The classic country music you've forgotten about!

I've been in and out of the country music format for more years than I care to admit. I'm also a devoted listener to Classic Country Saturday Night. I "like" the CCSNLA Facebook page so I can follow along and see what people are requesting. I've been known to make a request or four myself from time to time.

Each week, I hear the CCSN staples that we've all come to know, love, and expect in those six hours. I get excited when I hear a song I haven't heard in eons, and I marvel that I still remember the words to that very same song.

I began in country radio in the late 80s, so I did a little digging to remind myself of the artists I introduced as new "back in the day." After all, those songs we brought to the forefront and made hits are now in their mid-20s to pushing 30 years old! According to Wikipedia's definition of "classic country," those would fall into one of the two categories for the format.

I thought I'd remind you of some of the songs I enjoy and would like to hear on Classic Country Saturday Night. Maybe you can think of some more of the newer classics, too!

1
"The Bluest Eyes In Texas"- Restless Heart (1988)
The band celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2013. Restless Heart was a musical force in its heyday, hitting the charts with 25 singles and six consecutive #1 songs. I, personally, love their music... all of it.
2
"Statue Of A Fool"- Ricky Van Shelton (1989)
He's good looking and he can sing like nobody's business! Ricky Van Shelton had at least 10 number one hits between 1986 and 1991, including "Rockin' Years" with Dolly Parton. "Statue of a Fool" went to #2, but it's my favorite. We hear RVS occasionally on CCSN, but there are so many to choose from!
3
"Hold Me"- K.T. Oslin (1988)
Did you know K.T. Oslin won ACM awards, CMA awards, and Grammy awards? Yep. This particular song won the Grammy for Best Country Song in 1989, and K.T. took home the Grammy for her performance of it that same year. My favorite song by her is actually "80s Ladies," but I forgot how much I like "Hold Me" until I started researching music for this article.
4
"Warning Labels"- Doug Stone (1992)
Doug Stone's "Warning Label" was one of his 15 singles between 1990 and 1994 that made it into the top 10. Four of those hit number one. His twang and swagger are what start red-blooded country music lovers' toes tapping, mine included.
5
"Five Minutes"- Lorrie Morgan (1989)
Just the hair in this video is a classic! Lorrie Morgan, most famously known as the widow of Keith Whitley, had a smattering of hits in the 1990s. "Five Minutes" was her debut release and her first number one. She does, however, have several recognizable songs that fit the CCSN format and are fun to sing along with.
6
"Loving Blind"- Clint Black (1990)
How in the world do you choose one song to feature for someone like Clint Black? I knew this amazingly talented man had many hits throughout his career, but I truly had no idea exactly how many. According to his website, he has had 57 singles on the charts, 31 in the top 10, and 22 of them made it to the number one slot. Holy Hit Maker!

I had a great time looking at what I consider are the "forgotten" classics: Ricky Skaggs, Tracy Lawrence, Shenandoah, Collin Raye, Joe Diffie, Pam Tillis, Diamond Rio. I even found one site that listed the "Top 500 Classic Country Songs of All Time," at least according to the author. Whatever your favorites are, tune in to Classic Country Saturday Night and let us know what you want to hear by calling us at (337) 261-9797 or posting your requests on our Facebook page.

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