3 Forgotten Country Gems from the ’60s That Deserve to Be Heard Again

The 1960s were a turning point for country music. The decade carried the weight of tradition while welcoming a wave of fresh ideas, shaping a sound that pushed beyond the honky-tonk bars and small-town stages where the genre had long thrived. It was a time when country began to branch out, balancing its rural storytelling roots with new rhythms and themes that appealed to a wider audience.

Amid the rise of legends who defined the era, a quieter story unfolded. Not every song that captured hearts in its time managed to stick around in the cultural memory. Some tracks, once embraced by radio and local fans, slipped through the cracks as the spotlight focused on bigger names and enduring hits.

Yet these overlooked tunes still carry the soul of the era. They remind us that history is more than just its headline acts—it’s also in the hidden gems that faded too soon. Looking back, a few of these songs deserve to be rediscovered, celebrated, and played again as a part of country’s rich and complicated story.

Glen Campbell – “Try A Little Kindness”

When Glen Campbell released “Try A Little Kindness” in 1969, it quickly proved itself to be more than just another country single. Its upbeat melody and heartfelt lyrics turned it into a cross-genre hit, landing on the country, pop, and all-genre charts. Written by Curt Sapaugh and Bobby Austin, the track became the title song of Campbell’s thirteenth studio album and carried with it a timeless message.

The lyrics call on listeners to embrace compassion in a world that often feels divided. With lines like, “You’ve got to try a little kindness / Yes, show a little kindness / Just shine your light for everyone to see,” the song feels as relevant today as it did more than half a century ago. Its hopeful reminder to rise above negativity continues to resonate in an era when kindness is still in short supply.

Although remembered by Campbell’s fans, “Try A Little Kindness” often gets overshadowed by his other major hits. The fact that artists like Wanda Jackson and Foster & Allen covered it shows its lingering influence, but it deserves a place back in the spotlight. Few songs from the era carry a message as universally uplifting, making it a gem worth revisiting.

Loretta Lynn – “Before I’m Over You”

Loretta Lynn’s early career was filled with songs that solidified her as one of country’s most powerful voices, but not all of them have gotten the recognition they deserve. “Before I’m Over You,” released in 1964, is one of those tracks. Written by Betty Sue Perry, it became the title track of Lynn’s sophomore album, which also included cuts like “Singing The Blues” and “Wine, Women And Song.”

The song captures the raw devastation of heartbreak with unflinching honesty. Lyrics such as “I just can’t get it through my head you love another now instead / Can’t make myself believe we’re really through” highlight Lynn’s ability to turn personal pain into something universal. This song exemplifies her strength as a storyteller, connecting broken hearts across generations.

Like many country songs centered on heartbreak, “Before I’m Over You” never loses its relevance. While it may not be as frequently mentioned as Lynn’s more famous works, it deserves to be heard alongside them. Its emotional weight and unpolished vulnerability stand as a reminder of Lynn’s unique artistry in a crowded decade of talent.

Patsy Cline – “She’s Got You”

Patsy Cline’s voice remains one of the most recognizable in country music history, but some of her best songs aren’t the ones most often mentioned. “She’s Got You,” written by Hank Cochran, was released in 1962 and went on to become her final No. 1 single before her life was tragically cut short in a plane crash the following year.

The song’s heartbreaking narrative hinges on the contrast between possessions and love lost. Cline sings, “I’ve got the records / That we used to share / And they still sound the same / As when you were here / The only thing different / The only thing new / I’ve got the records / She’s got you.” It’s a perfect showcase of her ability to make simple words carry enormous emotional depth.

Though “Crazy” and “I Fall to Pieces” have cemented their place in history, “She’s Got You” deserves just as much attention. Its haunting lyrics and Cline’s unmatched delivery create a timeless recording that still cuts deep today. For fans who think they already know Cline’s catalog, this gem is a reminder of the treasures tucked just beyond her most famous hits.