Traditional country releases, week 38

This week's traditional country releases highlight enduring legacies and unexpected connections across generations. New recordings by Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard revisit songs with roots in earlier performances by Brenda Lee and Elvis Presley, while archival claims around a lost Dolly Parton album spark renewed interest. Historical milestones are revisited, from Hank Williams' early rejection to the Grand Ole Opry to The Chicks' groundbreaking 1999 album, which influenced a new wave of artists. Meanwhile, chart milestones and forgotten collaborations, including a Randy Travis hit linked to a future vice president, underscore the genre's deep and interconnected past.

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

   The Chicks, Ashley McBryde

   On This Day in 1999, The Chicks Made Chart History With the Grammy-Winning Album That Inspired Taylor Swift, Ashley McBryde, and Countless Others

   Sep 19 · 1 outlet

4. 04

   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

5. 05

   Tracy Lawrence

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

   Sep 16 · 1 outlet

6. 06

   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

7. 07

   Randy Travis

   A Future Vice President Helped Write This Randy Travis Hit Single

   Sep 14 · 1 outlet

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