Country’s most covered songs of all time

Most Covered Songs

Country music has given us some unforgettable songs like so good that artists from all kinds of genres and generations have jumped at the chance to cover them.

A few of these tracks have become true classics, re-recorded hundreds of times by both legends and rising stars.

This post highlights the most covered country songs of all time as who sang the original, when it came out, how many times it’s been covered and which big names have done their own versions.

Tennessee Waltz

The “Tennessee Waltz” was written in 1946 by Redd Stewart (lyrics) and Pee Wee King (music). Cowboy Copas released it in 1947, but Pee Wee King and His Golden West Cowboys got more attention with their 1948 version.

The song tells a sad story about losing a lover to a friend during a dance. Patti Page’s 1950 version became a huge hit and sold millions. It became Tennessee’s fourth official state song in 1965.

With over 458 covers, it’s been sung by stars like Patsy Cline, Elvis, Otis Redding, and Ella Fitzgerald.

You Are My Sunshine

“You Are My Sunshine” was first recorded by The Pine Ridge Boys in 1939, though authorship of the song is debated. Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell later copyrighted and published it in 1940, with Davis’s version becoming a significant hit.

Over 350 covers have since been recorded, spanning genres and generations, with notable versions by Ray Charles, whose soulful rendition reached No. 1 on the R&B charts in 1962, Van Morrison, and Gene Autry, whose 1941 version charted for 50 weeks.

Frosty the Snow Man

“Frosty the Snow Man” was written by Jack Rollins and Steve Nelson and first recorded in 1950 by Gene Autry and The Cass County Boys, following Autry’s big hit “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

The song tells the playful story of a snowman who magically comes to life with a silk hat. That same year, Jimmy Durante recorded a popular version and later narrated the classic 1969 animated TV special.

With countless covers by stars like Ella Fitzgerald and Willie Nelson, Frosty remains a beloved Christmas favorite for all ages.

Help Me Make It Through the Night

“Help Me Make It Through the Night” was written by Kris Kristofferson and first appeared on his 1970 album. The song has been covered more than 500 times. Sammi Smith’s version, released later that year on her album, became the most popular.

It hit number one on the Billboard Country chart and eight on the Hot 100. She won a Grammy in 1972, and the song joined the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998. Many stars have covered it, including Elvis, Johnny Cash, Lainey Wilson, and Tyler Childers.

Crazy

Patsy Cline’s 1961 recording of “Crazy,” written by Willie Nelson, became a country classic. The song has been covered by over 100 artists, including Kenny Rogers, LeAnn Rimes, and Neil Young.

It reached number two on the Billboard Country chart and nine on the Hot 100. Nelson wrote “Crazy” while struggling in Houston before moving to Nashville. Although he later recorded it, Cline’s version made the song famous.

Produced by Owen Bradley, the song’s style was a ballad with background vocals from The Jordanaires, and it’s a key moment for both Cline and Nelson.

I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry

Hank Williams wrote and performed “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” in 1949. It was recorded at Herzog Studio in Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 30, 1949.

The song became one of the greatest country songs and was covered over 330 times by artists like Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Dean Martin. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.

The song’s lyrics express deep loneliness, and Williams wrote it during a tough time in his marriage. It was initially released as a B-side and is a key part of country music history.

Take Me Home, Country Roads

“Take Me Home, Country Roads” was first performed by John Denver in 1971 on his album Poems, Prayers and Promises. The song reached number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and has been covered over 325 times by different artists.

It was co-written by John Denver and the Danoffs, inspired by their time living in West Virginia. In 2014, it became the official state song of West Virginia.

Your Cheatin’ Heart

“Your Cheatin’ Heart” was released by Hank Williams in January 1953, shortly after his death. The song became an instant hit, topping the country charts for six weeks and selling over a million copies.

Ray Charles’s 1962 cover reached number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100, and Joni James’s version also made an impact, hitting number two on Billboard’s Most Played in Jukeboxes. Dean Martin also covered it.

The song remains one of Hank Williams’ most famous tracks and is a significant part of his legacy in country music.

I Will Always Love You

Dolly Parton wrote and released “I Will Always Love You” in 1973 and then as a single in 1974. The song was a farewell to her mentor, Porter Wagoner, as she wanted to go solo. It reached number one on the country charts and has been covered by over 300 artists.

One famous cover is Whitney Houston’s 1992 version of The Bodyguard, which topped the charts for 14 weeks and won a Grammy. Linda Ronstadt also gave the song a folk-inspired twist. It’s one of Dolly Parton’s most iconic songs.

I Walk the Line

“I Walk the Line,” originally by Johnny Cash and released in 1956, is a groundbreaking country song. It features the signature “boom-chicka-boom” rhythm and four key changes throughout the verses, which Cash hums before each one to stay on pitch.

The song was Cash’s first Country Billboard #1 hit, selling over 2 million copies. It was also the title track of his million-selling album, which included six original Cash songs. Cash wrote it as a pledge of fidelity to his first wife, Vivian. Over 250 artists have covered the song.

Stand By Your Man

“Stand By Your Man” is a song by Tammy Wynette, released in 1968. She co-wrote it with producer Billy Sherrill in about 20 minutes. The song was originally titled “I’ll Stand By You” and appeared on her 1969 album.

It became Wynette’s signature song and one of her biggest hits. The song won a Grammy in 1970 and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.

It has been covered over 250 times in different languages. It also sparked debate about women’s roles, especially after Hillary Clinton quoted it in a 1992 interview.

Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain

“Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” was initially recorded by Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys in 1947, but the song was written by Fred Rose in 1945. Acuff’s version was released on Columbia Records and recorded on January 28, 1947.

The song has been covered by over 200 artists, including Hank Williams Sr., Charley Pride, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Russell.

Willie Nelson’s 1975 recording of the song, featured on his Red Headed Stranger album, became a big hit, reaching number one on the Billboard country singles chart and boosting his career.

Jambalaya (On the Bayou)

“Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” was initially released by Hank Williams in 1952. The song mixes country and Western music with some crossover appeal. It became popular, reaching number one on the Billboard Country charts and becoming a national favorite.

The song celebrates Cajun culture and the dish jambalaya with a catchy melody and upbeat tempo. Over 528 artists have covered it in different genres. “Jambalaya” has become a classic, loved by generations of listeners and continuing to be enjoyed today.

Me and Bobby McGee

“Me and Bobby McGee” was first recorded by Roger Miller in 1969. It was co-written by Kris Kristofferson and Fred Foster. The song has been covered by countless artists, including Janis Joplin, Kenny Rogers, Gordon Lightfoot, and the Grateful Dead.

Janis Joplin’s version was released after her death and became a huge hit, reaching number one on the Billboard charts. The Grateful Dead performed the song over 100 times from 1970 to 1974 and briefly brought it back in 1981. It remains a widely loved and performed classic.

Jolene

Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” released in 1973, is one of her most popular and well-known songs. The song has been covered over 300 times, according to NPR.

It became so popular because many people relate to its theme of a woman feeling insecure about her relationship. Dolly Parton was inspired to write the song by a red-headed bank clerk and a young fan who asked for her autograph.

Though it recently made headlines when Oliver Anthony slams Beyoncé’s ‘Jolene’ cover, sparking debate among fans.

He’ll Have to Go

“He’ll Have to Go” was first recorded by Jim Reeves in 1959 and has been covered many times. Billy Brown recorded an early version, but it didn’t get much attention.

Many artists have covered it, including Barry Young, Ry Cooder, Joe Pesci, Solomon Burke, Bryan Ferry, and UB40 on their 2013 album. Elton John has also performed it live on tour and TV.

Homer and Jethro did a parody on their 1962 live album, and a short film released in 2023 was named after the song proving its impact among country artists who changed the industry with their timeless influence.

Have you ever tried to cover on any of these songs? Let us know in the comments!

Read More From This Brand:

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.