Country music is the most popular genre of music and its popularity stems from classic country songs such as these from the 1950s that have paved the way for other, more current artists. The country songs of the 1950s are steeped in Americana and tell the story of ordinary, hard working, hard drinking, and long suffering people just like many of us.
Most divisive: Mystery Train
Over 3.0K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Country Songs From the 50s
1Your Cheatin’ Heart
This sad, loverlorn song is another hit from Hank Williams from 1952.Buy at
2Hey, Good Lookin
This 1951 hit from Hank WIlliams was one in a line of jukebox hits for the country singer throughout the '50sBuy at
3I Walk the Line
This love song to June Carter is a classic '50s hit from Johnny Cash that is stark, epic, and lovelorn.Buy at
4Walkin’ After Midnight
This 1950s hit from Patsy Cline peaked at #2 on the charts and essentially launched her storied country career.Buy at
5Cold, Cold Heart
A 1951 classic ballad from Hank Williams that proved to be a popular radio play.Buy at
- 1959 hit for Marty Robbins that featured a Spanish guitar and is an ode to the city of its title.
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7Jambalaya
Popular 1952 hit from Hank Williams that was an old to the creole concoctionBuy at
8Heartaches by the Number
Another classic 1950s hit from Ray PriceBuy at
9The Battle of New Orleans
1959 hit for Johnny Horton that tells of the 1815 battle of new orleans from the perspective of an American Soldier.Buy at
10Oh Lonesome Me
1958 Don Gibson hit that would go on to be re-recorded by other like Ray CharlesBuy at
11Tennessee Waltz
1950 hit by Patty Page that would become that state's official song in the 1960s.Buy at
12Sixteen Tons
A 1955 hit about the difficult days in the coal mine.Buy at
13A White Sport Coat
A 1957 country hit for Marty RobbinsBuy at
14He'll Have to Go
1959 Jim reeves hit written by Joe and Audrey AllisonBuy at
15It Wasn't Go Who Made Honky Tonk Angels
this Kitty Wells hit was the response to "The Wild Side of LIfe" shortly after its release in 19532 becomeing the housewives country antjem of the early 1950sBuy at
16White Lightning
1955 George Jones hit about moonshineBuy at
17I’m Moving On
The 1950 hit that launched Hank Snow's career in country music.Buy at
18Crazy Arms
1952 Ray Price hit that spent 20 weeks on the chart.Buy at
19Kisses Sweeter Than Wine
1957 Jimmie Rodgers song written by The Weavers.Buy at
20Release Me
1952 hit for Ray Price from an original 1946 song by Eddie MillerBuy at
21Great Balls of Fire
Infectious song from the country-pop corssover aritsi Jerry Lee Lewis from 1957Buy at
22Singing the Blues
1956 hit for crooner Marty RobbinsBuy at
23Long Gone Lonesome Blues
A 1950 hit for Hank WIliams that topped the charts for weeks on end.Buy at
24Heartbreak Hotel
this 1956 Elvis hit was the King's first country-pop crossover hit.Buy at
25Why Don’t You Love Me
Another 1950 hit for Hank WIlliams that reached #1 on the country charts.Buy at
26The Wild Side of Life
This Hank Thompson #1 smash was a hit in 1952Buy at
27Hound Dog
1956 Elvis hit that was the B-Side to "Don't Be Cruel"Buy at
28The Ballad of Davy Crockett
1955 hit by Tennessee Ernie Ford that would be the theme song for the popular TV showBuy at
29Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On
1957 smash from country-pop crossover Jerry Lee Lewis. Song was #61 on Rolling songs best songs of all time.Buy at
30On Top of Old Smokey
A 1951 hit for The Weavers & Terry GilkysonBuy at
31Goodnight Irene
1950 hit from Ernet Tubb & Red Foley.Buy at
32Moanin’ the Blues
1952 hit for Hank WIlliams that made his a steady jukebox play during the decade.Buy at
33Gone
1957 hit by Ferlin HuskyBuy at
34Cattle Call
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35Hard Hearted Woman
1958 Elvis hit written by Claude DemetriusBuy at
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That’s All Right, Elvis Presley
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37I'll Be There (if You Ever Want Me)
1954 Ray price hit that has been re-rcorded by numerous artist such as george jones, tammy wynette and othersBuy at
38I Want You I Need You I Love You
1956 hit from Elvis written by Maurice Mysels and Ira KosloffBuy at
39I Never Go Around Mirrors
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40Mystery Train
1955 Elvis release that ranks as #77 on Rolling Stone's 500 greatest songs of all time.Buy at
41Down Yonder
1951 hit by Del WoodBuy at
42Forgot to Remember to Forget
1955 brooding Elvis hit with a steel guiatr sound.Buy at
43Raunchy
1957 hit by Bill Justis. Song written by Justis and SId Manker.Buy at
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