YOUR CHEATIN' HEART - HANK WILLIAMS

Following Williams' untimely death just after midnight on New Year's Day 1953 - he was only 29 - this song shot to Number One on the country music charts. Although cut down early in life by his struggles with alcohol, Williams' legend has only grown since then. His influence on country music continues to be so far-reaching that this song received a Grammy 30 years later, and today his story has grown to mythic status among his millions of country fans.

WICHITA LINEMAN - GLEN CAMPBELL

Campbell's recording of another of his many Jimmy Webb-penned monster hits was a definitive moment for this celebrated country singer and television/movie entertainer. In 1968, the song won the Academy of Country Music Awards Song of the Year and made Campbell CMA Entertainer of the Year. The song has since lent its beautiful melody and moving lyrics to over 50 recordings by country, pop, and even R&B artists such as Ray Charles.

TUMBLING TUMBLEWEEDS - SONS OF THE PIONEERS

The band that is known mostly for backing famous singing cowboy and actor Roy Rogers produced this country western tune which crossed over and delighted country fans and non-fans alike. Songwriter and band member Bob Nolan was born in Canada, but spent his teen years in Arizona, inspiring this classically western tune written in 1934.

TOM DOOLEY - THE KINGSTON TRIO

The haunting ballad from the legendary musical act usually credited with launching America's folk music revival. This chart-topping 1958 release sold over 3 million records to earn the very first Grammy ever awarded for Country Western, helping to rekindle America's interest in country music during the late 1950's and early 1960's.

THIS KISS - FAITH HILL

Hill's first Platinum hit, this Chapman-Lerner-Roboff song broke her out of the pack, establishing her as a crossover powerhouse adored for her music, personality, and beauty by country and pop fans alike. The striking video (Steven Goldmann) only reinforced her popularity and earned Video of the Year at the 1998 CMA Awards.

THE GAMBLER - KENNY ROGERS

This blockbuster rocketed Rogers to worldwide fame while also igniting one of Nashville's hottest song writing careers. The song won the 1978 Grammy for Song of the Year and became Rogers' theme for years to come, even inspiring a string of popular made-for-network-television movies of the same name also starring Rogers. Songwriter Don Schlitz went on to become one of the most successful songwriters of his generation.

THE DEVIL WENT DOWN TO GEORGIA - CHARLIE DANIELS BAND

It seemed radios never stopped playing this huge crossover hit during the summer of 1979. Co-written by Daniels, his electrifying fiddle solos and the song's intrinsic story line captivated music fans and audiences of every music style. The landmark single went on down the road to Gold as the album went triple Platinum.

THE DANCE - GARTH BROOKS

Immortalized in the 1990 CMA Video of the Year, this song is the signature Garth Brooks ballad showcasing his soft, relaxed singing style. A prolific hit songwriter in his own right, Brooks took this Tony Arata tune to Song of the Year honors at the 1990 Academy of Country Music Awards.

TAKE IT EASY - THE EAGLES

Their seminal folk-rock sound helped define an era that began in 1971 with their first release co-written by band member Glenn Fry and rock legend Jackson Browne. Their greatest hits release would later go on to become the best-selling album of all time, helping this song, among several others, to successfully cross over to crowd-pleasing country classic status.

STRANGER IN MY HOUSE - RONNIE MILSAP

Written by talented music virtuoso Mike Reid, the former football All-American (Penn State) and All-Pro (Cincinnati Bengals) defensive tackle, this Number One hit in 1983 helped to establish Milsap as a premier artist - and one of country music's great all time performers.