10 Most Influential Songs of the 1970's

Country Music was thriving in the 1970's with artists like Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton , Charlie Daniels and Tanya Tucker just to name a few.  Legends, such as Willie Nelson , came out of that time period that continue to take the stage today.

We looked through the archives and decided on 10 of the most influential songs from the 1970s.  Your list might not agree with ours, but there's no argument that the songs were big hits, well written and performed by some of the biggest stars of all time.

1. "Jolene" by Dolly Parton 1973

Dolly tells the story that the inspiration for the song came from a red-headed bank clerk who flirted with Dolly's husband, Carl Dean, early on in their marriage.  It has been one of Parton's most enduring songs and covered by several other artists across various genres.

2. "Coal Miner's Daughter" by Loretta Lynn 1970

This song is autobiographical, chronicling Lynn's upbringing in rural Kentucky and as a coal miner's daughter.  Her family was poor but they loved each other.  This because Lynn's signature song and also inspired a 1980 biographical film of the same name.

3. "Blue Eyes Cryin' in the Rain" by Willie Nelson 1975

This was Willie Nelson's first number one hit as a singer.  It had been recorded by several other artists before Nelson got to it, but Wilson must have done it best because his rendition is the most well-known and successful versions.  It wasn't just successful on the country charts as it crossed over to the pop charts as well.

4. "I Will Always Love You" by Dolly Parton 1974

The song was written as a farewell to her professional partner and mentor, Porter Wagoner, when she decided to leave his show and pursue a solo career.  She expressed her gratitude and a promise of a lasting affection. The tune reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

5. "Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys" by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings 1978

Solidifying themselves as outlaws in Country Music, this song became an anthem for Nelson and Jennings as they created their own way and sound.  The song reached the number one spot on Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart and stayed there for four weeks.

6. "The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers 1978

Rogers had a hit when he recorded this song as it found its way to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.  It also crossed over to the pop charts, peaking at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100, which put Rogers in the spotlight of popularity beyond his country music audience.

7. "Coat of Many Colors" by Dolly Parton 1971

This was Dolly's eighth solo single release and tells a true story from her childhood.  Addressing poverty, love, pride and the value of family, Parton highlights how material wealth is less important than the love and care that people show each other.  The song is rich in emotion and reached the hearts of many as it made it to number four on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

8. "Kiss an Angel Good Morning" by Charlie Pride 1971

A simple yet profound bit of advice about starting each day with a gesture of love to those that love you.  The song suggests that the key to happiness and success in life is to "Kiss an Angel Good Morning" and the "love her like the devil when you get back home."

9. "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" by Charlie Daniels 1979

This song certainly highlights Charlie Daniels multiple gifts as a singer, songwriter/storyteller and musician.  Pitting the devil against "Johnny" as they square off in a fiddle contest. While recording the song in order to get just the right sound, Daniels played eight different fiddles.

10. "Delta Dawn" by Tanya Tucker 1972

Released as a single when Tucker was just 13 years old, it was also the name of her cover album.  Reaching number six on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, it also crossed over to the pop charts where it peaked at number 72 on the Billboard Hot 100.