60’s Songs That Shaped the Country Music Genre
By Ellie Wilson for Country Music News International Magazine
The 1960s was a decade when true transformations happened in the music industry – specifically in the country genre.
A lot of influential artists, with their groundbreaking songs and albums, shaped the genre for years to come and laid the groundwork for artists like Carrie Underwood or Koe Wetzel.
The Sound of the 60s
The 60s saw a shift in country music as artists dared to explore new sounds and themes. The entire decade was marked by artists who tried to blend traditional country with elements of pop, folk, and rock, creating stunning results.
With this blend, country music remains fresh and as relevant as other genres, thanks to some of the most talented artists serving the audience today.
Influential Music and Artists of the 60s
Although many influential names come to mind when considering country music, there are a handful of them – and their songs – that shaped the genre as we know it today.
Patsy Cline
Patsy is often considered one of those who had the biggest influence in the 60s when it comes to country music. She was a powerful female artist, with a powerful and emotional voice, and she brought a new level of sophistication to the industry.
Her hits often reached high marks on the charts, and she was one of the first to mix country with pop.
Some of her hits that shaped the decade for country music are:
- “Crazy” in Showcase
- “I Fall to Pieces” in Showcase
- “She’s Got You” in Sentimentally Yours
- “You Belong to Me” in Sentimentally Yours
- “Walking After Midnight” in Patsy Cline
- “Strange” in Sentimentally Yours
Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson’s impact on 60s country music cannot be overstated. He was one of the key artists in the outlaw movement – a movement that challenged the polished sound of Nashville and was characterized by a more raw and authentic approach to songwriting and performance.
Nelson brought a new perspective to the scene with his songs, and his laid-back style in his lyrics inspired countless songwriters today, which is why he is a must on this list.
He also wrote the song “Crazy,” which was popularized by Patsy Cline in the 60s.
Here are some of his hits with which fans still resonate today:
- “Undo the Right” in And Then I Wrote
- “Hello Walls” in And Then I Wrote
- “Wake Me When It’s Over” in And Then I Wrote
- “Touch Me” in And Then I Wrote
Johnny Cash
This artist was known as the “Man in Black,” and he was (and still is) an icon in the country music genre. He is the reason why some artists, like The Cadillac Three, Blackberry Smoke, and Red Clay Strays, blend country with rock and folk.
Cash’s songs are filled with love, redemption, and hardship, like all true country songs, but with rock and folk twists. He is truly one of the country’s greatest legends.
Much of his work is still on our playlists today, and here are some of his greatest hits:
- “A Boy Named Sue” in At San Quentin
- “Understand Your Man” in I Walk the Line
- “Daddy Sang Bass” in The Holy Land
- “Busted” in Blood, Sweat, and Tears
- “Blistered” in At San Quentin
Tammy Wynette
Another female voice in the country genre in the 60s who shaped the era with her music was Tammy Wynette. Her songs became a cultural phenomenon, and her performances were key in redefining the portrayal of women in country music.
Some of her work is still listened to today and is so popular that it’s even played in the country Heardle game:
- “Hey Good Lookin’” in My Elusive Dreams
- “It’s My Way” in Take Me To Your World
- “Together We Stand” in My Elusive Dreams
- “Back In My Baby’s Arms” in My Elusive Dreams
- “Don’t Come Home A Drinkin’” in Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad
George Jones
George Jones, referred to as the “Possum,” had one of the most emotional deliveries ever, especially in the 60s. He shaped the country genre with his powerful voice and heartfelt lyrics, and some of his work is considered among the greatest in the country genre.
His impact on both traditional and modern country music is significant, and here are some of his songs that are widely known:
- “She Thinks I Still Care” in The New Favorites of George Jones
- “Say It’s Not You” in If My Heart Had Windows
- “Walk Through This World With Me” in Country Heart
- “The Windows Up Above” in Greatest Hits
The Byrds
Although this band is known as a rock band, they played a major role in shaping country music. They experimented with their rock sound by combining it with folk and country, and in doing so, they created some of the greatest hits and melodies that laid the groundwork for future artists, like The Eagles and contemporary artists who blend rock and country elements.
Songs that shaped the decade are:
- “Eight Miles High” in Fifth Dimension
- “Turn! Turn! Turn!” in the Turn! Turn! Turn!
- “I’ll Feel A Whole Lot Better” in Mr. Tambourine Man
- “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” in Sweetheart of the Rodeo
The Legacy of 60s Country Music
Country music has evolved over the years, and the artists have evolved with it. Even Dolly Parton, one of the artists who, alongside everyone on this list, marked the country genre, is releasing a country-pop-rock album. This is true evidence of how diverse country artists can be while staying true to their roots.
The innovative approaches and willingness to experiment are what push country music to be one of the most listened-to genre in the world, featuring heartfelt lyrics and powerful voices.