Countdown Part IX: Songs #396-415

Well, you've done it again! We have far surpassed the the goal of reaching 500 "likes" on our Facebook page by today! The count is currently sitting at 552 as I type this blog. Pretty incredible! Keep reading, liking and sharing with friends! Believe it or not, I have actually been contacted by some of the artists highlighted in the countdown! I'm hoping that once the blog gets a large enough audience, we can start setting up some interviews!

- While writing this weekend's countdown blog, I am also working on a special entry to be posted within the week. I'll be putting together a set of statistics based on the first 100 songs on the list, such as artist with the most songs, most popular albums and years of release, etc., so stay tuned for that! I think it should be a pretty fun read! 

- We have another big 20 song list, as promised, this week, so lets get right into it! I hope to start getting some more feedback, whether here or on the Facebook page, regarding the countdown. There is more than 500 of you out there reading, so let us know what you think! Thanks!

BORN Country's 505 Favorite Country Singles Of The 90's!!!

415. Brooks & Dunn - I Am That Man
Album: Borderline
Year: 1996

The second single from B&D's fourth album was co-written by Terry McBride or McBride & The Ride. I recall finding myself so clever to be replacing "That man" with "Batman" back in '96 when the song was released to radio... Still do. Ha! "That Man" reached #2  on the Hot Country charts.



414. Clay Walker - This Woman And This Man
Album: If I Could Make A Living
Year: 1995

Clay Walker was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1996 and has been strong supporter in raising awareness ever since. He runs his own non-profit organization as well. Beforehand, "This Woman" was his 5th #1 career single in 1995.



413. Dixie Chicks - Tonight The Heartache's On Me
Album: Wide Open Spaces
Year: 1999

The final single from their debut album (but not final single of the 90's!) came in the spring of 1999. The song peaked at #6, breaking the 4 song #1 streak. It wouldn't be too long until the Chicks would be back on top, though.



412. Suzy Boggus - Just Like The Weather
Album: Something Up My Sleeve
Year: 1993

"Weather" was one of the most successful singles in the ongoing career of Suzy Bogguss. While never reaching #1, Suzy continues to release solid country/Americana music, latest being her album of Merle Haggard penned songs, titled "Lucky" which was partially funded on Kickstarter.



411. Junior Brown - Highway Patrol
Album: Guit With It
Year: 1993

While never finding solid commercial success, Junior Brown has been working in music since 1960's. Although "Highway Patrol" is Brown's 2nd highest charting single at #75, he does carry one pretty significant distinction: How many other artists are able to make the claim that they invented their lead instrument?! Not many, as far as I can find! In 1985, Junior Brown built the "guit-steel", a combination of electric guitar and slide guitar, as featured in the video below. Enjoy!



410. BlackHawk - There You Have It
Album: The Sky's The Limit
Year: 1998

Man, do I love these guys. 10 songs of 14 released in the 90's will be be featured on this list, which I imagine goes to show how much I enjoy their music. I finally had the chance to see them perform last summer and they just happen to be playing the same festival again this year! Yes!!!



409. Garth Brooks - What She's Doing Now
Album: Ropin' The Wind
Year: 1991

Written by Brooks, this song was previously recorded by country music legend, Crystal Gale as "What He's Doing Now" in 1990. Come time for Garth's third album, he decided to record the song for "Ropin' The Wind". In true early Garth fashion, "What She's Doing Now" easily hit the #1 spot on the country music charts.

Garth Brooks - What She's Doing Now (Live)

408. Jo Dee Messina - I'm Alright
Album: I'm Alright
Year: 1998

Debuting in the back half of the 90's, Messina put in a pretty strong showing with three #1's and two #2's among other charting singles within a 5 year period. "I'm Alright" was the second in her string of three consecutive #1 charting songs. The song would later be recorded by it's writer, Phil Vassar, for his greatest hits album.



407. Kenny Chesney - All I Need To Know
Album; All I Need To Know
Year: 1995

Who would've guessed that Chesney would be one of the few "rookies" of the 90's to go on to be one of the biggest mega stars in the history of country music? Not this guy! Then again, I was in 5th grade at the time... Kenny's second major label single peaked at #8.



406. George Strait - Lead On
Album: Lead On
Year: 1995

How fitting that the one-hundredth song on the countdown list belong to the "King" of country music, George Strait? "Lead On" charted at #7 on the Billboard Hot Country chart in 1995. This would be the final single from the album of the same name.



405. Toby Keith - We Were In Love
Album: Dream Walkin'
Year: 1997

The first single from Toby's fourth album proved to be another success. Every single up to this point, excluding "Big Ol' Truck" had hit the Top 10, and this song was no different, peaking at #2.



404. Lila McCann - With You
Album: Something In The Air
Year: 1999

While we continue to see artists such as Toby, Kenny, and Shania who would emerge in the 90's and grow into country mega stars, there unfortunately isn't always room for everyone. Lila McCann found herself coming into success with a few singles throughout the late 90's only to be dropped from multiple labels, unable to find a steady home in the music business. Lila has since began a photography business and lives in Nashville with her husband and children.



403. Tim McGraw - For A Little While
Album: Everywhere
Year: 1998

We haven't heard from Tim McGraw on the list in awhile! Don't worry, there is plenty more to come! "For A Little While" was co-written by Phil Vassar, which was recorded his greatest hits album in 2006. Tim McGraw took the single to #2 on the Hot Country Billboard charts.



402. Kevin Sharp - She's Sure Taking It Well
Album: Measure Of A Man
Year: 1997

"She's Sure Taking It Well" was the follow-up single to Sharp's huge hit "Nobody Knows". He would hit the Top 10 one more time with his third single, but found little success, chart-wise, afterwards. Kevin would go on to write a book and tour as a motivational speaker, through his battle with cancer.



401. Terri Clark - Poor, Poor Pitiful Me
Album: Just The Same
Year: 1996

Before doing a little research on this song, i had no idea that it had been covered by so many different artists! Written and originally recorded by Warren Zevon, the song also became a hit for Linda Ronstandt in the late 1970's. "Poor Poor Pitiful Me" would go on to be recorded by 10+ artists after Terri Clark. Clark's versions would peak at #5 on Billboard's Hot Country Chart in the U.S., but went to the top at #1 in Clark's home country of Canada.



400. Collin Raye - I Can Still Feel You
Album: The Walls Came Down
Year: 1998

"I Can Still Feel You" would be Collin Raye's fourth and final #1 hit single, spreading between 1992 and 1998. Collin is still recording on a regular basis, releasing an album in 2014 and also a Glen Campbell tribute album in 2013.



399. Alan Jackson - Love's Got A Hold On You
Album: Don't Rock The Jukebox
Year: 1992

What would one of my weekly countdown blogs be without an appearance by Alan Jackson?! The final single from Jackson's album, "Don't Rock The Jukebox", would climb to #1 on the Hot Country Chart.



398. Wade Hayes - Don't Stop
Album: Old Enough To Know Better
Year: 1995

The third single released to radio by 1994 newcomer Wade Hayes, was one of four that hit the Top 10 from his debut album. Wade Hayes would also be nominated for CMA's Top Male Vocalist of the year. Hayes just recently released a new album, "Go Live Your Life" this past February.



397. Trace Adkins - I Left Something Turned On At Home
Album: Dreamin' Out Loud
Year: 1997

Another artist making his debut on our countdown, Trace Adkins released his debut album in 1996 and wrapped up with his fourth and final single in 1997. While living in Los Angeles briefly, I worked on a film that Trace had a small role in. I knew the guy was tall, but seeing him up close and in person, holy cow!



396. Sawyer Brown - Six Days On The Day
Album: Six Days On The Road
Year: 1997

My first ever live concert experience, was in 1995, at the Lorain County Fair. I had absolutely no interest in going, as my friends were all running around on the midway, playing games, riding rides, etc. Not me. I was being dragged to the grandstand to see some GUY named Sawyer Brown for some boring concert with my parents. Turns out, I was dead wrong, on multiple levels. I (secretly) had an amazing time! To this day, I absolutely love Sawyer Brown's music, and continuously hope to see them on the radar for a local live show!




We are now 110 songs into the 505 song list!!! Next week, we will go back to the 10 song format, and hopefully it will be as star packed as this week's entry! I can't believe we are already 1/5 of the way through the countdown! I hope you enjoy the songs this week, and don't forget to check out our Spotify playlist to listen to these songs on the go!

As always, don't forget to share our blog and Facebook page with your friends! As the blog grows, hopefully we will be able to provide more and more content! Thanks again!

-Arthur Born
Facebook.com/borncountryblog
Twitter: @BornCountryBlog
E-Mail: borncountryblog@gmail.com

Countdown Part III: Songs 476-485

Another week has passed and we are back with another installment of BORN Country's Top 505 Country Singles of the 90's! While I stated at the beginning that these songs aren't exactly in an order from favorite to least favorite, there will definitely be more well known songs the further we get down to it. I have also decided that the last 50 spots WILL be reserved for my absolute favorites of the decade, so that will be exciting!... In about a year! haha.

Here we go! Another 10 from the list! As always, comment below, follow the blog, share it on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other way that you can think of! Help get the word out to other readers! Enjoy!

BORN Country's Top 505 Country Singles Of the 1990's!!!

485. Aaron Tippin - Working Man's PH.D
Album: Call Of The Wild
Year: 1993

During every one of his live shows (Non-acoustic), Tippin puts together a bicycle, piece by piece, on stage while performing this song in order to donate it to Toys For Tots. Although he has long lost count, his bike donation count is long past the 1,000 gift point. Very cool!



484. Lorrie Morgan - Watch Me
Album: Watch Me
Year: 1992

Lorrie Morgan had a steady run of hits throughout the 90's. Morgan was married to late country legend, Keith Whitley until his tragic passing. They're son, Jesse Keith Whitley is currently recording and attempting to break into the country music scene.

 

483. Doug Stone - Born In The Dark
Album: Faith In Me, Faith In You
Year: 1995

Shortly after Stone's #12 charting single, he suffered a nearly fatal heart attack in 1995, follow by a mild stroke in 1996. Despite few attempts since, battles with his personal life have kept him from much touring or recording since.



482. Sammy Kershaw - She Don't Know She's Beautiful
Album: Haunted Heart
Year: 1993

Despite hitting the Top 40 Country Billboard chart 23 times throughout the 90's, this is Kershaw's only #1 song in his career. However, this will NOT be the only time we see Sammy on this list!



481. Brooks & Dunn - A Man This Lonely
Album: Borderline
Year: 1996

I've stated elsewhere numerous times that Ronnie Dunn possesses the best voice in country music history. This song right here, is a prime example.



480. Pam Tillis - Shake The Sugar Tree
Album: Homeward Looking Angel
Year: 1992

Daughter of country legend Mel Tillis, Pam is another artist on this list with only one #1 single, despite having released a handful of successful singles. This song went to #3 though, being one of her most successful radio hits.



479. Dixie Chicks - I Can Love You Better
Album: Wide Open Spaces
Year: 1997

Dixie Chicks hit country radio strongly with their very first single in 1997. "Better" went to #7 on the Hot Country Billboard charts. The Chicks would go on to release 6 more singles in the 90's, which all would top their debut song.

 

478. Marty Stuart - Tempted
Album: Tempted
Year: 1992

Marty Stuart is a top contender on my "To see perform live" bucket list. Amy and I missed him by only one day during our trip to Nashville this past January, at the Opry. We plan on another trip down there soon, so we'll have to plan accordingly!



477. George Strait - So Much Like My Dad
Album: Holding My Own
Year: 1992

George Strait took the 2nd single from "Holding My Own" to #3 on the Billboard Hot Singles chart in 1992. Even when a song is this good, I suppose they can't ALL be #1's!



476. Chris LeDoux - Life Is A Highway
Album: One Road Man
Year: 1999

If you missed my post the other night, this past Monday was the 10 year mark since the sad passing of country and rodeo legend, Chris LeDoux. As the majority of his radio releases failed to reach even the top 40, this one was no different, topping out at #64. Despite chart performance, LeDoux's version of this Tom Cochrane hit is INFINITELY superior to the dreadful cover by Rascal Flatts in 2006.




There you have it! 30 songs into the list! I sure hope everyone is having as much fun reading about and revisiting the songs on this list as I am!

I have a pretty wild work schedule this week, so hopefully I will get to put in another mid week blog entry before the next edition of the countdown. Amy and I will be seeing another 90's country legend in concert NEXT week, so I can't wait to tell everyone about that one! HUGE bucket list concert!

As always, I thank you for reading and hope you will comment below and of course share the blog on all social media outlets! Help me get this blog out there, please! My Twitter and Instagram handles are below, so follow me there as well! Once again, thanks for reading and I hope to see you again next Sunday!!!

-Arthur Born
Twitter: @arthurborn
Instagram: @arthur214
#iwasBORNcountry

Chris LeDoux, The Dixie Chicks, Billy Dean

It's a little later than I planned, but as I promised yesterday on social media, I'm back with a mid(ish) week blog entry!!! I'm just looking to cover a few topics relevant to the week and country music, this evening. Don't forget, this Sunday with feature another 10 songs on my list of the top 505 songs in country music from the 90's!!!

* This past Monday, March 9th, marked 10 years since the unfortunate passing of rodeo and country music legend, Chris LeDoux. Some of you reading this may not be familiar with this man's work, but you should absolutely look into changing that. After winning many prizes in rodeo, LeDoux retired from the sport in 1980 to focus on his music career. Between 1971 and 1990, he wrote, recorded and sold his own music, completely independent from any label or marketing! He sold his records out of the back of his truck at rodeos and concerts! Incredible!

After mention in Garth Brooks' first single "Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)" LeDoux finally decided to take advantage and sign to a major label. While seeing very little radio support throughout the 90s, Chris continued producing music with 9 more studio albums before his passing in 2005 with Cholangiocarcinoma at the age of 56.

In 2005, Garth Brooks briefly came out of retirement to release a tribute song to his long time friend, "Good Ride Cowboy". As I said before, if you are unfamiliar with LeDoux's music, check it out. You will not regret it. A few songs will be popping up in the 90's countdown!!!

* 2 years and a day short of LeDoux's passing marks another memorable date in country music history. On the first date of their Top Of The World Tour, The Dixie Chicks were set to perform their hit, "Travelin' Soldier" in London, England. Lead vocalist, Natalie Maines stepped up to the microphone, and as most know, notoriously stated the following:

"Just so you know, we're on the good side with y'all. We do not want this war, this violence, and we're ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas."

This statement lead to many fans turning away from the Chicks and the majority of the nation's radio stations followed suit. I've always been a fan of the Dixie Chicks and still enjoy their music today. I'm certainly not here to make political posts, but I hadn't realized that it had been 12 years since the now famous incident. I do wish the Chicks were able to make a comeback, as I believe country music NEEDS strong female acts, but it seems to be a case in which we will not see in a long time, if ever.

* On a lighter note, last weekend, Amy and I had the chance to see 90's country star Billy Dean perform at Keystone Elementary School in Lagrange, OH. The concert was held in charity to raise money for the local fire department. Billy played the majority of his hits throughout his acoustic set, including "We Just Disagree","If There Hadn't Been You", my favorite, "Billy The Kid" and many more. we lucked out with a last minute meet & greet with Billy before he went on. Despite being a bit rushed due to his needing to take stage, he came off as a very polite and kind guy. I would definitely see him perform again! This event takes place every year, and somehow I've been sleeping on it big time. Previous performers included Shenandoah, "Little" Jimmy Dickens, Collin Raye, Doug Stone and many others! 

 

That about wraps it up for me tonight! I'm still working on the 10 songs for Sunday's 505 post, so stay tuned for that! Please comment below! Who remembers Chris LeDoux? Thoughts on the Dixie Chicks? Share, follow, Tweet, reblog, etc. and please help get BORN COUNTRY out to those who will enjoy it!!! I'm working on more features for the future along with the countdown of my 505 Favorite Country Singles of the 90s! 

Thanks for reading!

-Arthur Born

Twitter: @arthurborn

Instagram: @arthur214

#iwasBORNcountry