Take a Trip Back in Time With This 1960s Country Music Playlist [LISTEN]
In the 1960s, country music was emerging solidly as its own genre, drawing from the earlier influences of gospel, bluegrass, traditional Mexican music, Appalachian sounds and more. As Nashville established itself as the mecca for all things country, artists were writing and recording songs that would set the standard in the genre.
Telling relatable stories and pushing social boundaries, '60s country artists such as Tammy Wynette (with "D-I-V-O-R-C-E") and Merle Haggard (with "Mama Tried") helped build a bridge between traditional musical themes and the rebel rockabilly scene that would soon explode into a full-scale rock 'n' roll revolution. Iconic tracks such as Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues" and Glen Campbell's "Dreams of the Everyday Housewife" capture the cultural changes that were sweeping the nation, while tunes such as "Ode to Billie Joe" by Bobbie Gentry hearken to the cowboy ballads of old.
Below, The Boot has collected a solid hour and a half of some of the most memorable tunes -- including those two -- from country music in the 1960s. For a trip back in time, give this Spotify playlist a listen. Before you "Fall to Pieces," take a "Walk Through This World ..." with Patsy Cline, George Jones and many more.
Listen to The Boot's 1960s Country Music Playlist