The Ultimate Honky Tonk Playlist: 17 Songs With โ€œHonky Tonkโ€ In The Title

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Trace Adkins, George Strait, Brooks & Dunn / YouTube

Country music has long celebrated the honky tonk lifestyle, painting vivid pictures of heartbreak, camaraderie, and the simple joys of life through its lyrics.

Over the years, several songs have not only embraced this theme but have also proudly included โ€œHonky Tonkโ€ in their titles, becoming anthems of the genre.

Whether youโ€™re looking for the soundtrack to your next night out or in search of a classic tune that truly captures the essence of a honky tonk life, these โ€œHonky Tonkโ€ songs are a great place to start!

โ€œHonky Tonk Bluesโ€ by Al Dexter (1936)

Al Dexterโ€™s โ€œHonky Tonk Bluesโ€ is often hailed as the first country song to incorporate โ€œhonky-tonkโ€ in its title, marking a significant moment in the genreโ€™s history. This track laid the groundwork for countless others, celebrating the raw, unfiltered side of life that honky tonks represent.

Al Dexter   Honky Tonk Blues

โ€œHonky Tonk Bluesโ€ by Hank Williams (1952)

Hank Williamsโ€™ โ€œHonky Tonk Bluesโ€ is a cornerstone of country music, encapsulating the essence of the honky-tonk experience with its soulful lyrics and melody. This track is a timeless testament to Williamsโ€™ legendary status and his ability to convey the highs and lows of life through music.

Honky Tonk Blues (Live At The Grand Ole Opry/1952)

โ€œHonky Tonk Manโ€ by Johnny Horton (1956)

Johnny Hortonโ€™s โ€œHonky Tonk Manโ€ is an irresistible call to the wild side, perfectly capturing the allure of honky-tonk nightlife. Its infectious rhythm and relatable lyrics have made it a staple in the country music world.

Honky-Tonk Man

โ€œHonky Tonkโ€ by Bill Doggett (1956)

Bill Doggettโ€™s instrumental โ€œHonky Tonkโ€ is a nod to the genreโ€™s roots, with its bluesy groove laying the foundation for what would become a honky-tonk standard.

Bill Doggett - Honky Tonk (Part 1 & 2)

โ€œHonky Tonk Songโ€ by Webb Pierce (1957)

Webb Pierceโ€™s โ€œHonky Tonk Songโ€ is a classic narrative that dives deep into the honky-tonk lifestyle, with its ups and downs, set against the backdrop of Pierceโ€™s iconic honky-tonk sound.

Honky Tonk Song , Webb Pierce , 1957

โ€œHonky Tonk Heroesโ€ by Waylon Jennings (1973)

Waylon Jenningsโ€™ โ€œHonky Tonk Heroesโ€ is more than just a song; itโ€™s an anthem for the underdog, the โ€œlovable losers and no-account boozersโ€ who find solace in the dim lights of a honky-tonk. Written with the help of Billy Joe Shaver, this track helped usher in the Outlaw Country movement, celebrating the raw, gritty side of life.

Honky Tonk Heroes

โ€œHonky Tonk Crazyโ€ by George Strait (1982)

A classic gem from George Strait, โ€œHonky Tonk Crazyโ€ showcases his ability to capture the essence of the honky-tonk experience, with tales of love, loss, and the healing power of a good country song.

Honky Tonk Crazy

โ€œHonky Tonk Manโ€ Covered by Dwight Yoakam (1986)

Johnny Hortonโ€™s โ€œHonky Tonk Manโ€ is an upbeat anthem that celebrates the honky-tonk lifestyle with enthusiasm. Dwight Yoakamโ€™s 1986 cover brought this classic to a new generation, infusing it with his signature hillbilly rock flair and ensuring its place on jukeboxes across America.

Dwight Yoakam - Honky Tonk Man (Official Video)

โ€œHonky Tonk Attitudeโ€ by Joe Diffie (1993)

Joe Diffieโ€™s โ€œHonky Tonk Attitudeโ€ captures the carefree spirit and camaraderie of honky-tonk nights, encouraging listeners to let loose and enjoy the moment.

Joe Diffie - Honky Tonk Attitude (Official Music Video)

โ€œLittle Miss Honky Tonkโ€ by Brooks and Dunn (1994)

Brooks and Dunnโ€™s โ€œLittle Miss Honky Tonkโ€ is an upbeat track that celebrates the charismatic women who light up the dance floors, with the duoโ€™s signature energy making it irresistible.

Brooks & Dunn - Little Miss Honky Tonk

โ€œHonky Tonk Songโ€ by George Jones (1996)

George Jones, a legend in the country music scene, added his own contribution with โ€œHonky Tonk Song.โ€ This track narrates a tale filled with classic honky-tonk elements: heartbreak, drinking, and a night that spirals out of control, embodying the spirit of the genre.

George Jones - Honky Tonk Song

โ€œHonky Tonk Badonkadonkโ€ by Trace Adkins (2005)

Trace Adkinsโ€™ โ€œHonky Tonk Badonkadonkโ€ blends country with a hint of rock, creating a playful ode to the dance floor allure found in honky-tonks nationwide. Its catchy chorus and memorable lines have made it a party favorite.

Honky Tonk Badonkadonk

โ€œHonky Tonk Highwayโ€ by Luke Combs (2017)

Luke Combsโ€™ โ€œHonky Tonk Highwayโ€ is a rollicking road anthem that captures the spirit of country musicโ€™s enduring love affair with the open road and the promise of a good time at every stop along the way.

Luke Combs - Honky Tonk Highway (Audio)

โ€œEvery Little Honky Tonk Barโ€ by George Strait (2019)

George Strait, the undisputed โ€œKing of Country,โ€ pays homage to the timeless appeal of honky-tonks with โ€œEvery Little Honky Tonk Bar.โ€ Straitโ€™s smooth vocals and traditional instrumentation remind us why these establishments remain central to country musicโ€™s heart.

George Strait - Every Little Honky Tonk Bar (Official Music Video)

โ€œDown to the Honky Tonkโ€ by Jake Owen (2019)

Jake Owenโ€™s โ€œDown to the Honky Tonkโ€ is a fun, lighthearted anthem that invites listeners on a journey to the heart of country musicโ€™s most beloved venues.

Jake Owen - Down To The Honkytonk LIVE on SiriusXM The Highway

โ€œYou in a Honky Tonkโ€ by Randall King (2022)

Randall King brings a fresh, authentic voice to the scene with โ€œYou in a Honky Tonk.โ€ His traditional approach and heartfelt storytelling reflect the enduring themes that have always found a home within the walls of a honky-tonk.

Randall King - You In A Honky Tonk (Official Music Video)

โ€œHeartbreak Honky Tonkโ€ by Justin Holmes (2023)

Fast-rising country star Justin Holmes unleashed this new honky tonk anthem just this year. Following the triumph of his debut studio single, Holmes has introduced his latest work, โ€œHeartbreak Honky Tonk,โ€ under the banner of Country Rebel Records. This song emerges as a heartfelt nod to the โ€™90s, capturing a piece that resonates with anyone who has ever found solace in the neon glow of a honky-tonk bar.

Justin Holmes - Heartbreak Honky Tonk (Official Video)

These songs, each with โ€œHonky Tonkโ€ in their title, offer a diverse look at how this theme has been interpreted and celebrated across generations of country music, from classic ballads to modern anthems that continue to resonate with fans worldwide.

So, next time you find yourself in a honky tonk or just dreaming of one, cue up this playlist and let the classic tunes transport you to a world where the music is heartfelt, the drinks are strong, and the stories are real!

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About the Author

Manly Bryant

Throughout his over a decade-long career at Country Rebel, Manly Bryant has written thousands of articles, managed countless social media posts, connected with many country music stars in person, and documented many of the most iconic moments in country music history. Whether heโ€™s covering a sold-out stadium show or spotlighting an up-and-coming artist, Manly bringsโ€ฆ

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