“A Far Cry From You” Single (1985)
Smith’s final chart appearance to date came with this song written by Steve Earle. The bluegrass-flavored single proved that Smith still belonged atop the list of all-time great vocalists.
“Ribbon of Darkness” From ‘Connie’s Country’ (1969)
Back when pretty much every country album included multiple cover songs, it was easy to judge how singers handled material sung by their peers. For instance, Smith’s take on this Gordon Lightfoot composition stacks up well against versions by Marty Robbins and Crystal Gayle.
“I Never Once Stopped Loving You” From ‘I Never Once Stopped Loving You’ (1970)
As Smith’s career entered a new decade, her sound became even more of a throwback. This statement was true of both her growing gospel catalog and her secular singles, including this galloping ode to the 1950s.
“Ain’t Had No Lovin’” From ‘Born to Sing’ (1966)
When Smith joined the pop-friendly, strings-adorned mainstream party, she further cemented herself as one of the best singers to hit Nashville in years. “Ain’t Had No Lovin'” was written by Dallas Frazier, the singer and songwriter known for the future Oak Ridge Boys hit “Elvira” and the Southern gospel standard “The Baptism of Jesse Taylor.”
“Once a Day” From ‘Connie Smith’ (1965)
Even back then, some country music fans craved older sounds over pop-friendly radio hits. A rare vocal performance on par with Patsy Cline herself and a signature example of Weldon Myrick’s pedal steel sound disrupted the Nashville Sound’s ownership of the charts.
What’s Your Favorite Connie Smith Song?
Smith fans, share your picks for her very best songs in the comments section below!
