Billboard's Best Sellers in Stores country chart with "Slowly." Co-written by Pierce and Tommy Hill, the song derives strength from simplicity. Thematically, its lyrics are direct when talking about love ( "Now I can't hide my feelings no matter what I do / For, slowly, I'm falling more in love with you"), and the music is sparse, with fiddle and brushed drums playing prominent roles. "Slowly," which was recorded on Nov. 29, 1953, also has the distinction of being the first Billboard country chart-topper to feature pedal steel. It came courtesy of legendary musician Bud Isaacs, who said in a Fretboard Journal interview years later he was paid $41 to perform on "Slowly." Still, his contribution to the song was immeasurable.