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3 Unforgettable Country Songs From 1980 That Every 80s Kid Still Knows Today
This is a light retrospective feature highlighting three country songs from 1980 that remain widely recognised today. It marks a pivotal year for the genre, as country music began a notable stylistic shift, and revisits tracks that have endured in popularity among people who grew up in the 1980s.
The article profiles George Jones's "He Stopped Loving Her Today", his first number one in six years and long regarded as one of the saddest songs in country music; Dottie West's "A Lesson In Leavin'", her first solo chart-topper, later covered by Jo Dee Messina in 1999; and Dolly Parton's "9 To 5", written solo for the film of the same name and reportedly first jotted down using her fingernails as a typing aid.
– George Jones's "He Stopped Loving Her Today" – his first No. 1 single in six years– Dottie West's "A Lesson In Leavin'" – her first solo No. 1, later covered by Jo Dee Messina– Dolly Parton's "9 To 5" – written solo for the 1980 film of the same name
In short
- Feature revisits three enduring country hits from 1980
- Includes songs by George Jones, Dottie West and Dolly Parton
- Marks a transformative year in country music history
Explained simply
This article looks back at three country songs from 1980, a year when the genre underwent notable stylistic changes. The piece focuses on tracks that have remained widely recognised, particularly amongst people who grew up in the 1980s.
The three songs featured are George Jones's "He Stopped Loving Her Today", which returned him to number one for the first time in six years, Dottie West's "A Lesson In Leavin'", her first solo chart-topper, and Dolly Parton's "9 To 5", written for the film of the same name. All three have remained widely recognised since their release.
Their lasting popularity demonstrates the cultural impact of music from this period. Some songs have been covered by other artists, while Parton's "9 To 5" in particular found audiences far beyond country music fans. This reflects the broad cultural reach country music achieved during this time.