3 Country Songs From 1963 That Still Make Me Smile Today
The article highlights three country songs released in 1963 that its author says still bring a smile: George Jones’s “You Comb Her Hair”, Buck Owens’s “Love’s Gonna Live Here” and Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire”. Together, they show the range of the era’s country music, from a father’s tender song about his daughter to songs of renewed love and intense romantic attraction.
Hank Cochran and Harlan Howard wrote “You Comb Her Hair”, which Jones recorded while he was a father of three; Johnny Cash later included it on a 1966 album. Owens wrote “Love’s Gonna Live Here”, his second country No. 1 of 1963, and it stayed at the top for 16 weeks before being covered by numerous artists. June Carter and Merle Kilgore wrote “Ring of Fire”, inspired by Carter’s connection with Cash; her sister Anita released it first, while Cash’s version became the best known.
- Three memorable country songs were released in 1963.
- Buck Owens’s hit spent 16 weeks at No. 1.
- Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” was first released by Anita Carter.
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In 1963, country music included both personal story songs and recordings shaped by the growing Nashville and Bakersfield scenes. George Jones, Buck Owens and Johnny Cash were among the leading singers of the time, each known for a distinct sound and approach.
Songwriters Hank Cochran and Harlan Howard wrote “You Comb Her Hair”, while Owens wrote “Love’s Gonna Live Here”. June Carter and Merle Kilgore wrote “Ring of Fire”; Carter’s sister Anita recorded it first, before Cash’s version became the best known.
The songs draw on family affection, the hope of love returning and the intensity of romantic attraction. Their different themes and styles offer a glimpse of the range of country music in the early 1960s.