The perfect country song, according to David Allan Coe’s hilarious classic “You Never Even Called Me By My Name,” requires that you refer to trains, trucks, prison, gettin’ drunk and – of course – mama. By those standards, none of these songs are perfect, but they’re all at least very good at paying homage to Mom as we slide into Mother’s Day.

It’s probably not the definitive list – you could argue that others, such as Merle Haggard’s “Mama’s Hungry Eyes” – belong here, but it’s good enough to give you a full-bodied picture of your mom, my mom, somebody’s mom.

In no particular order, here are 20 country songs – and one bonus title – for moms everywhere:

“Mama’s Song,” Carrie Underwood (2010) – A rolling music bed and Carrie’s own romantic storyline with hockey player Mike Fisher form the backdrop for a song that shows a mother just what a great job she’s done. She parented a daughter who picks the right kind of partner.

“The Hand That Rocks The Cradle,” Glen Campbell with Steve Wariner (1987) – “There ought to be a hall of fame for mamas.” Well, there’s not, but there is this nifty little duet built around the psychologies of birth, breast feeding and teaching life lessons.

“Mama Don’t Forget To Pray For Me,” Diamond Rio (1991) – In many families, Mom is the one who provides the strongest moral compass. In this case, she gets a phone call from her adult son, looking for advice from his best-loved guidance counselor.

“So Much Like My Dad,” George Strait (1992) – “Mom, can we talk?” George is as good at anyone at delivering a song that’s essentially a conversation set to music. In this case, it’s a mother/son chat as he tries to figure out exactly why his own household is falling apart.

“Mama Tried,” Merle Haggard (1968) – Perhaps the hardest part of the job for mothers: You can do everything right, and the kid insists on messing up anyway. In this mostly autobiographical account, the adult Merle takes responsibility for ignoring Flossie Haggard’s wisdom and ending up in prison by age 21. Continue Reading

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Josh Turner visits host Nan Kelley on the set of Top 20 Country Countdown.

The Colon Cancer Alliance announces the 3rd Annual “Stars Go Blue” benefit concert for colon cancer at the Country Music Hall of Fame this Wednesday, March 16, 2011. The event benefits the Blue Note Fund, which provides financial support for colon cancer patients in need of financial assistance.

The theme of this year’s show is “Couples in Country Music.” GAC host Storme Warren and his wife, Allison, will host the benefit, which will feature multi-platinum MCA recording artist and Grand Ole Opry member Josh Turner and his wife and band member, Jennifer, along with Grammy winning singer Linda Davis and her husband singer/songwriter, Lang Scott. Continue Reading

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Josh Turner visits host Nan Kelley on the set of Top 20 Country Countdown.

The Colon Cancer Alliance announces the 3rd Annual “Stars Go Blue” benefit concert for colon cancer at the Country Music Hall of Fame on Wednesday, March 16, 2011. The event benefits the Blue Note Fund, which provides financial support for colon cancer patients in need of financial assistance.

The theme of this year’s show is “Couples in Country Music” featuring multi-platinum MCA recording artist and Grand Ole Opry member Josh Turner and his wife and band member, Jennifer, along with Grammy winning singer Linda Davis and her husband singer/songwriter, Lang Scott. Also performing is “Stars Go Blue” creator and Grammy nominated producer/artist Charlie Kelley with his wife, GAC host Nan Kelley.

Tickets are $100.00 per person and include the intimate concert in the Ford Theater, a VIP cocktail reception, and auction after the concert. For tickets or more information, please visit www.thestarsgoblue.com. Amgen is silver sponsor for the event. Continue Reading

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Charlie Daniels trades in his cowboy boots. Photo courtesy of Webster & Associates.

Country stars are trading in their cowboy boots for army boots to show their support for our nation’s troops. George Jones, the Oak Ridge Boys, Charlie Daniels, Randy Houser, Chuck Wicks and more are taking part in the Boot Campaign, which encourages Americans to buy and wear a pair of army combat boots in support of our troops.  Inspired by retired US Navy SEAL and author of the book Lone Survivor, Marcus Luttrell, proceeds from the boot sales are donated to partner charities. Continue Reading

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GAC's Nan Kelley on the south rim of the Grand Canyon during a Top 20 Country Countdown shoot.

“If there was a Grand Canyon/She could fill it up with the lies he told her”: When Jamie O’Neal sang about one of America’s natural landmarks, she used it as a symbol for personal pain. But it forms an epic backdrop for this week’s edition of GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown as host Nan Kelley visits the park to play the nation’s biggest country videos.

The Top 20 installment was shot at the south rim of the Canyon, with its gorgeous views and scenic reminder of the nation’s natural resources. It’s all part of a good cause, too — the Nature Valley Granola Bar campaign to raise money for the conservation and restoration of the national parks.

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Miranda Lambert photo courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.

Like it or not, Valentine’s Day is almost here. We gave you our list of the Top 20 Country Love Songs – but life isn’t always moonlight and roses, is it? So after we dried our eyes and pulled ourselves together, we came up with a list of our favorite anti-love songs. Are you breaking up with your boyfriend/girlfriend? Your spouse? Your job? Did you find out your sweetheart’s been less than faithful? Whatever the heartbreak occasion, there’s usually a country song that’s a perfect fit.

By no means is this a definitive list, so please, tell us what other songs you’d add! Put your suggestions in the comments section below.

Top 20 Country Breakup Songs (in no particular order):

• “Lonely And Gone” – Montgomery Gentry
• “I’m Moving On” – Rascal Flatts
• “White Liar” – Miranda Lambert
• “I Will Always Love You” – Dolly Parton
• “The Most Beautiful Girl” – Charlie Rich
• “There Is No Arizona” – Jamie O’Neal
• “Today My World Slipped Away” – Vern Gosdin/George Strait
• “Whiskey Lullaby” – Brad Paisley & Alison Krauss
• “Kiss This” – Aaron Tippin
• “Take This Job & Shove It” – Johnny Paycheck
• “Before He Cheats” – Carrie Underwood
• “Consider Me Gone” – Reba McEntire
• “Blame It On Your Heart” – Patty Loveless
• “Unwound” – George Strait
• “You’ll Think Of Me” – Keith Urban
• “By The Time I Get To Phoenix” – Glen Campbell
• “Cheatin’” – Sara Evans
• “Goodbye Says It All” – BlackHawk
• “Should’ve Said No” – Taylor Swift
• “Brokenheartsville” – Joe Nichols

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