1969 Classic Named the Greatest 'Country Rock Song' Ever Still Holds Up Today

An iconic 1969 track has been ranked as the best country rock song of all time, topping a genre that has included songs from many titans of the music industry. The Band's "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" continues to be beloved as generations born long after its release have experienced the joy of singing along with it.

Who Ranked The Band's 'The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down' as the Greatest Country Rock Song?

In July 2024, Ultimate Classic Rock published its list of the top 35 country rock songs ever released. Even though the list featured songs from many remarkable performers who shaped the genre, only one could be chosen for the top slot. That is why it is so meaningful that The Band's "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" was chosen as the absolute best that country rock has ever had to offer.

Originally released on September 22, 1969, "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" has been celebrated many other times in the decades since it was released, as a Saving Country Music article details. For example, it was included in Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time," the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll," and Time magazine's "All-Time 100 Songs" list. Recognition from heavyweights like Time, Rolling Stone, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame underscores its timeless appeal.

Ultimate Classic Rock's Full List: Top 35 Country Rock Songs:

• 35. “You’re No Good” (1974) — Linda Ronstadt
• 34. “Teach Your Children” (1970) — Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
• 33. “Mr. Bojangles” (1970) — Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
• 32. “A Song for You” (1973) — Gram Parsons
• 31. “Jackie Blue” (1974) — Ozark Mountain Daredevils
• 30. “Proud Mary” (1969) — Creedence Clearwater Revival
• 29. “She” (1973) — Gram Parsons
• 28. “Ohio” (1970) — Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
• 27. “Guitar Town” (1986) — Steve Earle
• 26. “Sweet Virginia” (1972) — The Rolling Stones
• 25. “(Don’t Go Back To) Rockville” (1984) — R.E.M.
• 24. “Me and Bobby McGee” (1971) — Janis Joplin
• 23. “Up Around the Bend” (1970) — Creedence Clearwater Revival
• 22. “Lay Lady Lay” (1969) — Bob Dylan
• 21. “Green Grass and High Tides” (1975) — Outlaws
• 20. “Call Me the Breeze” (1971) — J.J. Cale
• 19. “Up on Cripple Creek” (1969) — The Band
• 18. “Hot Burrito #1” (1969) — Flying Burrito Brothers
• 17. “Friend of the Devil” (1970) — Grateful Dead
• 16. “New Kid in Town” (1976) — Eagles
• 15. “Wild Horses” (1971) — The Rolling Stones
• 14. “Dead Flowers” (1971) — The Rolling Stones
• 13. “Already Gone” (1974) — Eagles
• 12. “Bad Moon Rising” (1969) — Creedence Clearwater Revival
• 11. “When Will I Be Loved” (1974) — Linda Ronstadt
• 10. “Midnight Rider” (1970) — The Allman Brothers Band
• 9. “Lyin’ Eyes” (1975) — Eagles
• 8. “Heart of Gold” (1972) — Neil Young
• 7. “Take It Easy” (1972) — Eagles
• 6. “Desperado” (1973) — Eagles
• 5. “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” (1968) — The Byrds
• 4. “Willin’” (1972) — Little Feat
• 3. “Heard It in a Love Song” (1977) — The Marshall Tucker Band
• 2. “The Weight” (1968) — The Band
• 1. “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” (1969) — The Band