Country music is an emotive genre that appeals to listeners from all backgrounds. Male country musicians such as Johnny Cash and George Strait have left an indelible mark on contemporary music with their distinct styles and stunning vocal performances.
Modern male singers like Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Thomas Rhett and Kacey Musgraves have broken new ground when it comes to country music. They have all made an indelible mark on this genre that will stand the test of time as classics for years to come.
George Jones
George Jones remains one of country music’s most influential singers, his influence being felt across multiple genres and contemporary artists like Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney and Brad Paisley. Over his long career he released over 900 singles with thirteen number one country hits as well as multiple CMA Awards and one Grammy win. Jones was widely revered for his signature deep baritone voice as well as prolific songwriting; many of his biggest hits such as “White Lightning” and “Seasons of My Heart” featured his original compositions!
Born in Saratoga Springs, Texas in 1931, Jones first began singing professionally in the late 1940s by appearing on local radio programs with Eddie and Pearl and performing honky-tonks in Texas. Following signing to Musicor Records in 1956 and scoring several Top Ten hits therein, Jones eventually collaborated with Jeannette Hicks as part of a duet duo which would remain dominant within country music for several years thereafter.
At this time, Jones was also writing material for other artists such as Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Dorothy Bonvillion. Jones excelled at building tension with vocal pyrotechnics; many of his classic songs often included unexpected elongated notes or warbling that surprised audiences during performances. Over his long career he charted more hits on country charts than any other artist.
After encounters with law enforcement and his divorce from Wynette, Jones found new purpose when he married Nancy Sepulvada in 1983. During this period he released more hits while recording solo albums that received critical acclaim.
Jones released a duet album with Tammy Wynette and released a popular live recording in 1986, however his fortunes took an abrupt downward spiral early in the decade when alcohol and drug addiction caused him to miss several performances and earn the nickname of No-Show Jones. Later in the decade however he began making strides back towards country music glory with the release of “He Stopped Loving Her Today”, an emotional ballad which spent seven weeks at number one on country charts.
Kenny Rogers
Kenny Rogers made an indelible mark on country music during a career spanning over six decades, selling millions of records and appearing in movies and TV shows. Known for his distinctive gravelly voice and ability to transcend into pop music genres; one of his iconic songs included “The Gambler,” which was made into a film adaptation in 1978 and remains one of the most well-known country songs ever released.
Born in Houston in 1938, Rogers struggled to establish himself in the music business despite having few resources at his disposal. Beginning with the New Christy Minstrels where he learned singing, dancing and entertaining an audience; after their breakup he continued his musical journey by signing with United Artists Records where he enjoyed early success with “Lucille”, released as a top 10 country chart hit and massive crossover success; going on to release numerous hits including his famous story of “The Gambler”.
Rogers was known as an accomplished musician, yet also had several other interests outside of music. He was an active businessman with successful ventures in real estate and restaurants; had an interest in photography – creating books of celebrity portraits; was an accomplished tennis player – holding the world ranking doubles title at one time!
Rogers never lost sight of his country music roots despite all his achievements; always striving to keep country relevant with contemporary listeners. Additionally, he was an active philanthropist supporting numerous charities and organizations throughout his long career; acting as an example and role model to younger artists alike.
Now, there are an impressive group of male country singers making waves in the industry. Ranging from traditionalists to experimentalists, these male artists are shaping the future of country music while expanding its genre or simply pushing its limits; either way they’re creating opportunities for future fans.
Garth Brooks
Garth Brooks was one of the best-selling male country singers of all time and an influential artist on a whole generation of artists with his ground-breaking work. His albums No Fences, Ropin’ the Wind and Double Live introduced new styles such as honky tonk and arena rock into mainstream country music and expanded its appeal among an increasingly diverse audience. Brooks also used his celebrity status as an opportunity to give back by performing sold-out stadium shows worldwide.
Brooks was raised in Oklahoma where he learned the guitar and piano. From an early age he gravitated toward country and pop music from artists such as George Jones, Merle Haggard, Tom Rush, Townes Van Zandt and Rita Coolidge – with whom he eventually formed bands himself.
Brooks went to Oklahoma State University on a football and track scholarship. While studying, he also pursued his musical dreams forming a band which performed locally before talent scout Merlin Littlefield discovered him at a bar and offered him a record deal.
Brooks’ debut album was an instantaneous hit in 1989 and marked his arrival as an influential country star. Two albums later, No Fences broke records while yielding hits like the blue-collar anthem “Friends in Low Places,” as well as dramatic ballads such as “The River” and “Unanswered Prayers.”
In 1991, Brooks released his inaugural live album Double Live to great acclaim, shattering attendance records at concerts while catapulting him into contemporary music’s stratosphere.
In 1997, Brooks staged his show in Central Park of New York City to an estimated audience of 250,000 and millions more tuned in via live HBO broadcast. This marked only the beginning of an incredible career that included multiple tours as well as releases of three Greatest Hits albums.
Brooks has not only provided his fans with musical entertainment, but has also given back by contributing millions to charities and humanitarian causes. These include Habitat for Humanity, United Way and Teammates for Kids – his own foundation dedicated to supporting children and their families – as well as Farm Aid and The Concert for World Children’s Day.
Luke Bryan
Luke Bryan, one of country music’s brightest 21st-century stars, started out as a farmhand and college student before becoming one of country music’s premier stadium headliners. His affable charm and optimistic outlook fuel his carefree country-rock jams; Georgia roots help connect him to his listeners, while catchy melodies and big choruses give his songs an exciting pop edge.
Bryan made his Grand Ole Opry debut in 2007 and since has amassed many awards and honors – including being nominated as Entertainer of the Year on multiple occasions. Additionally, Bryan has established himself as an advocate for rural communities by hosting his annual Farm Tour as well as helping raise money for Leesburg YMCA in Georgia.
His songwriting talent is equally outstanding, as he’s adept at turning simple themes into massive arena-rock hits – as evidenced by “I Don’t Want This Night To End”, an infectious love or lust-at-first sight anthem sure to get people moving and singing along!
Luke Bryan’s other great songs include ‘All My Friends Say,’ which captures a night out filled with honky tonk attitude and honest sentiment, as well as his upbeat tribute to humanity, “Most People Are Good”. With years of experience under his belt and being mentor to budding musicians – he provides a valuable voice of authority within music circles.
Luke not only tours, records and releases new material but is also co-host of Outdoor Channel show Buck Commander as well as owning his own restaurant in Nashville called Luke 32 Bridge Food + Drink. Luke is also an active philanthropist supporting St Jude Children’s Research Hospital as well as his hometown YMCA among many other projects – finding balance between his career demands and time with family is of utmost importance; Luke draws motivation from genuine connections with fans as well as performing.