1956 Hit Ranked Among ‘Best Country Songs of All Time’ Became a Timeless Classic

Geca FloresSat, February 28, 2026 at 4:14 AM UTC

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Johnny Cash is more than a legend but is celebrated for being one of the 20th century's most important musicians, especially in country music.

His distinctive voice, heartfelt lyrics and steady hypnotic rhythm have without a doubt, captivated the hearts of fans and helped define the sound and soul of country music for generations to come.

Of his many timeless hits, one rose above the rest. Billboard ranked Johnny Cash’s 1956 classic “I Walk the Line” at No. 5 on its 100 Best Country Songs of All Time list, just behind George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today” (No. 4), Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again” (No. 3), Patsy Cline’s “Crazy” (No. 2) and Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” at No. 1.

As described by the publication, “I Walk the Line” appears as his love letter and a straightforward promise of faithfulness to his first wife, Vivian Liberto Cash.

“To look at ‘I Walk the Line’ merely at face value, as the solemn pledge of devotion to his first wife that a then newly married Cash intended it to be,” the article reads.

Johnny CASH, Johnny Cash performing live onstage Rob Verhorst/Redferns via Getty Im (Rob Verhorst/Redferns via Getty Im)

Featured on his debut studio album, the song's distinctive rhythm and message made it a major hit and the defining song of Johnny Cash’s career.

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At the time, it marked his first No. 1 song on the Billboard country charts, reigning at the top for six weeks and staying on the charts for over 43 weeks.

With the popularity of “I Walk the Line,” Cash’s hit song sold over 2 million copies.

Interestingly, despite the song introducing the iconic "boom-chicka-boom" rhythm, it was originally crafted as a slow emotional ballad.

However, it was Sun Records founder Sam Phillips who wanted the track to be more upbeat, asking the band to record a different version, the faster rendition that would go on to become the major hit we know today.

Besides Billboard, Rolling Stone also included Cash’s “I Walk the Line” in their rankings of “Best Country Songs,” making it second place next to Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.”

This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”