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3 Forgotten Country Songs From the 1980s That Still Hit So Good Today
American Songwriter has revisited three country songs from the 1980s that were commercially successful at the time but have since faded from classic country radio rotation. The feature highlights tracks that combined strong chart performance with production or songwriting qualities the author feels still hold up, arguing they deserve renewed attention from modern listeners.
Each song reached the top of the US country charts on release and involved notable Nashville songwriters, including Rodney Crowell, who co-wrote two of the three. One track also earned its performer, Rosanne Cash, her first Grammy Award and crossed over onto the US Adult Contemporary chart.
– "Give Me Wings" by Michael Johnson (1986) — hit No. 1 on Hot Country Songs; written by Kye Fleming and Don Schlitz– "Somewhere Tonight" by Highway 101 (1987) — spent two weeks at No. 1 on Hot Country Songs; written by Rodney Crowell and Harlan Howard– "I Don't Know Why You Don't Want Me" by Rosanne Cash (1985) — reached No. 1 in the US and Canada, No. 16 on Adult Contemporary, and won Cash her first Grammy
In short
- Three overlooked 1980s country No. 1 hits are highlighted
- Songs by Michael Johnson, Highway 101 and Rosanne Cash featured
- Rosanne Cash's track earned her first Grammy Award
Explained simply
Three country songs from the 1980s reached the top of the US country charts but have since faded from radio rotation and public awareness. They were 'I Don't Know Why You Don't Want Me' by Rosanne Cash in 1985, 'Give Me Wings' by Michael Johnson in 1986, and 'Somewhere Tonight' by Highway 101 in 1987.
The three tracks were created by established Nashville songwriters including Rodney Crowell, Harlan Howard, Kye Fleming and Don Schlitz. Rosanne Cash's song achieved particular commercial success, reaching number one on both country and adult contemporary charts and earning her first Grammy Award.
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