The essential '70s country playlist

Released in 1970, "Coal Miner's Daughter" is one of Loretta Lynn's most enduring tracks. It's intensely autobiographical, recalling her hardscrabble Kentucky upbringing as the daughter of a coal miner, and introduced the world to one of country music's greatest songwriters. The song was so compelling, in fact, that it was turned into a feature film that earned Sissy Spacek, the actress who portrayed Lynn, an Academy Award. 

"She's All I Got" scored Johnny Paycheck a top-five hit in 1971. His version remains the most familiar to most country fans, even though artists like Tanya Tucker and Conway Twitty recorded the song in the same decade. 

Released in 1978, "The Gambler" is undoubtedly Kenny Rogers's signature song. A #1 hit, the song was a crossover success that eventually inspired a series of western films that starred Rogers as the titular character. 

Even though it was a massive success after being released in 1970, Lynn Anderson's version almost didn't hit the airwaves because the song's writer didn't think it was fit for a woman. Fortunately, Anderson was able to persuade him to let her record the song and went on to notch #1 hits in the United States and beyond, introducing countless new fans to the world of country music. 

Talk about a song with a serious country music pedigree. "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down" was written by Kris Kristofferson, then first released in 1969 by Ray Stevens. But it was one year later when the song would find real mainstream success after Johnny Cash made it famous on his television show. 

A patriotic Haggard tune released in 1970, "The Fightin' Side of Me" was a #1 hit and remains a fan favorite, especially among folks who really identify with its "if you don't like it, leave it" mentality toward the United States. 

Arguably the most recognizable song in Charley Pride's extensive catalog of hits, "Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'" offers the kind of love advice that still rings true today. 

The suggestive lyrics from the title track of Charlie Rich's 1973 album, "Behind Closed Doors" caused a little bit of controversy upon the song's release. But that didn't stop it from immediately becoming a #1 hit and earning Rich a Grammy Award and multiple Country Music Association Awards. 

The third #1 hit in both the United States and Canada from Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn's wildly successful duo collaboration, "Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man" was also the title track of their third album together. 

Even folks who don't count themselves among Dolly Parton's seriously devoted fan base have to love "Jolene." It's one of country music's classic tracks about "the other woman," and boasts one of the genre's best melodies. 

Described by many as one of the saddest songs in country music history, 1974's "The Grand Tour" is one of those tracks that's totally open to interpretation. It's written from the perspective of a man who's experienced serious heartbreak — his wife and child are gone, and his home is now empty — but what happened to those two lost loves is anyone's guess. 

Originally written by Phil Everly of The Everly Brothers, Linda Ronstadt made "When Will I Be Loved" her own in 1975. This version was a top-ten hit for Ronstadt, and appeared on her fifth full-length album "Heart Like a Wheel." 

Arguably country's first major crossover success, there's no denying that Glen Campbell's "Rhinestone Cowboy" was a massive hit upon its release in 1975. Even though it didn't earn him a Grammy, the song absolutely cleaned up at that year's CMA Awards and ACM Awards. 

Even after decades, people still swoon over Conway Twitty's booming baritone and sultry delivery in "Hello Darlin'." It was a #1 hit that's been covered by everyone from Wanda Jackson to Scotty McCreery and was inducted into the Grammy Awards Hall of Fame in 1999 to further cement its legendary status. 

Is there a more iconic duo than Waylon and Willie? I think not. The progenitors of the '70s outlaw country scene are at their finest on "Good Hearted Woman," a song that was a crossover success on both the pop and country charts. 

Released in 1977, "Luckenbach, Texas," is a song that's all about escape. "Out in Luckenbach, Texas, there ain't nobody feelin' no pain," Jennings sings, which is the perfect salve for his romance that's gone south. 

The sister of Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle found her own success on the country charts in 1977 with "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue." 

An homage to the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma, this Don Williams classic found a whole new audience shortly after its release in 1978 when Eric Clapton recorded his own iconic version of the song.  

One of the best storytelling songs in country music history, even folks who don't consider themselves huge fans of the genre know about the deal between virtuoso fiddler Johnny and the Devil himself. Released in 1979, the song was an instant hit and even peaked at #3 on the all-genre Billboard 100. 

Written originally by Ed Bruce, "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys," appears on Jennings and Nelson's collaborative album "Waylon & Willie." The song, packed with sage advice, clearly resonated with the audience as evidenced by its success on the charts. It also earned the duo a Grammy Award in 1979 for Best Country Performance by a Group or Duo.