Still the Happiest Girl: Donna Fargo Continues to Share Her Heart with New Single “You Can Count On Me”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
More than half a century after her infectious melodies and heartfelt lyrics first captivated the nation, country music icon Donna Fargo is once again gracing the airwaves with a brand new song, “You Can Count On Me.” For those who remember singing along to the chart-topping anthems “The Happiest Girl In The Whole USA” and “Funny Face,” this latest release is a comforting reminder of Fargo’s enduring talent and unwavering spirit.
“My favorite virtue is loyalty, so I guess it would be natural for me to write a song about it,” Donna Fargo shares with her characteristic warmth. “However, when I write a song I don’t over-analyze it. I just write what I’m led to write at the time. I think love is the greatest gift God gave us, and this is a song about love and loyalty.”
From the very first notes, “You Can Count On Me” exudes a familiar charm. The gentle drum roll and comforting guitar chords pave the way for Fargo’s distinct and reassuring vocals. It’s a song that invites you to sing along, a testament to the kind of steadfast support we all yearn for and perhaps aspire to offer.
“When I listen to it, it makes me want to move to it,” Fargo enthuses. “It’s a song that makes you feel good. It’s fun! And I think it’s commercial and relatable, especially for people who believe in true love.”
“You Can Count On Me” serves as a poignant preview of an upcoming album, a deeply personal project that Donna Fargo and her beloved husband, Stan Silver, were creating together before his passing in 2021. Theirs was a remarkable partnership, a creative synergy that birthed the signature sound that propelled Fargo to stardom and sustained her remarkable run of hits. Together, they crafted timeless songs like “Superman,” “You Were Always There,” “I’ll Try A Little Bit Harder,” “You Can’t Be A Beacon,” “U.S. of A.,” “That Was Yesterday,” and “Whatever I Say Means I Love You,” leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of country music.
With the release of this new music, Donna Fargo beautifully upholds Stan’s profound influence and enduring legacy. Their shared passion for music and their deep personal connection continue to resonate through her artistry.
Beyond her captivating voice, Donna Fargo’s songwriting prowess has been a cornerstone of her enduring success. Penning her debut hit, “Happiest Girl,” and its equally successful follow-up, “Funny Face,” bestowed upon her the rare honor of having back-to-back million-selling singles right out of the gate.
In fact, her signature song, “The Happiest Girl in the Whole USA,” consistently ranks among the greatest country songs of all time. This iconic record earned Fargo a well-deserved Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female in 1973, solidifying her place in music history.
But Donna Fargo’s creative spirit extends far beyond the realm of music. In addition to a new collection of songs slated for release later this year, she also has an upcoming novel in the works. Furthermore, she is the accomplished author of eight inspirational books and has penned over two thousand heartfelt greeting cards for Blue Mountain Arts, touching countless lives with her words of encouragement and wisdom.
Donna Fargo’s journey began with the groundbreaking release of “The Happiest Girl in the Whole U.S.A.,” the title track of her platinum-selling debut album. This initial success garnered her three Grammy nominations alongside her win. Her second single, “Funny Face,” made history, establishing Donna as the first woman in country music to achieve back-to-back million-selling singles, both penned by her own hand. These songs transcended genre boundaries, becoming significant pop hits as well, paving the way for a string of successful singles and albums.
Her remarkable career has been recognized with numerous accolades, including seven Academy of Country Music awards, five Billboard awards, four ASCAP awards, and two National Association of Recording Merchandisers awards for best-selling artist. She has also been honored by the Country Music Association, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, and the Music Operators of America. Notably, she was the first inductee into the North America Country Music Association’s International Hall of Fame.
Among her most cherished accolades as a writer are her Million-Air Awards, recognizing songs that achieve the monumental milestone of one million or more performances. Together, Donna and Stan, as writer and publisher, respectively, amassed six Million-Air Awards and thirty BMI Awards, a testament to their extraordinary collaborative talent.
Her captivating performance at Carnegie Hall caught the attention of the Osmond family, leading to the creation of her own syndicated television variety show, “The Donna Fargo Show.” In recognition of her profound impact, the state of North Carolina honored her in 2009 by naming a highway after her, and in 2010, she was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.
Donna’s inspirational books, including titles like “Trust In Yourself,” “To The Love Of My Life,” “I Prayed For You Today,” “10 Golden Rules For Living In This Crazy, Mixed-Up World,” “I Thanked God For You Today,” “My Prayer For You,” “My Prayer For You, My Friend,” and her most recent, “Everything Is Possible With God,” continue to uplift and encourage readers. Her insightful writings also grace the pages of Blue Mountain Arts greeting cards, calendars, and other cherished gift items.
Donna Fargo’s recent EP, ‘All Because Of You,’ features six unforgettable songs penned by Donna and lovingly produced by Stan Silver. This collection beautifully encapsulates the magic they shared, both in the recording studio and in life.
There is no doubt that Donna Fargo remains distinctively Donna – a truly one-of-a-kind artist whose talent, resilience, and unwavering ability to connect with audiences continue to shine brightly. With the release of “You Can Count On Me,” she once again offers a piece of her heart, reminding us of the enduring power of love and loyalty, and solidifying her legendary status for generations to come.