Seven Surprising Singers With a No. 1 Country Hit
As I've been flipping through Joel Whitburn's Billboard Hot Country Songs, an invaluable book that recounts the peak position of every single that's ever charted in country music, I've jotted down a few surprising statistics about unlikely success stories. For example, here are seven singers that you might not expect to have a No. 1 country hit.
Clint Eastwood, "Bar Room Buddies." The rugged actor mostly talks through a tune from his film, Bronco Billy. Still, this Merle Haggard duet saddled up at No. 1 in 1980.
Sheena Easton, "We've Got Tonight." This pop singer's baby takes the "Morning Train," but it's her glossy 1983 duet with Kenny Rogers that rode the rails all the way to No. 1.
Julio Iglesias, "To All the Girls I've Loved Before." A No. 1 smash hit in 1984, Iglesias partnered with Willie Nelson to reminisce about their revolving door of pretty ladies.
Tom Jones, "Say You'll Stay Until Tomorrow." Actually, it is unusual to see this flashy entertainer atop the chart. In 1977, it marked his first of 10 Top 40 country hits.
Marie Osmond, "Paper Roses." The future TV star's first hit bloomed at No. 1 in 1973, when she was just 14. She returned to the top spot three more times in the mid-1980s.
John Schneider, "I've Been Around Enough to Know." Better known as rowdy Bo Duke, the handsome actor followed this tender No. 1 from 1984 with three more chart-toppers.
Sheb Wooley, "That's My Pa." Famous as Pete Nolan on Rawhide, this Western actor's yodel roped the No. 1 spot in 1962; he also wrote Hee Haw theme song.
Photo credit: Ron Gallela / Wire Image (1979)
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james2008 says:
What about the very first #1 in country music? That was Pistol Packin’ Mama by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters. Crosby was the #1 pop star in the pre-rock era (1890-1955)!