardest songs to sing and it became Cline's most popular songs.

The Oak Ridge Boys soared to fame in the 80's with their top-charting hit "Elvira". Every time I put the radio on I had to hear this song. Throughout the day at least one person I knew was humming the tune. "Elvira" is definitely one of the most unforgettable country songs ever and it became one of the most annoying songs too.

Glen Campbell's "Rhinestone Cowboy" was released as a single in 1975. I love to listen to it these days and reminisce when this song first came out and how it became a major hit. I didn't like the song at the time, but I have learned to truly appreciate it and can't help to sing along when it comes on the radio. "Rhinestone Cowboy" was one of the very few cross-over hits for Campbell. It quickly turned Gold.

John Denver had two songs that are unforgettable. "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" and "Rocky Mountain High" are two beautifully written and most successful hits for Denver. "Country Boy" was released in 1975 and went to number one on the country and pop charts. "Mountain High" was written during a meteor shower Denver experienced in Colorado.

Garth Brooks has had numerous hits during the 90's that he seemed completely unstoppable. He has one of the most unforgettable country songs entitled "Friends in Low Places". It spent four weeks at number one and was the first release from his second album No Fences.
"The Devil Went Down to Georgia" was the biggest hit for the Charlie Daniel's Band released in 1979. The story-telling song was original in its usage of the fiddle. I loved the music in this song and even though I wasn't a big country music fan when it came out I did enjoy listening to this song. It reached as high as number three on the charts.

Some other unforgettable country songs are "Grandpa" by the Judds, "Stand by Your Man" by Tammy Wynette, "The Gambler" and "Lady" by Kenny Rogers. All of these songs have contributed to the success of country music's past and future.

Learn more about this author, Laura Hageman.
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