Choosing the right song to perform at your next karaoke night can make or break your performance. It’s also important to know what songs are most likely to get the crowd singing along.
Luckily, we’ve put together a list of the best country karaoke songs. These are all classics that will have the crowd singing along with you.
The Best Places to Have Your Ultimate Country Karaoke Night
The three capitals of country music in the United States are Nashville, Tennessee; Austin, Texas; and Bakersfield, California.
Nashville
Nashville is the traditional home to the Grand Ole Opry, considered by many to be the birthplace of country music. It is also home to numerous venues that host live performances and recordings of country music. The Nashville sound, a style of country music that emerged in the 1950s, has produced some of country music’s most beloved artists such as Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton.
A family visit to Nashville should definitely include a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, as well as some of the local music venues like the iconic Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. While in Nashville, kids can enjoy a variety of activities, including a visit to the Nashville Zoo or an adventure through Ryman Auditorium. Other fun things to do in Nashville with kids include the Adventure Science Center, a hands-on science and technology museum, or the Parthenon replica in Centennial Park.
Austin
Austin is known for its vibrant live music scene and bustling nightlife. While it boasts many musical genres, Austin has become a hub for modern country music. It’s home to artists like Gary Clark Jr., Robert Earl Keen, and the Brothers Osborne.
When in Austin with family, you should definitely visit The Bullock Texas State History Museum to learn about the Lone Star state’s history and culture. Other family-friendly attractions in Austin include the Barton Springs Pool, which is great for swimming, and Zilker Park where you can take a fun hike along Lady Bird Lake.
Bakersfield
Bakersfield has become known as the “country music capital of the West Coast” due to its connection with the traditional style of country music that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s. Merle Haggard and Buck Owens were the leading figures in this scene, and their influence can still be felt today. Bakersfield is also home to many country music festivals such as the Kern County Country Music Festival and the Annual Bakersfield Country Music Awards.
If you are visiting Bakersfield with family and friends, there are plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy. Families can take a trip to the Bakersfield Museum of Art or the Kern County Raceway. There are also outdoor attractions like Miller Family Park and Lake Ming where visitors can go fishing and boating.
But when the night comes, tuck in your kids and head to one of many karaoke bars in one of these cities. Each of them made a significant contribution to country music, whether it be through its traditional roots, modern sound, or lively venues. Country music fans can experience a variety of sounds and styles in each of these locations.
1. “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson is one of the most recognizable names in country music and has won many awards over the years. He is also one-fourth of the legendary Highwaymen with Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings.
This song was written by Nelson as the soundtrack for his film Honeysuckle Rose and it is his most enduring hit. It has won him multiple Grammys and became a number one pop hit.
2. “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash
Folsom Prison Blues is a classic song written and recorded by Johnny Cash. It is a fun song to learn and sing and is easy enough for anyone to pick up.
The song features an impressive number of elements and has several distinct facets to it. It is one of the best country karaoke songs around and is an excellent example of a good ol’ time country hit.
Read Next: Top 10 Easy Country Songs on Guitar for Beginners
3. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
When it comes to John Denver’s songs, few are as classic and beloved as “Take Me Home Country Roads.” It has been a part of his legacy for over fifty years, and is even an official state anthem in West Virginia.
The song was originally written by Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert, but it wasn’t until Denver joined the team that it was complete. It was released on his 1971 LP Poems, Prayers & Promises and peaked at number two on the US Billboard chart. It became a global sensation, and many artists have covered it in at least 19 languages.
4. “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks
One of the most important country songs of the 1990s, “Friends in Low Places” was the first single from Garth Brooks’ No Fences album. It took country music to new heights, and was the polar opposite of Brooks’ sophomore slump.
When he sings the song live, Brooks has his band bring out all the best instruments in the room to make it an unforgettable experience. He also takes the time to get fans up and dancing.
The performance is a great way to end the show. It’s a reminder of why Brooks has made the journey to Houston over the years. He is a truly charismatic performer, and he loves his fans.
5. “I Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash
The music of Johnny Cash has been a staple of American country for decades. Every once in a while, a new generation of young music fans discovers his songs.
The man behind the guitar was born in Arkansas and suffered a family tragedy that left him with a deep understanding of the downtrodden. He became a country music superstar and had many hits throughout his career.
6. “Copperhead Road” by Steve Earle
If you’re a fan of country music, then Copperhead Road is a must. This song has been played at dance clubs all around the world, and is a staple on the country karaoke scene.
In 1988, when Copperhead Road was released, Steve Earle had been having problems with MCA Records and his drug addictions. The record was a major turning point in his career and marked the onset of a more hard-driving style that would later become known as Americana.
Side one of the album is a blend of songs that reflect Earle’s leftist politics, such as “Snake Oil,” which attacks then President Ronald Reagan. Other songs include “Back to the Wall,” a tune about homelessness, and “The Devil’s Right Hand,” an anti-gun song.
7. “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers
Forty-four years ago, Kenny Rogers scored the defining hit of his career. He wasn’t the first artist to cut the song, nor was he the only one to record it, but Rogers made it his own.
The Gambler is the title track from Rogers’ 1978 multi-platinum album, and it spawned four sequels. It’s a country classic, and its lyrics reflect a lot of life lessons.
8. “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by Charlie Daniels Band
Charlie Daniels scored his biggest hit with The Devil Went Down to Georgia, a classic country song that tells the story of a fiddler named Johnny and a challenge from Satan. The song was released on the band’s 1979 album Million Mile Reflections and reached number one on the Billboard country music charts.
The song was a major part of Daniels’ career and is regarded as a benchmark for modern country music. It also introduced folk tales and old fiddle tunes to the modern American public.
9. “Amarillo By Morning” by George Strait
Amarillo By Morning is one of George Strait’s most recognizable and best-loved songs. The rodeo ballad was written by Terry Stafford and Paul Fraser, and it tells the story of a cowboy who’s on the road and having a hard time making it.
The song’s inspiration was drawn from a FedEx commercial that promised to “get your package to places like Amarillo by the next morning.” It was a catchy line that caught Stafford’s attention, and he immediately started writing a song around it.
It was only a matter of weeks before the song hit the country music scene. It became a hit, and it helped propel George Strait to stardom.
Read Next: The Best 26 Songs About Cowboys (Of All Time)
10. “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” by Shania Twain
Shania Twain is known as one of the most powerful singers in the world. Her songs transcend genre, gender, and generation.
This song is a great way to celebrate a girl’s power and strength. It is easy to listen to and is catchy enough that hardly anyone will be able to ignore it. It also won the Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 2000. This is one of Twain’s most popular and iconic songs.
Read Next: 19 Best Karaoke Songs for Women (Impress Everyone)
11. “Jolene” by Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton is a country music icon and one of the most successful female artists in the industry. She has received many awards, including nine GRAMMYs and ten Country Music Association (CMA) Awards.
The singer/songwriter has won over audiences with her thoughtful narratives and distinctive vocals. She has written over 100 charted singles and 25 Top 10 hits.
12. “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
I Hope You Dance was a top ten hit for both Lee Ann Womack and her label mates Sons of the Desert in 2000, and was her first number one single since 1998’s “Leaving October”. It won multiple awards including a CMA for song of the year and was hailed as a landmark moment in her career. The song also spawned a number of spinoffs, most notably the self-help book based on the same title.
If you are into country music and karaoke, then this might be the track for you. The song has been a staple of the Womack catalog for well over a decade and is still as relevant today as it was when it hit the charts.
13. “Dirt Road Anthem” by Jason Aldean
In a country music landscape that is dominated by pop songs and just plain bad ones, it’s a miracle for Jason Aldean to see his rap song “Dirt Road Anthem” climb all the way to the #1 spot on the charts. The track, which is off Aldean’s 2011 album My Kinda Party, has been climbing the country radio charts for two months and it is a strong candidate for CMA awards this year.
The song was written by Colt Ford and Brantley Gilbert. Both artists are from Georgia, and the song was inspired by various places in their lives that were important to them growing up. They are especially fond of the place where they spent most of their early years – Potts Farm.
14. “Chattahoochee” by Alan Jackson
The lyrics of the song focus on a small town’s simple pleasures and celebrate the joy of spending time with friends and family. It’s a memorable and catchy tune that will never go out of style.
It’s also an important reminder that country music isn’t just about partying and singing loudly. It’s a form of art that can be enjoyed by all ages and backgrounds.
15. “Family Tradition” by Hank Williams Jr.
If you are looking for a song to sing with your friends this holiday season, then you should check out this one by Hank Williams Jr. The song, “Family Tradition,” is a very popular one that has been a hit in the country music industry.
The song was released in May 1979 and is a very famous one that has been a top hit in the country industry. It peaked at #4 on the Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and has earned Gold certification by the RIAA.
16. “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” by Brooks & Dunn
The Country Music Hall of Fame duo Brooks & Dunn has more than 20 number-one hits and more than 30 million albums sold. They’re also a double-Grammy winner, an Academy of Country Music award recipient and a country music legend with a discography that counts more songs than any other country music duo.
Their 1992 hit, “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” is a homage to the Texas-style honky-tonk dance. It is credited with helping to rekindle the interest in line dancing throughout the United States.
17. “Friends in California” by The Eagles
The Eagles are one of the most famous rock bands of all time, having sold over 200 million records worldwide. Their albums Their Greatest Hits and Hotel California have become classics, cementing the band’s reputation as one of the best American rock bands of all time.
The Eagles were originally made up of Glenn Frey (guitars, vocals), Don Henley (drums, vocals), Bernie Leadon (guitars, vocals) and Randy Meisner (bass guitar, vocals). They won six Grammy Awards, making them one of the most successful bands of their era.
Although they were a hard-rocking band, their music was often more country-influenced. This helped them distinguish themselves from other soft-rock groups of the 1970s.
Their self-titled debut album released in 1971 paved the way for their later work. Their 1975 album One of These Nights brought them to the next level, while their 1976 masterpiece Hotel California cemented them as stadium superstars.
18. “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw
This 2004 country hit was a career-defining anthem for McGraw. It was also the fastest-rising single he had ever had, spending seven weeks on the country charts and selling over a million copies.
The song was written by Tim Nichols and Craig Wiseman and was based on family and friends who received the devastating news that they had a life-threatening illness or cancer. The lyrics tell of a man in his forties who receives the news and experiences a profound shift in perspective on how to live his life.
19. “Mama Tried” by Merle Haggard
During his lifetime, country legend Merle Haggard was known as a bit of an outlaw and he spent time in prison. But he had a tender moment with his mother during this live performance of Mama Tried, a song that touched his heart in many ways.
Despite a long history of criminal activity, Haggard was also a great singer and writer. He wrote a number of popular songs that have influenced a lot of artists in the country genre.
The song was covered by several artists and is a popular hit. The Everly Brothers’ version of “Mama Tried” is one of the most well-known versions of the song. They put a new spin on the classic, making it even more beautiful with their silky smooth vocals.
20. “The Dance” by Garth Brooks
Brooks’ “The Dance” is a powerful song that is sure to strike a chord with anyone who is experiencing heartbreak. It is a reminder that no matter how much you regret something, there is always something to be thankful for. It can be an excellent choice for a funeral or other memorial service.
While the song is a classic, it also has an interesting story behind it. It was initially rejected by major record labels. But after a show in Knoxville, Tennessee, Capitol label head Jimmy Bowen heard the crowd’s response to “The Dance,” so he decided to release it as a single.
21. “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton
The song was originally released in 1974, and it was a hit in both the US and the UK. In fact, it was Parton’s second solo number-one single on the country charts.
But there was one thing that set “I Will Always Love You” apart from other country hits of the same era: it wasn’t just about love. It was about professional relationships, as well.
22. “If Tomorrow Never Comes” by Garth Brooks
The first country love song of his career, Garth Brooks’ “If Tomorrow Never Comes” is a sentimental piece that tells the tale of a man who dreams of one day seeing his beloved again. In the lyrics, he says that he would tell her all the things that she means to him and that he would give everything he has to make it happen.
The song was co-written by Kent Blazy and was released on August 9, 1989 as the second single from Brooks’ self-titled debut album. It became his first number-one single on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and was named Favorite Country Single at the 1991 American Music Awards.
23. “The Chair” by George Strait
If there were a Mount Rushmore of country music, George Strait would be on the living side. His 100 million records sold, the most platinum/multi-platinum albums, and 60 Number One singles are all impressive stats.
But the man who has influenced country artists from Tim McGraw to Miranda Lambert (and whose most recent record was the most awarded song in country music history), is a master storyteller. His discography is stuffed with songs about failed relationships, love lost and gained, and simple pleasures.
Final Thoughts
The right song choice can make all the difference in creating a memorable and enjoyable karaoke night. With our ultimate list of the best country karaoke songs, you’ll have the perfect selection of classics to choose from that are sure to get the crowd singing along.
Whether you’re a seasoned country music fan or just looking to try something new, these songs are guaranteed to bring the twang, the emotion, and the fun to your karaoke performance.
So grab the mic, warm up your vocal cords, and get ready to impress the crowd with these timeless country hits.
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