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 or download the new 98.1 mobile app.

Today we’re featuring Waylon Jennings, George Jones, The Judds, Joe Diffie and Johnny Duncan.

 


 

 

Waylon Jennings – “Clyde” -- 1980

 

A song written by JJ Cale, released in April 1980 from the album ‘Music Man.’  It reached number seven on the Billboard Hot Country Singles Chart.

In the news in 1980, in May, voters in Quebec reject by a vote of 60 percent, a proposal to seek independence from Canada and a severe storm and destructive thunderstorm strikes four counties in western Wisconsin including the city of Eau Claire. Over 250 million dollars in damage, one person killed.

 

Clyde plays electric bass, plays it with finesse and grace.

 


 

 

George Jones – “The Race is On” -- 1964

 

Released in September, song peaked at number three on the country singles chart and written by Don Rollins.

In the news in 1964, average income per year was $6,000 and the US Surgeon General reports that smoking may lead to lung cancer.

 

I feel tears wellin’ up cold and deep inside, like my heart sprung a big break.

 


 

 

The Judds – “Grandpa (Tell me ‘Bout the Good Ol’ Days” -- 1986

 

This song became The Judds' sixth number one song on the Billboard Hot Singles Chart.  Written by Jamie O’Hara and members of the Western Writers of America chose it as one of the top country songs of all time.

In the news in 1986, some people in the Reagan Administration secretly sold arms to Iran.The Iran-Contra affair was born. The average cost of a new house in the United States was $89,430.

 

Grandpa, tell me ‘bout the good old days, sometimes it feels like this world’s gone crazy.

 


 

 

Joe Diffie – “Pickup Man” -- 1994

 

This song was Diffie’s longest lasting number one hit, having spent four weeks at number one on the Hot Country Singles Chart.  It was written by Kerry Phillps and Howard Perdew.

In the news in 1994, the average income per year $37,070 and Netscape Navigator released quickly becoming a market leader for browsing the web.

 

Well I got my first truck when I was three, drove a hundred thousand miles on my knees.

 


 

 

Johnny Duncan – “Slow Dancing” -- 1979

 

This song was a pop hit for Johnny River’s in 1977.  Duncan covered the song in 1979 and became a top ten country hit landing at number six.  In the news in 1979, USSR invades Afghanistan and 63 Americans are taken hostage in the American Embassy in Tehran, Iran.

 

It’s late at night and we’re all alone just the music on the radio.

 


 

 

Remember we always take your requests at 320-252-9897

 

 

More From 98.1 Minnesota's New Country