These number one country songs the year you were born can predict your luck in 2023.
What will 2023 bring you? Scientifically speaking, they always say if you find out the number one country song the year you were born, that’s how you find out!
Okay, so it’s not SCIENCE, but it definitely is fun to find out the number one country song the year you were born and work it to fit the year you WANT to have!
Number One Country Songs Date Way Back!
Billboard has recorded country charts dating back to 1944 which definitely help out the list but we needed to dive even bigger because these numbers aren’t being recorded quite the way they are being recorded these days.
According to SonicBids.com, there are three contributing factors to making it on the charts to begin with!
- Airplay
- Social Media and Streaming
- Album Sales
These days, the social media and streaming section is most definitely new. In fact, I think that maybe Conway Twitty (who you will find on this list), Elvis and Hank Williams weren’t exactly worried about that back in the day but they were worried about RADIO airplay (shoutout to your local country station) and album sales!
And the funniest part about this is that you can share it with all of your friends because our list goes ALL the back to 1944. Before then, we couldn’t really find the solid data to support what the number one song for that year so I personally apologize.
Let’s Dive Right In!!
Without further ado, go check out the year you were born and find out what kind of year you are going to have. This could be YOUR YEAR or could be a bit of a tear-jerker, who knows? You can only find out by scrolling to your birth year and finding out!
2022 - "Wasted On You" by Morgan Wallen
And Morgan Wallen’s star just keeps rising in 2023. And then in 2023, he released a 36-song album so you can expect him more than likely to be atop of 2023.
2021 - "Forever After All" by Luke Combs
2022’s CMA Entertainer of the Year takes the number one song for 2021. He’s also soon to be a father of two!
2020 - "I Hope" by Gabby Barrett
She didn’t have to win American Idol to have a number one song. She also crushed it hosting the ACMs and at being a mom, she can’t lose!
2019 - "Whiskey Glasses" by Morgan Wallen
This was not the going to be the first number one single for Morgan Wallen and it certainly won’t be his last since he released 36 more songs in 2023!
2018 - "Meant To Be" Florida Georgia Line & Bebe Rexha
This collaboration no one saw coming worked and gave them a number one! This most definitely won’t be the last collaboration that we will on this list so you just wait!
2017 - "Body Like A Back Road" by Sam Hunt
This was Sam’s Hunt most successful single to date. This was off his Southside album that released back in 2020 however the single hit us all well before that!
2016 - "H.O.L.Y." by Florida Georgia Line
A song that was pitched to Justin Bieber originally, turned out to be a number one for FGL. It’s sad to think we more than likely will not be getting new music from FGL maybe ever…
2015 - "Take Your Time" by Sam Hunt
This song with a mixture of singing and rapping by Sam Hunt encapsulates the artist. He just honestly can’t lose after bursting onto the scene with his first album in 2013.
2014 - "This Is How We Roll" by Florida Georgia Line feat. Luke Bryan
Did you know Cole Swindell is a co-writer on this song? Fun facts!! In fact, Jason Derulo also did a little remix of it as well with Luke Bryan, pretty neat.
2013 - "Cruise" by Florida Georgia Line feat. Nelly
One of the first major collaborations that paid off for FGL, they honestly cannot be stopped on this list, they are hit machines. They really introduced country music to a different side of the genre, that’s for sure.
2012 - "Time Is Love" by Josh Turner
Don’t forget about Josh Turner! We love this guy. The first album he ever bought was Randy Travis’ Storms of Life.
2011 - "Crazy Girl" by Eli Young Band
I feel like a lot of people might have had their first dance to this song! In fact, my sister danced with my now brother-in-law to this song on their wedding day, so cute.
2010 - "Love Like Crazy" by Lee Brice
Lee Brice is an absolute HIT machine. What a great guy too! He was actually the first show after the pandemic that I went to go see.
2009 - "I Run To You" by Lady A
You know Lady A had to make this list. This was when they were still known as Lady Antebellum before they rebranded to “Lady A” back in 2020.
2008 - "Just Got Started Lovin' You" by James Otto
His debut album is called “Days of our Lives” released in 2004. He was actually born on Fort Lewis Army Base.
2007 - "Watching You" by Rodney Atkins
What a great father-son song! It was dedicated to his son Elijah, he also has two step-daughters.
2006 - "If You're Going Through Hell" by Rodney Atkins
Back-to-back years for Atkins! He’s a big time fisherman, if you can’t tell from his music.
2005 - "That's What I Love About Sunday" by Craig Morgan
Aw, we love Craig Morgan. He’s a veteran, country star, father and an author too! He released his new book “God, Family, Country – A Memoir” in 2022.
2004 - "Live Like You Were Dying" by Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw can do it all. Not just an artist but a really great actor too starring in “The Blindside” and hit television show, “1883.”
2003 - "My Front Porch Looking In" by Lonestar
What a beautiful song!! They actually met at an audition for Opryland Theme Park, they all moved to Nashville and Lonestar was created.
2002 - "The Good Stuff" by Kenny Chesney
Can’t believe this song is 20+ years old! Kenny was actually my first ever country concert at the New York State Fair and he absolutely crushed it.
2001 - "Without You" by The Chicks
What a classic from one of the best groups to do it. The were originally called “The Dixie Chicks” until rebranding to “The Chicks” back in 2020.
2000 - "That's The Way" by Jo Dee Messina
We’ve been seeing a bit more from Jo Dee Messina lately which is awesome! Cole Swindell released a bit of a remix of her song “Heads Carolina, Tails California” in 2022.
1999 - "Please Remember Me" by Tim McGraw
Another appearance from Tim McGraw! What a superstar. Did you know that he is married to country superstar Faith Hill?
1998 - "You're Still The One" by Shania Twain
Wouldn’t you say this is one of the most iconic country songs of all time? She’s also the highest selling female country artist of all time, no surprise!
1997 - "One Night At A Time" by George Strait
THE KING! I actually went on my first date with my now wife, Emily, to a George Strait concert. Check yes or no, we are going to go YES with The King.
1996 - "Little Bitty" by Alan Jackson
Can’t go wrong with Alan Jackson. Fun fact, his wife’s maiden name was also Jackson! Maybe this song was written about her.
1995 - "I Like It, I Love It" by Tim McGraw
We definitely want some more of it!! He has released 16 studio albums so it shouldn’t be a surprise that we keep seeing him on this list.
1994 - "Don't Take The Girl" by Tim McGraw
Did you know that Tim’s dad played Major League Baseball?? He won a World Series with the 1980 Philadelphia Phillies. He was a quite a player as well back in his day.
1993 - "Chattahoochee" by Alan Jackson
It’s awesome to see these massive stars back in the day. Check out the music video! Despite some health difficulties, it has been told that he hopes to make new music which we would all LOVE.
1992 - "Boot Scootin' Boogie" by Brooks and Dunn
One of (if not the most) iconic duo of all time! They have also paired up with Reba quite a few times for a show in Las Vegas, how much fun is that?
1991 - "Rockin' Years" by Dolly Parton with Ricky Van Shelton
We waited patiently for a Dolly song!! Did you know that Dolly donates over two million books A MONTH to kids in need? Truly amazing.
1990 - "I've Cried My Last Tear For You" by Ricky Van Shelton
Not every country song can be upbeat and fun, sometimes you gotta just have a good cry. He charted 20 singles on the Billboard Top 100.
1989 - "Why'd You Come In Here Lookin' Like That" by Dolly Parton
She’s been married now for more than 50 years!! And she has also paired up with author James Patterson to write fiction novel called “Run, Rose, Run.”
1988 - "Don't We All Have The Right" by Ricky Van Shelton
He retired from performing in 2006 to spend more time with his family, he amassed 12 number one singles from his sixteen albums! He’s got a couple big songs on this list.
1987 - "I'll Still Be Loving You" by Restless Heart
An incredible 26 of their singles have hit the Billboard Top 100 with six that reached number one! The band’s members are Larry Stewart, John Dittrich, Paul Gregg, Dave Innis, and Greg Jennings.
1986 - "Morning Desire" by Kenny Rogers
Kenny Rogers finished building his Oklahoma mansion in 1990 where he lived until 2006. The estate was later used for wedding and parties, more details on that here!
1985 - "Crazy" by Kenny Rogers
Unfortunately, Rogers passed away from natural causes at the age of 81 on March 20th, 2020. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013.
1984 - "When We Make Love" by Alabama
Gotta love a good love song especially from Alabama! The band was founded by Randy Owen and his cousin Teddy Gentry. They were soon joined by another cousin, Jeff Cook.
1983 - "Islands In The Stream" by Kenny Rogers with Dolly Parton
How many duets/collaborations do you think will be on this list? These two LEGENDS have hits of their own but this one together was a massive hit in 1983.
1982 - "Always On My Mind" by Willie Nelson
This song has been covered SO many times by so many great artists. Here’s Willie Nelson’s version of “Always On My Mind” that will no doubt make you smile (and maybe cry).
1981 - "Feels So Right" by Alabama
Another mention for Alabama, looks like your year “Feels SO Right!” The band started in 1969 in Fort Payne, Alabama.
1980 - "Lookin' For Love" by Johnny Lee
Maybe this is your year to be “Lookin’ For Love” who knows?? They say your 40s are the new 30s. Johnny Lee raked in 17 top 40 country hits.
1979 - "If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me" by Bellamy Brothers
The longest song title on our list today! Love this one. The country music duo consisting of brothers David Milton Bellamy and Homer Howard Bellamy, from Dade City, Florida
1978 - "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys" by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson is one of the most underrated stars of all time, wouldn’t you agree? He was one of the main figures of outlaw country back in the 1960s.
1977 - "Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)" by Waylon Jennings
Did you know that Waylon Jennings actually was roommates with Johnny Cash?? He had six kids but the best named one has to be “Shooter Jennings” which is just so cool.
1976 - "Convoy" by C. W. McCall
He lived until he was 93, that’s pretty incredible! His song Convoy took the charts by storm back in 1976.
1975 - "Rhinestone Cowboy" by Glen Campbell
Did you know that Glen Campbell was once engaged to Tanya Tucker? This song won the ACM Single of the Year.
1974 - "A Very Special Love Song" by Charlie Rich
His nickname was “The Silver Fox” and if you listen, you will know why! He also is a veteran of the United States Air Force, thank you for your service.
1973 - "You've Never Been This Far Before" by Conway Twitty
Some radio stations actually refused to play this song because it outraged listeners! Do you think you would want this on the radio?? You be the judge.
1972 - "My Hang-Up Is You" by Freddie Hart
His real name was Frederick Segrest, a little dose of trivia for you. At age 15, he lied about his age in order to serve in the military and fight in WWII.
1971 - "When You're Hot, You're Hot" by Jerry Reed
If you were born in 1971, you better have a huge confidence boost right now! Both he and his sisters spent quite a few years in orphanages. Talk about an amazing turnaround to become a country star.
1970 - "Don't Keep Me Hangin' On" by Sonny James
In February 1971, James was the first country artist to perform in space! Well, he made a special recording for Apollo 13, so kinda!
1969 - "Daddy Sang Bass" by Johnny Cash
Did you know that Johnny Cash was an ordained minister?? This song was written by Carl Perkins and comes off Cash’s “Folson Prison Blues” album.
1968 - "Skip A Rope" by Henson Cargill
Definitely looks like he could’ve been Elvis’ cousin! This was a bit of a controversial song when it was released. Do you hear the issues? Take a listen…
1967 - "It's The Little Things" by Sonny James
James also produced Marie Osmond’s first three albums. This song was one of his 16 straight songs to go number one, incredible!
1966 - "Almost Persuaded" by David Houston
He was born in Bossier City, Louisiana in 1938 and died in the same town in 1993. Talk about a hometown guy! Glenn Sutton wrote the song and Houston cut it the same year. A huge hit in 1966.
1965 - "Before You Go" by Buck Owens
He started his career by hosting a radio show at the age of 14. He had 21 hit son the Billboard Top 1oo, pretty incredible when you think about it.
1964 - "I Guess I'm Crazy" by Jim Reeves
Fun fact, he wore a toupee! He was known as “Gentlemen Jim.” He unfortunately passed away at the age of 40.
1963 - "Love's Gonna Live Here" by Buck Owens
He actually gave himself the nickname “Buck” when he was three-years-old. He also wrote the song in addition to his amazing vocals on the record.
1962 - "Walk On By" by Leroy Van Dyke
He has made more than 500 songs in his 50 year career, crazy! This one not to be confused by Dionne Warwick who is also equally as legendary at Leroy Van Dyke.
1961 - "Don't Worry" by Marty Robbins
He enlisted into the United States Navy when he was 17 years old. “Don’t Worry” this year because it’s going to be a laid back time for you (at least according to Robbins).
1960 - "He'll Have to Go" by Jim Reeves
Unfortunately, he died in a plane crash but is currently laid to rest in Jim Reeves Memorial Park in Carthage, Texas. Short life but a huge impact on country music.
1959 - "The Three Bells" by The Browns
They consisted of Jim Ed Brown and his two sisters, Maxine and Bonnie. So is Jim Ed one of the Bells or is there another sister don’t know about??
1958 - "Guess Things Happen That Way" by Johnny Cash
His legal name is John R. Cash. He actually spent a good amount of time in jail which ended up inspiring a good portion of his music.
1957 - "Gone" by Ferlin Husky
What a year if your born in 1957, you’re GONE! Husky was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010, he unfortunately died the following year.
1956 - "Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley
FINALLY we get to the King (sorry, not you George)!! What a classic. Elvis actually recorded his first song in 1953, virtually unknown at that time but it wouldn’t be long until he exploded.
1955 - "In The Jailhouse Now" by Webb Pierce
He actually owned his own radio show by the age of 16. This song charted for 37 of the 52 weeks of 1955 which is absolutely insane.
1954 - "I Don't Hurt Anymore" by Hank Snow
That’s a great attitude to bring you into your year if you’re born in 1954. Little known fact, he’s actually Canadian (paving ways for such stars like Shania Twain). His nickname was the “Singing Ranger.”
1953 - "Kaw-Liga" by Hank Williams
Did you know that Hank Williams won a Pulitzer Prize? He actually recorded 225 in five years of his career including this number one hit from 1953.
1952 - "The Wild Side of Life" by Hank Thompson
Another Hank, this one was on the charts for six consecutive decades. We just went back-to-back-to-back Hanks on this list and this Hank had his career expand across seven decades!
1951 - "Shotgun Boogie" by Tennessee Ernie Ford
He is in both the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in addition to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Where is he from, you might be asking yourself, he was born in Bristol, Tennessee.
1950 - "I'm Movin' On" by Hank Snow
He set up the Hank Snow International Foundation For The Prevention of Child Abuse after a very rough childhood. He was first heard on a program called “Down On The Farm” and that’s how he was discovered.
1949 - "Lovesick Blues" by Hank Williams with His Drifting Cowboys
Gotta love Hank WITH his drifting cowboys! He is considered one of the most significant American singers and songwriters of the 20th century.
1948 - "I'll Hold You in My Heart (Till I Can Hold You in My Arms)" by Eddy Arnold and His Tennessee Plowboys
He was one of the volunteer searchers after the plan crash that killed his friend Jim Reeves in 1964. He had 147 songs on the country Billboard charts.
1947 - "Smoke, Smoke, Smoke (That Cigarette)" by Tex Williams
His real name is Sollie Paul Williams. He moved to Los Angeles in 1942 and that’s where his career really started to take off. This was the biggest song of his career and the country biggest song of 1947.
1946 - "New Spanish Two Step" by Bob Willis and His Texas Playboys
What a great name for the backup performers for Bob Willis, our absolute favorite! Not only is he an amazing singer, it was told that he actually was a trained bartender. So he can mix you a drink and sing to you at the same time.
1945 - "Smoke On The Water" by Bob Willis and His Texas Playboys
BACK to BACK years for Bob Willis and His Texas Playboys. He was actually a member of a black medicine band.
1944 - "Pistol Packin' Mama" by Bing Crosby and The Andrew Sisters
This is as far as we go back but really appreciated you coming all the way here! Here’s the legendary Bing Crosby with “Pistol Packin’ Mama.”
This article was written by Jeff Kurkjian. He is the newest member of The Andie Summers Show on 92.5 XTU. You can follow him on Twitter or Instagram to get to know him a bit better!
