Classic country releases, week 38

This week's classic country releases highlight enduring legacies and long-lost recordings, from a new collaboration between Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard featuring a song with roots in Brenda Lee and Elvis Presley's work, to claims about a previously unknown Dolly Parton album. Historical milestones are revisited, including George Jones's first hit, Hank Williams's rejected Opry audition, and Conway Twitty's controversial 1973 chart-topper. Tracks from Beth Nielsen Chapman, Porter Wagoner, and Ernest Tubb also resurface, underscoring the genre's deep storytelling tradition. These releases reflect both the past's influence and the ongoing rediscovery of country music's foundational moments.

1. 01

   Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Brenda Lee, Merle Haggard

   Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard Hit No. 1 With an Album Featuring a Song Previously Recorded by Brenda Lee and Elvis Pr…

   Sep 16 · 1 outlet

2. 02

   Dolly Parton

   Author claims to possess never-heard Dolly Parton album

   Sep 14 · 2 outlets

3. 03

   Willie Nelson, Beth Nielsen Chapman

   37 Years Ago Today, Willie Nelson Scored His 14th No. 1 With This Introspective Hit Penned by Beth Nielsen Chapman

   Sep 20 · 1 outlet

4. 04

   George Jones

   71 Years Ago, George Jones Released His First Hit—Only To Watch Another Version Race to No. 1

   Sep 19 · 1 outlet

5. 05

   Conway Twitty

   On This Day in 1973, Conway Twitty Was at No. 1 With a Song That Might Still Be Too Hot for Country Radio

   Sep 18 · 1 outlet

6. 06

   Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton, Ernest Tubb

   On This Day in 1968, Porter Wagoner Recorded a Signature Hit With a Plot Twist Better Than Most Movies, Then Dolly Parton and Ernest Tubb Covered It

   Sep 18 · 1 outlet

7. 07

   Tracy Lawrence

   Chart Rewind: In 2006, Tracy Lawrence & ‘Friends’ Began Their Ride to No. 1

   Sep 16 · 1 outlet

8. 08

   Hank Williams, Grand Ole Opry

   On This Day in 1946, Hank Williams Was Rejected by the Grand Ole Opry—but the Audition Landed Him a Recording Contract

   Sep 14 · 1 outlet

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