Customer Reviews

Billboard Top Country Hits: 1961

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Country and pop fans should enjoy this well-balanced collection of tunes, many of which are now standards. All original versions with great sound quality.

'Walk on by' by Leroy Van Dyke not only made it to #one,
but was the biggest hit of the decade with 19 weeks on the chart in 1961.

'Big bad John' was first released containing an unacceptable word for air play in 1961.
The song was banned from the air, so Jimmy Dean re-recorded it and changed the word.
I remember about this story, but had never heard that original version until now.
'at the bottom of this mine lies one 'H___' of a man',
re-recorded and sounds just the same except the word was changed to 'big, big man'.
Now-a-days no one would think much of that word being used,
but in 1961 it was a big deal!
The re-recorded version went on to become one of only two number one hit's of Dean's career..

The track listing, including the artist:
1. 'Walk on by' -- Leroy Van Dyke.
2. 'Don't worry' -- Marty Robbins.
3. 'Hello walls' -- Faron Young.
4. 'Tender years' -- George Jones.
5. 'North to Alaska' -- Johnny Horton.
6. 'I fall to pieces' -- Patsy Cline.
7. 'Big bad John' -- Jimmy Dean.
8. 'Foolin' around' -- Buck Owens.
9. 'Sea of heartbreak' -- Don Williams.
10. 'San Antonio rose' -- Floyd Crammer.

Here are seven #ones, two #twos, and one #eight song.
This is an excellent group and a good listen.
All original recordings, produced by Rhino in 1990.

Many of the songs here were not just high on the country chart (which often amounted to being #57 on the pop or rock and roll charts). "Walk on By", "Big Bad John", "Hello Walls", "North to Alaska", "I Fall to Pieces", "Sea of Heartbreak" and "San Antonio Rose" were all played on pop rock stations in most parts of the country. Not surprising as the writers of these songs include Don Gibson ("I Can't Stop Loving You") and Willie Nelson. This is good non-offensive country music. Recommended.