1971 Hit, Originally a Classic Country Anthem, Was a No. 1 Hit 55 Years Ago Today
In 1971, Ray Price delivered yet another hit song that is now considered a classic country anthem.
After 55 years, "I Won't Mention It Again" not only became a "Nashville Sound" for its chart-stopping success but a staple of American country music.
Written by notable songwriters Carolyn Jean Yates and Cam Mullins, with the latter collaborating with Price for his multiple hit tracks, the duo created a masterpiece that sparked a career-defining moment for the musician.
After the 1970 hit "For the Good Times," Price continued his streak of commercial success after releasing "I Won't Mention It Again" as the lead single from his 17th studio album of the same name.
At that time, the track climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, securing the top spot for three consecutive weeks, making it his sixth chart-topping single in the same category.
In addition, Price's song became a hit across mainstream charts, even peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard Easy Listening, also known as the Adult Contemporary chart and No. 42 on the overall Billboard Hot 100.
"I Won't Mention It Again" helped propel the whole album's success, driving more listeners to purchase the album and making it No. 1 on the Country Albums chart for 15 weeks.
While the single brought Price musical success, the song was a major shift from his signature sound.
Marking a stylistic change from his previous upbeat honky-tonk style, "I Won't Mention It Again" exudes a more orchestral and emotional sound, similar to "For the Good Times."
Before his death in 2013 at the age of 87, he revealed that performing love songs, especially emotional ballads, was the genre he enjoyed the most.
"I enjoy just a good love song, not a drinking song a love song!" the singer shared as cited by Country Stars Central, adding , "I don't know what the word would be, forte or what but that's what I specialize in because I'm a ballad singer. I love great love songs because I believe as long as two people are in love in this world, a great love song comes in handy!"
Beyond the recognition, Price's 1971 hit track has seen a slew of striking revivals from fellow country icons, including Reba McEntire, who performed a modern country-pop version for her 20th studio album Starting Over.
Grammy-winning singer and also known as "Rose Garden" superstar Lynn Anderson also did a string-heavy rendition for her 1972 studio album Cry.
Related: 1956 Hit Ranked Among ‘Best Country Songs of All Time' Became a Timeless Classic
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This story was originally published May 16, 2026 at 10:50 PM.