98.1 Classic Country Bonus – 5 Most Requested Classic Hits [Videos]

Good morning and welcome to the 98.1 Country Classic Show.  You can join me every Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm for the best in country classic music at 98.1 FM Minnesota’s New Country, online and on your mobile device.

Today we’re featuring Charlie Daniels, Dave Dudley, Merle Haggard, Juice Newton and Tracy Lawrence.

Charlie Daniels – “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” -- 1979

It’s an up-tempo bluegrass song written and performed by Charlie Daniels.  The song topped the country chart at number one and featured in the 1980 movie, “Urban Cowboy.”

In the news in 1979:

• Iranian militants seize us Embassy in Teheran and hold hostages on November 4^th
• ESPN launches on cable television.

The devil went down to Georgia, he was lookin’ for a soul to steal, he was in a bind ‘cause he was way behind.

Dave Dudley – “The Pool Shark” -- 1970

Written by the great story teller Tom T. Hall.  It was Dave Dudley’s only number one hit.

In the news in 1970:

• The first Earth Day is celebrated on April 22^nd
• A Boeing 747 makes its first commercial passenger trip to London
• California becomes the first no-fault divorce state.

He said, “pardon me for bein’ so bold, but you got a cigarette that’s already rolled.”  I gave him one, he lit it in his own good time.

Merle Haggard – “Rainbow Stew” -- 1981

Written and recorded by Merle Haggard from the album of the same name.  The song topped the chart at number four.

In the news in 1981:

• Egyptian President Anwar Sadat is assassinated by Islamic extremists during a military parade in Cairo on October 6^th
• President Reagan nominates Judge Sandra Day O’Connor to the US Supreme Court

There’s a big brown cloud in the city and the countryside’s a sin, and the price of life is too high to give up.

 

Juice Newton – “Break it to me Gently” -- 1982

Written by Joe Seneca and Diane Lampert, the song reached number two on the country chart.

In the news in 1982:

• The Equal Rights Amendment fails ratification on June 30^th
• John Belushi dies of a drug overdose at age 33
• A severe recession begins in the United States

Break it to me gently, let me down that easy way, make me feel you still love me If it’s just one more day.

Tracy Lawrence – “Sticks and Stones” -- 1991

This song was written by Elbert West and Roger Dillion.  It became Tracy Lawrence first number one hit on the Billboard Country Singles Chart.

In the news in 1991:

• US Supreme Court limits death row appeals April 16^th
• Paul Reubens (Pee Wee Herman) is arrested in a Florida movie theater for indecent exposure

You can take the house and everything in it, keep the diamond ring cause that’s how I meant it, sticks and stones are all they ever were to me.

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