American Songwriter has marked the 55th anniversary of a strong crop of country music released in 1971, highlighting five tracks that remain genre staples today. The piece celebrates artists including Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Charley Pride and Loretta Lynn, whose songs from that year helped define country music and continue to be regarded as classics of the genre.

Each entry blends chart history with personal context: Cash's "Man In Black" doubled as a statement on his wardrobe and sympathies for the marginalised, while Parton's "Coat Of Many Colors" drew on her Appalachian childhood and a biblical parable. Nelson's "Yesterday's Wine" only reached No. 62 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart on release, though a later Merle Haggard/George Jones duet version topped the chart in 1982. Pride's "Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'" was his biggest hit, reaching No. 1 on the country chart and No. 21 on the Hot 100, while Lynn's "You're Lookin' At Country" showcased her trademark sassy-yet-sentimental style.

– Article marks 55th anniversary of five classic 1971 country songs
– Featured artists: Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Charley Pride, Loretta Lynn
– Pride's track was his biggest crossover hit, reaching No. 21 on the Hot 100