Charlie Rich was an American country music singer, songwriter, and musician who was active from the mid-1950s to the late 1980s. He was known for his distinctive baritone voice and his ability to blend elements of country, rock, blues, and gospel music into his songs. Rich had a string of hits in the 1970s, including “The Most Beautiful Girl,” “Behind Closed Doors,” and “Rollin’ With the Flow.” His music often explored themes of heartbreak, love, and relationships, and he was known for his emotive and soulful performances.
Despite his success, Rich struggled with alcoholism and personal demons throughout his career. He was also a controversial figure in the music industry, particularly after his infamous outburst at the 1975 Country Music Association Awards, where he set fire to the envelope containing the winner of the Entertainer of the Year award. Despite this incident, Rich’s legacy as a pioneering figure in country music remains strong, and he is regarded as one of the genre’s most influential artists.
1. She Called Me Baby (1974)
“She Called Me Baby” is a song by Charlie Rich, released in 1974. The song was written by Harlan Howard and originally recorded by the country music singer-songwriter Carl Smith in 1965. Rich’s version of the song became a hit, reaching number 15 on the US country chart and crossing over to the pop chart at number 92. The song features Rich’s smooth, soulful voice backed by a lush arrangement of strings and horns. It tells the story of a man who is still in love with a woman who has left him, and the emotional toll it takes on him to hear her voice on the phone.
2. I Don’t See Me in Your Eyes Anymore (1965)
“I Don’t See Me in Your Eyes Anymore” is a heartbreakingly beautiful ballad written by Bennie Benjamin and George Weiss and recorded by Charlie Rich in 1965. The song is a lament of a man whose lover’s affections have faded, and he can no longer see himself reflected in her eyes. The somber melody is perfectly complemented by Rich’s soulful vocals, conveying a sense of vulnerability and pain. The song’s emotional depth and sincerity have made it a timeless classic and a staple in country music. It’s a poignant reminder of the pain of lost love and the longing for what once was.
3. Every Time You Touch Me (1975)
“Every Time You Touch Me” is a soulful country ballad by American singer-songwriter Charlie Rich, released in 1975. The song features Rich’s distinctively smooth and emotional vocals backed by a lush, orchestral arrangement. The lyrics express the intense feelings of passion and love evoked by the simple touch of a loved one. The song’s powerful chorus builds to a crescendo, with Rich proclaiming “Every time you touch me, I get high!” The combination of Rich’s soulful delivery and the song’s romantic sentiment make it a standout in his catalog and a beloved classic of the country genre.
4. I Love My Friend (1974)
“I Love My Friend” is a heartbreaking country ballad written and performed by Charlie Rich, released in 1974. The song tells the story of a man who has been in love with his friend for years but never had the courage to confess his feelings until she is getting married to someone else. The lyrics are poignant, and Rich’s soulful voice captures the pain and longing in every word. The melancholy melody is accompanied by a simple piano and guitar arrangement, allowing the emotion of the lyrics to shine through. “I Love My Friend” is a classic country song that stands the test of time.
5. On My Knees (1978)
“On My Knees” is a soulful ballad by Charlie Rich, released in 1978. The song features Rich’s signature country crooning style over a subdued piano melody and gentle drumbeat. The lyrics express the pain and desperation of unrequited love as Rich pleads with his lover to take him back, admitting his mistakes and expressing his willingness to do whatever it takes to make things right. The emotional depth and sincerity of Rich’s delivery make this song a standout among his many hits, showcasing his ability to infuse country music with raw emotion and soulful authenticity.
6. Rollin’ With the Flow (1977)
“Rollin’ With the Flow” is a country-pop hit song by Charlie Rich, released in 1977. The song features a distinctive piano riff and a catchy chorus, and it is characterized by its upbeat tempo and driving rhythm. The lyrics describe a man who is not concerned with conforming to societal norms or expectations, but rather follows his own path and rolls with the flow of life. The song became a crossover success, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and also charting on the Billboard Hot 100. It remains a popular classic in the country music genre.
7. There Won’t Be Anymore (1974)
“There Won’t Be Anymore” is a heartbreaking ballad by Charlie Rich released in 1974. The song is about a man who has lost his love, and is resigned to living the rest of his life alone. Rich’s soulful and emotional delivery, along with the beautiful piano melody, make for a powerful and poignant listening experience. The lyrics are simple yet deeply affecting, as Rich sings about the pain of losing someone he loves and the inevitability of having to move on. “There Won’t Be Anymore” is a standout track in Rich’s discography and remains a beloved classic to this day.
8. A Very Special Love Song (1974)
“A Very Special Love Song” is a 1974 hit single by country music artist Charlie Rich. The song tells the story of a love that is so special that it cannot be captured in words, and it features Rich’s soulful, emotive vocals backed by a lush orchestral arrangement. The song’s lyrics describe the beauty of love and its ability to bring people together, and Rich’s delivery adds a sense of sincerity and authenticity to the message. “A Very Special Love Song” was a major commercial success, reaching #1 on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and becoming one of Rich’s signature songs.
9. The Most Beautiful Girl (1974)
“The Most Beautiful Girl” is a classic country pop song by Charlie Rich released in 1973. It is a romantic ballad with a simple melody and a catchy chorus, and it tells the story of a man who is in love with the most beautiful girl in the world. The song features Rich’s smooth vocals and a lush arrangement with strings and piano. It became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100, the country chart, and the adult contemporary chart, and it remains one of Rich’s most beloved and popular songs.
10. Behind Closed Doors (1973)
“Behind Closed Doors” is a classic country soul ballad by Charlie Rich released in 1973. The song was a massive commercial success, reaching #1 on the US country charts and crossing over to the pop charts. The slow, intimate ballad features Rich’s smooth vocals and a lush orchestration of strings and horns, creating a romantic and sensual atmosphere. The lyrics suggest that true love can only be found behind closed doors, away from the pressures and expectations of the outside world. “Behind Closed Doors” remains one of Charlie Rich’s most enduring and beloved songs, and a staple of country music.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
