“I Loved ’Em Every One” is a polished slice of early 1980s country-pop, performed by T.G. Sheppard at the peak of his commercial success. Written by Oklahoma native Phil Sampson, the song was released in March 1981 as the lead single from I Love ’Em All, a Warner Bros./Curb Records album that leaned into romantic storytelling and radio-friendly production.
Produced by Buddy Killen—renowned for his ability to fuse country grit with pop gloss—the track reflects the Urban Cowboy-era sound that was dominating Nashville at the time. With Sheppard’s velvety baritone at the center, the arrangement straddles honky-tonk sentiment and crossover charm, making it a perfect fit for both country playlists and pop-leaning airwaves.
Lyrically, the song offers a playful yet nostalgic reflection on a lifetime of love affairs. The narrator remembers each relationship fondly, claiming he “loved ’em every one”—a line that walks the line between swagger and sentiment. Rather than dwelling in regret, it celebrates romantic memories with a mature, knowing grin, supported by a catchy chorus and mid-tempo groove. It’s country storytelling dressed in nightclub attire—sophisticated, catchy, and a little cheeky.
The single became a massive hit. In May 1981, it climbed to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart—Sheppard’s seventh chart-topper—and spent ten weeks in the country Top 40. It also found success in Canada, charting on RPM’s country survey. Most notably, it crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100, where it reached No. 37—marking Sheppard’s only Top 40 pop appearance and highlighting the song’s broad appeal beyond the country genre.
Its success helped propel the full I Love ’Em All album, which followed later that year. The follow-up single, “Party Time,” also reached No. 1 on the country charts, giving Sheppard back-to-back hits and solidifying the album as one of his most iconic. Positioned as the emotional and thematic centerpiece of the record, “I Loved ’Em Every One” set the tone for an album built on nightlife, romance, and grown-up escapism.
The track also exemplifies why T.G. Sheppard was such a dominant force in early ’80s country music. He bridged the gap between traditional and modern, with arrangements that balanced steel guitar and twang with lush production, melodic hooks, and a pop-influenced rhythm section. “I Loved ’Em Every One” is a prime example of that blend—a song equally at home on a honky-tonk jukebox or a Top 40 radio playlist.
Today, the song remains a standout in Sheppard’s catalog and a staple on classic country stations. Its crossover success introduced him to a wider audience, while its timeless theme—romance remembered without regret—keeps it resonant for listeners of all ages. As a musical snapshot of a specific moment in country-pop history, it’s as catchy and confident as ever.
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Lyrics
I’ve known some painted ladies that sparkled in the light
Country girls that loved the lovers moon
Some I never really knew, though I always wanted to
Some I only met once in a room
Some said they liked my smile, others of ’em stayed a while
While others left me on the run
This is the only way, only way I have to say
I loved ’em every one
Big, little or short or tall, wish I could’ve kept them all
I loved ’em every one
Like to thank ’em for their charms, holdin’ me in their arms
And I hope they had some fun
Here’s to the ladies in saloons and living rooms
Summer nights that lasted until dawn
Here’s to the memories, everyone’s a part of me
Oh, I loved ’em every one
Big, little or short or tall, wish I could’ve kept them all
I loved ’em every one
Like to thank ’em for their charms, holdin’ me in their arms
And I hope they had some fun
Big, little or short or tall, wish I could’ve kept them all
I loved ’em every one
Like to thank ’em for their charms, holdin’ me in their arms
And I hope they had some fun