KCRW’s Country Playlist – Courtesy of DJ Anne Litt

Written by
Anne Litt by Jeremiah Garcia

(Editor’s Note: Anne Litt was the host of our first  Country in the City concert this past Saturday and kicked things off with a DJ set).

First off, what a thrill it was to play last night ahead of my new country, psychedelic, electronic favorite, Sturgill Simpson, but also the legendary Gregg Allman!

Since my childhood days of watching Hee Haw, The Grand Ole Opry, The Glen Campbell show, I’ve loved country music.

And, by country I mean old time country, bluegrass, folk, cowboy songs – just straight up American Music.

I love the twists and turns country took through the 70’s.

I’m hardly an expert, but I know what I love and getting my set together for the Annenberg show Saturday night was not only a trip down memory lane (Bobbie Gentry, Glen Campbell, Sons of the Pioneers), but also a time to discover deeper songs from artists I’ve always loved (Willie, Hank, George, Tammy, Loretta, Patsy, Gram, Emmylou).

I also was so happy to dig into my modern favorites (Ryan Adams, Shelby Lynne, Wilco, The Jayhawks) plus that side of Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, The Byrds.

I have to confess that I’m not a giant fan of pop country. Country seems to have adopted so many pop sensibilites, that it’s kind of lost me for now.

But that’s OK, I’ve discovered new favorites and re-discovered old friends and I wanted to share them with you.

Some of my favorites below.

KCRW’s Country Playlist – by DJ Anne Litt

Link Wray – Fire & Brimstone
George Jones – White Lightning
Willie Nelson – Mr. Record Man
Bob Dylan – Lay Lady Lay
Linda Martell – Color Him Father
Patsy Cline – San Antonio Rose
The Byrds – Hickory Wind
Kris Kristofferson – Me & Bobby McGee
Bobbie Gentry – Ode To Billy Joe
Loretta Lynn – I’m A Honky Tonk Girl
Gram Parsons – Return of the Grievous Angel
Emmylou Harris – One Of These Days
Whiskeytown – 16 Days
Steve Earle (w/ Allison Moorer) – Days Aren’t Long Enough
Shelby Lynne – Revelation Road
Wilco – I Am Trying To Break Your Heart Hank Williams – Honky
Tonkin’
Sons Of The Pioneers – Cool Water
Glen Campbell – Gentle On My Mind
Tammy Wynette – Woman To Woman
The Jayhawks – Nevada California
The Rolling Stones – Sweet Virginia