Good morning and welcome to the 98 Country Classic Show on this first Sunday in the New Year.  We’re on air at 98.1 FM, online at 98country.com and on your mobile device.

Today we’re going to offer five of the most requested songs from the radio show to enjoy after the broadcast. Call it an online bonus.

Today we’re featuring John Anderson, Bellamy Brothers, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Loretta Lynn and Mel Tillis.

 


 

John Anderson – “Wild and Blue” -- 1982

 

 

Around the time of this great country hit by John Anderson, the world is shocked by the death of Princess Grace, 52, who dies of injuries when her car plunges off a mountain road on September 14, 1982.  Anderson’s, “Wild and Blue” is written by John Sherrill.  It is released in September from the album of the same name.  The single goes to number one for two weeks.  It spends a total of eleven weeks on the country chart. 

Way across town a phone rings off the wall, if you know he ain’t home why do you keep calling.

 


 

Bellamy Brothers – “Redneck Girl” -- 1982

 

 

Before the release of “Redneck Girl,” John W. Hinckley Jr. is found "not guilty" because of insanity in the shooting of President Reagan in June 1982.  “Redneck Girl” is written by David Bellamy and recorded by the duo.  It is released in September of 1982 on the album ‘Strong Weakness.’  The single goes to number one on the country chart.

Redneck girl likes to cruise in daddy’s pickup truck and a redneck girl plays hard when she’s down on luck.

 


 

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band – “Fishin’ in the Dark” -- 1987

 

 

“Fishin’ in the Dark” is written by Wendy Waldman and Jim Photoglo and recorded by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.  Released in June of 1987 from the album "Hold On," the song goes to number one. In the fall of 1987 the Minnesota Twins beat the St. Louis Cardinals 4 to 3 in the World Series.

Lazy yellow moon comin’ up to night, shinin’ thru the trees, crickets are singin’ and lighting bugs are floatin’ on the breeze. 

 


 

Loretta Lynn – “Coal Miner’s Daughter” -- 1970

 

 

“Coal Miner’s Daughter” is an autobiographical 1969 country song written and performed by Loretta Lynn.  Released May 10, 1970, the song becomes Lynn’s signature song.  In 2010 the Library of Congress puts “Coal Miner’s Daughter” on the national recording registry.  May 4th, four students at Kent State University in Ohio are slain by National Guardsmen at a demonstration protesting incursion into Cambodia.

Well I was born a coal miner’s daughter, in a cabin on a hill in Butcher Holler.

 


 

Mel Tillis – “Coca-Cola Cowboy” -- 1979

 

 

This song is written by Steve Dorff, Sandy Pinkard, Sam Atchley and Bud Dain, recorded by Mel Tillis.  It is released in June of 1979 from the album "Mr. Entertainer."  The song is featured in the film, "Every Which Way but Loose" starring Clint Eastwood.  The song goes to number one on the country chart for eleven weeks.  In the news, John Wayne, Arthur Fiedler and Nelson Rockefeller all die around that time.

I called collect on the phone, you say you’re tired and alone, but it sounds like someone else is lying there.

 


 

Remember we always take your requests at 320-252-9897

 

 

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