Best Country Music Duets That Made History

Iconic Country Duets

Collaborations in country music have made some of the most special moments in music history. Many of these duets became big hits and are still loved today.

Some of these songs are about love; others are emotional or about humor. These songs are remembered because of their lyrics and the artists who performed them.

Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash – “Jackson”

Johnny Cash and June Carter performed a duet on “Jackson” in 1967. Billy Edd Wheeler and Jerry Leiber wrote the song.

The song is about a couple trying to bring excitement back into their relationship by going to Jackson. The song became a big hit, winning a Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Performance by a Duo or Group in 1968.

Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers – “Islands in the Stream”

“Islands in the Stream,” a song performed by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers in 1983, became one of the biggest duets in country music history. The song was written by Bee Gees.

It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, country charts, and adult contemporary charts. It sold over 2 million copies in the United States, making it a big success.

Loretta Lynn & Conway Twitty – “You’re the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly”

One of the most memorable and humorous duets in country music, “You’re the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly,” was performed by Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty. The song showcased the incredible chemistry between the singers.

The duo recorded 11 studio albums together. Even today, the song remains a classic, making fans remember the performance of Loretta and Conway.

George Jones & Tammy Wynette – “Golden Ring”

“Golden Ring” was released in 1976 and was sung by George Jones and Tammy Wynette. It became one of the greatest duets in country music history.

The song was recorded at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. Even though the artists were divorced, they continued to record music together, showing their professional relationship.

Reba McEntire & Linda Davis – “Does He Love You”

Sung by Reba McEntire and Linda Davis, “Does He Love You” became one of the most powerful duets in country music history. The song was released in 1993.

“Does He Love You” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It also won a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Collaboration in 1994.

Brad Paisley & Alison Krauss – “Whiskey Lullaby”

“Whiskey Lullaby” is one of country music’s most emotional songs, released in 2004. Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss sang the song, helping it reach No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

The song was also certified double platinum by the RIAA. It also won the CMA Award for Song of the Year in 2005.

Willie Nelson & Waylon Jennings – “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys”

Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings sang “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” in 1978. It became a huge hit by reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

It also won a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group in 1979. It was originally written and recorded by Ed Bruce in 1975, but Willie and Waylon’s version made it famous.

Tim McGraw & Faith Hill – “It’s Your Love”

“It’s Your Love” was released in 1997 and recorded by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. It became a major hit in its genre by topping the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for six weeks.

It was the first song of the 1990s to break into the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The success of the song also brought success for the couple, helping them win multiple awards, including Vocal Event of the Year at the CMA and ACM Awards in 1997.

Brooks & Dunn with Reba McEntire – “If You See Him/If You See Her”

Reba McEntire and Brooks & Dunn recorded “If You See Him/If You See Her” in 1998. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

The song was the title track for both Reba’s album “If You See Him” and Brooks & Dunn’s album “If You See Her”, released on the same day. It became one of the most memorable country duets of the late 1990s.

Kenny Rogers & Dottie West – “Every Time Two Fools Collide”

“Every Time Two Fools Collide” was performed by Kenny Rogers and Dottie West in 1978. Their legendary performance helped it reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

The song’s success led to more performances between the two artists. One of those performances includes the albums “Every Time Two Fools Collide and Classics.”

George Jones & Melba Montgomery – “We Must Have Been Out of Our Minds”

George Jones and Melba Montgomery sang “We Must Have Been Out of Our Minds” in 1963. It reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Charts.

The song helped George Jones to solidify his reputation and remains one of Melba Montgomery’s best songs. This successful duet led to more collaborations between the artists.

Alan Jackson & Jimmy Buffett – “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere”

Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett performed “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” in 2003. The song spent eight weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

It also won the CMA Award for Vocal Event of the Year. The collaboration was a timeless hit that blended traditional country with an island vibe.

Keith Urban & Carrie Underwood – “The Fighter”

Keith Urban, along with Carrie Underwood, released “The Fighter,” which became a major hit. It reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

The song also earned a Platinum certification. Keith Urban also teamed up with Blake Shelton for “The Road,” which was another success.

Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood – “In Another’s Eyes”

Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood sang “In Another’s Eyes” in 1997. The song succeeded, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

It helped the singers win a Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals in 1998 and Vocal Event of the Year at the CMA Awards. Even today, Trisha Yearwood continues to support Garth Brooks, standing by him amid recent controversies, proving their bond extends beyond music.

What’s your favorite country duet? Share in the comments section below.

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