These songs are immune to time, changing cultural tastes, and just about everything else. They are like sturdy rocks that can't be eroded by wind, water, or human beings. People know the words and the music to them from the time they are kids. They definitely bear revisiting now. So here for your consideration are the four most covered country songs ever, per Stacker. They will probably evoke some treasured memories for you
Videos by Wide Open Country
"Tennessee Waltz"
This classic tune from the late 1940s was written by Pee Wee King (music) and Redd Stewart (lyrics). According to the University of Tennessee, where the priceless and historic original manuscript of the song is housed, Stewart and King penned the song on a matchbox in December 1946. I guess whatever is handy as an impromptu writing surface is good enough, right?
Per the outlet, "The tune, made famous by singer Patti Page, would become one of Tennessee's official state songs, be recorded by more than 500 musical artists, and sell more than 10 million copies. It has been cited as the most popular song in the history of country music."
"You Are My Sunshine"
The exact origin of this song's opening verse is lost in the mist of country music lore. It might be correctly attributed to Oliver Hood, a country music vocalist. According to Wide Open Country, "The song was released in 1939 by songwriter Paul Rice and has been recorded over 350 times by artists like Bob Dylan, Gene Autry, The Pine Ridge Boys, Johnny Cash, Carly Simon, Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Brian Wilson."
It became the Louisiana state song 47 years ago in 1977.
"Frosty The Snowman"
According to LoveToKnow, "The 'Frosty the Snowman' song was written by Steve "Jack" Rollins and Steve Nelson in 1950. 'Frosty the Snowman' was recorded by Gene Autry, the same singer who recorded Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Later, the same song was covered by Nat King Cole, the Beach Boys, Ray Conniff, the Cocteau Twins, and a variety of other musical acts."
The song morphed into an animated TV special in 1969, thereby greatly enhancing its popularity.
"Help Me Make It Through The Night"
Written by the late Kris Kristofferson, the song was on a 1970 album he released. Per American Songwriter, "Like many of Kristofferson's biggest offerings, this track garnered success for multiple artists, including Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Joan Baez, Johnny Cash, and more."
Per the outlet, a Frank Sinatra interview in Esquire gave Kristofferson the idea for the song. Sinatra reportedly said that the things he believed in were, "Booze, broads, or a bible...whatever helps me make it through the night." Back then, the song was thought by some to be risque. It talks about a sexual encounter that the narrator finds very comforting during a grim and troubled time.
