Country Music’s Most Tearful Song Ever

It's 1976. And it was one of those songs that got stuck in your head and stayed there.

9,999,999 Tears.

I was working in Winner, S.D. at KWYR radio. While I was at that age where I thought I knew pretty much everything, looking back, of course, I now realize I didn't even know what I didn't know!

At the time, the guy singing that song was brand new to me, someone I didn't recognize. Must be some new guy. What's his name again? Oh, yeah.

Dickey Lee.

Of course, unbeknownst to that skinny Dutch kid in Winner, Dickey Lee had already written one of country music's legendary songs.  Country legend George Jones had brought Dickey's 'She Thinks I Still Care' to the top of the charts in 1962, and has been recorded by Elvis Presley, Connie Francis, Leon Russell, Anne Murray and others. And with several pop hits under his belt, Dickey was already a major star to most people...except me.

Well, I got to know him (and respect him a ton as both an artist and especially as a songwriter) since. In addition to having several hits as an artist, Dickey has written or co-written many country classics, like 'The Door Is Always Open', 'The Keeper Of The Stars' and great songs for artists from Emmylou Harris to George Strait.

Inducted into the Nashville Songwriter's Hall of Fame in 1995, for me it all goes back to 1976 as far as Dickey Lee is concerned. And a song that still has a home in my head.

9,999,999 Tears.