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On this day 58 years ago, one of the best country songs ever was officially released, becoming an immediate hit.
July 22 marks an important day in music history, as Elvis Costello released his first album, My Aim Is True, in 1977, while Stevie Wonder released his single If You Really Love Me in 1971. And on this day last year, legendary artist Ozzy Osbourne, lead vocalist of Black Sabbath, passed away.
But on July 22, 1968, country music legend Merle Haggard released arguably his biggest hit single called Mama Tried.
The song became the first single and title track for Haggard's album Mama Tried. It spent four weeks on top of the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles, while winning the Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1999.
Mama Tried was even selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry due to its cultural significance in 2016, just two weeks before Haggard passed away.
Mama Tried Considered a Top 10 Country Song of All Time
Not only was Mama Tried a significant point in Haggard's career, but it was also a big milestone in country music's history. In fact, the single was even listed at No. 9 on Rolling Stone's 200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time.
Quite an impressive feat for Haggard, who finds himself in the top ten of a list that features I Walk the Line by Johnny Cash at No. 2 and Jolene by Dolly Parton at No. 1.
Mama Tried did, however, beat out country classics such as Kenny Rogers' The Gambler, which placed 21st on Rolling Stone's rankings.
Related: 57 Years Ago Today: First Song From the ‘Greatest Rock Album of All Time’ Was Born
