Good morning and welcome to the 98.1 Country Classic Show.  You can join me 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 Johnny Cash, Rosanne Cash, a duet with Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius, Crystal Gayle and Tracy Lawrence.

 


 

Johnny Cash – “Don’t Take Your Guns to Town” -- 1959

 

 

This number one hit stayed at the top spot for six weeks.  Written and performed by Johnny Cash.

In the news in 1959:

  • The St. Lawrence Seaway is completed
  • On TV --  “Rawhide,” “Bonanza” and Twilight Zone”

 

A young cowboy named Billy Joe grew restless on the farm, a boy filled with wonderlust who really ment no harm.

 


 

Rosanne Cash – “Runaway Train” -- 1988

 

 

This song written by John Stewart, it became Rosanne Cash’s ninth number one country hit.

In the news in 1988:

  • Republicans sweep 40 states in general election, Bush beats Dukakis on November 8th
  • Pontiac announces the end of the Fiero automobile

 

I’m worried about you, I am worried about me, the curves around midnight aren’t easy to see.

 

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Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius – “I Don’t Want to Have to Marry You” -- 1976

 

 

This song was the most successful single for both Brown and Cornilus as a duo and as solo artists.  The single went to number one, written by Fred Imus and Phil Sweet.

In the news in 1976:

  • The great USA celebrates its Bicentennial on July 4th
  • Eccentric American billionaire Howard Hughes who had been a recluse for 20 years dies at age 70

 

I don’t want to have to marry you, I don’t want to say I do, I want our love to be free.

 


 

Crystal Gayle – “When I Dream” -- 1979 

 

 

A top ten hit written by Sandy Theoret topping out at number three on the country chart.

In the news in 1979:

  • An American Airlines DC-10 crashes on takeoff from Chicago killing 273 including two on the ground
  • Conrad Hilton, founder of Hilton Hotels dies at 91 on January 3rd

 

I could have a mansion that is higher than the trees, I could have all the gifts I want and never ask please.

 


 

Tracy Lawrence – “Time Marches On” -- 1996

 

 

This song was the fifteenth chart single for Tracy Lawrence's career.  It spent three weeks at number one and was written by Bobby Braddock.

In the news in 1996:

  • The first flip phone -- the Motorola Startac -- goes on sale
  • Ella Fitzgerald, former Vice President Spiro Agnew and George Burns pass away

 

Sister cries out from her baby bed brother runs in feathers on his head.

 


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