Country music is an American musical genre largely associated with traditional values and small-town life, yet also enjoyed in regions outside the Deep South (Shusterman 1999; Bernstein 2016).
Over time, numerous new country artists have come to Nashville hoping to break through and achieve stardom. While some succeed at doing this, others struggle.
1. Garth Brooks
Garth Brooks has made an immense mark on the music industry with his innovative neo-traditionalist music and high energy arena shows. As one of country music’s most successful artists, he has amassed sales exceeding 100 million albums worldwide.
He is a member of the Grand Ole Opry and has received many honors, such as Entertainer of the Year at both ACM and CMA Awards.
Garth, along with being an accomplished musician, is also a dedicated father and husband to Trisha Yearwood. Additionally, he remains an outspoken supporter of Nashville’s music system and professional songwriters’ rights.
Garth wrote the song, “Good Ride Cowboy”, in tribute to Chris LeDoux who died from liver cancer. This tune has become one of his signature tunes since its debut on his second album No Fences back in 1990.
2. Luke Bryan
Luke Bryan is an award-winning country music artist whose success can be attributed to the sincerity and relatability of his songs.
No matter whether he’s singing about hunting deer or drinking margaritas, his fans can connect to his songs as many have experienced similar moments themselves.
He has won several accolades for his talent and career, such as Entertainer of the Year by the Academy of Country Music. Additionally, he serves as a judge on American Idol’s rebooted version which now features Lionel Richie and Katy Perry since 2017.
Bryan is an exceptional musician, but what sets him apart from other artists in his genre is his unrivaled authenticity. As such, Bryan listens carefully to his fans and understands their needs.
3. Kenny Chesney
Kenny Chesney has become one of the most successful country music artists worldwide. With sales exceeding 30 million records worldwide and tours around the globe, Chesney remains an extremely sought-after artist in country music.
He began writing original music while studying advertising at East Tennessee State University. Soon thereafter he relocated to Nashville where he started performing in small clubs and restaurants.
In 2002, he released No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems which featured an array of arena rock, beach-influenced music and intimate ballads that achieved significant commercial success and yielded several hit singles.
Since then, Chesney has continued releasing hit songs and albums and winning numerous awards; becoming an international household name.
4. Jason Aldean
Jason Aldean hails from Macon, Georgia. Since 2005 he has been signed to Broken Bow Records and released 10 albums and 40 singles under this record label.
His music fuses country rock and pop influences such as Joe Diffie.
He boasts an impressive arsenal of guitars, including Les Paul and ESP models for creating heavy bluesy sounds and a Gibson SG reissue for signature solos.
5. Luke Combs
Luke Combs is a prominent country music artist who has achieved much success within the industry, earning multiple awards and distinctions throughout his career.
He has also served as an excellent example for young musicians looking to break into music, being humble and respectful while staying close to his roots.
As a youngster, he became keenly interested in music and began performing early. This inspired him to continue pursuing it professionally.
He eventually dropped out to focus on his musical career full-time, playing gigs around his college town and amassing an extensive fan base and social media following.
He is one of the premier country music artists in North America, boasting numerous hit singles and his recent album Growin’ Up which quickly made it to #1 on country charts and sold out football stadiums across North America.
6. Jason Aldean
Jason Aldean, one of country music’s bestselling artists, has sold more than 10 million albums and won numerous accolades including Entertainer of the Year from the Academy of Country Music.
He was born in Macon, Georgia and began playing music as soon as he could.
Years after his attempts at music were fruitless, he finally got his chance when he signed with Broken Bow Records in 2005 and released his debut album at number one on the country charts.
He has established himself by merging traditional country with rock elements. Additionally, he has earned multiple awards including three consecutive Entertainer of the Year honors from the Academy of Country Music.
7. Zac Brown Band
Zac Brown Band is a multi-platinum and Grammy Award-winning country rock group based out of Atlanta, Georgia that has sold over one million records and earned multiple platinum certifications with their popular songs like “Chicken Fried.”
Zac Brown is well known as both an accomplished musician and businessperson. He founded Southern Ground Artists (previously Home Grown), a record label which has released many top country acts.
The Zac Brown Band currently comprises eight members. These are singer Zac Brown, guitarist/keyboardist Coy Bowles, fiddle player Jimmy De Martini, fiddler Chris Fryar, drummer Chris Fryar, bassist Matt Mangano and multi-instrumentalist John Driskell Hopkins.
8. Jason Aldean
Jason Aldean has been making waves in country music since 2005 with a string of hit albums and songs that have brought him international renown.
He was born in Macon, Georgia and his parents divorced when he was three years old. Afterward, his mother cared for him during school year while summers would find him visiting his father in Florida.
Aldean quickly took to country music despite the separation of his parents, beginning his musical journey at an early age at a VFW hall in Macon and becoming a staple at local talent contests.
He has released 10 albums and 40 singles since 2008 and currently signs to Broken Bow Records. In that time he has won multiple awards for both his music and performances; with albums known for their powerful sounds and creative lyrics.
9. Zac Brown Band
Zac Brown Band is an eight-member country music ensemble known for their eclectic and varied sound. They draw influence from a broad array of artists.
Since 2002, The Band began their journey towards country music stardom. Originally consisting of bassist John Hopkins and fiddler Jimmy De Martini as core members, but since then they have added additional members as time passed.
The band has earned itself a name for their lively performances and catchy songs, winning fans with each set. Their ability to switch between festive and more melancholic numbers is remarkable; furthermore, they remain up-to-date with industry trends is remarkable.
10. Zac Brown Band
Zac Brown Band has become one of the premier country music groups since 2008, dominating their genre with their southern-influenced songs and powerful performances. Fans from across all genres have become loyal followers.
Zac Brown leads an eight-member band consisting of guitarist Coy Bowles, fiddler Jimmy De Martini, bassist John Hopkins, drummer Chris Fryar, percussionist Daniel de los Reyes and multi-instrumentalist Matt Mangano.
The band formed in 2002 with bassist John Hopkins and fiddler Jimmy De Martini as its core members, releasing its inaugural independent album Home Grown one year later. To fund their full-time touring schedule they sold their restaurant in Lake Oconee, Georgia in order to purchase a tour bus, selling off everything they owned on Lake Oconee as they went.
Country music artists male have had an immense impact on shaping the genre and inspiring future musicians. Through strong vocals, engaging live performances, and authentic storytelling; they have become iconic figures of American music history.
Shelton has built up a substantial fan base through his deep baritone voice and skillful songwriting. He served as coach on The Voice before touring with his band.
Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash was an internationally acclaimed country music icon during his lifetime. As one of the first artists to transcend traditional boundaries of country music – reaching beyond honky-tonk and folk and into pop music formats such as pop/dance – Cash also mentored younger musicians and songwriters like Kris Kristofferson (author of “Sunday Morning Coming Down”) Rodney Crowell as well as Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings through supergroup Highwaymen which he joined.
Cash’s music reflected the rich diversity and history of the American South. Additionally, he used his popularity to speak out against poverty, racism, and prison overcrowding; ultimately his political activism helped shape country music as it continued into late-twentieth-century.
As a youngster in Dyess, Arkansas, Cash lived in a resettlement colony established to aid struggling farmers. There he experienced gospel music at church as well as hearing Carter Family on local radio and the Grand Ole Opry – experiences which would shape his music as it matured with its distinctive bass-baritone voice that set it apart among peers.
Cash relocated to Memphis during the mid-1950s and joined with fellow mechanics Luther Perkins and Marshall Grant to form a minimalist band. At Sam Phillips’ auditions at Sun Records, he signed them with an auditioning double-sided single and they released several albums featuring gospel-influenced tracks like “I Want to Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart” as well as secular hits such as yodeling classic “A Boy Named Sue.” These recordings quickly propelled Cash into national recognition.
Cash managed to portray himself as an idealist despite writing songs about drug addiction, alcoholism and poverty; his success disproved the myth that country music is an expression of reactionary lower-class rural whiteness; indeed his popular protests for oppressed rights intersected with images of masculine rugged Southern “hard men.”
George Strait
George Strait remains at the top of country music’s scene nearly three decades into his career, being honored with Entertainer of the Year awards from both CMA and ACM multiple times – and debuting at number one on country albums chart with Troubadour (2008). Additionally, he’s an esteemed member of both organizations’ Country Music Halls of Fames; having opened for such artists as Blake Shelton and Dierks Bentley among many more.
George Strait was born in Poteet, Texas on May 18th 1952. At an early age he began singing, learning piano, guitar and drums before performing locally with Ace in the Hole band before moving on to Nashville to pursue professional life as a country star – where MCA Records signed him as one of their artists.
Strait’s early years as a recording artist were spent finding an equilibrium between his love of music and satisfying fans, yet still producing high-energy concerts that delighted listeners. He remains a legend of country music; his songs continue to resonate with listeners for decades to come.
George Strait stands apart from modern country artists by remaining true to traditional country music and its roots. As one of the leading forces behind its revival, his unique style has inspired generations of country musicians; his music draws upon elements from Merle Haggard, Lefty Frizzell and Perry Como with soothing crooning shadings of Bing Crosby and Perry Como for inspiration.
Strait recently spoke out about his displeasure with the current state of country music in an interview with the Country Music Association. While he appreciates younger singers for bringing fresh perspectives to genre, some trends have begun edging out traditional country music from mainstream acceptance.
Luke Bryan
Bryan is a master of his craft, with an endearing small-town charm that shines through each song he creates. His continued popularity as a stadium headliner speaks volumes of his innate talent and hard work ethic; from humble beginnings and persistence in pursuit of passion he has now become one of country music’s multi-platinum selling artists; not forgetting philanthropy work and commitment to family further cement his place as one of its most significant figures.
Luke Bryan’s lyrics capture life’s simple pleasures, from hunting big game to relaxing on a lake weekend. His music reflects his southern upbringing and how his experiences shaped his character; these influences can be found in his high-energy live performances and party anthems.
Bryan’s success lies in his ability to maintain high energy performances and connect with audiences. As one of the world’s most beloved country music artists, Bryan has amassed over 15 years of career accomplishments; winning numerous awards and nominations such as CMA Entertainer of the Year award.
Bryan has become one of the country music’s foremost figures with his signature twangy vocals and upbeat melodies that have cemented him in country music culture. He has inspired generations of artists, while remaining vibrant even as he nears 40th birthday.
Born in Leesburg, Georgia on July 17, 1976, Bryan began playing guitar as a teenager before enrolling at Georgia Southern University for college studies. Bryan made the leap to Nashville full-time to pursue his musical ambitions full-time; moving there marked a key moment in his career and underscored his ambition and drive.
His debut single “All My Friends Say,” was an instantaneous hit that successfully combined country music’s honky-tonk style with his charming persona. Since then he has released some of the genre’s most exciting and lively tracks.
No matter the occasion or place, Bryan always had something suitable to fit the mood of any listener. Notable chart-toppers include George Strait and Ronnie Milsap among his impressive list of collaborators.
Blake Shelton
Blake Shelton hails from rural Oklahoma and began playing the guitar at age twelve. Born to parents who owned used-car dealerships and beauty salons, he dedicated himself to mastering his craft by performing locally and honed his talents through local bars and talent shows, writing songs he had composed himself, selling lyrics written for musical publishing companies as a source of revenue, and selling lyrics written specifically for him to musical publishing houses – an endeavor which eventually brought him to Nashville where Giant Records offered a recording contract to him at age 24.
Shelton’s career began to flourish when he signed with a major record label and released his debut single, “Austin.” This song soon became one of country music’s biggest hits and quickly established him as an icon in this genre. For over two decades since, Shelton has remained on the charts by releasing 12 albums and singles; most recently Red River Blue showcases his versatility as an artist as it blends traditional country with more contemporary sounds that is becoming more prevalent within this genre.
Though this album features some upbeat tracks, many are slower and ballad-based. There is also a duet featuring Miranda Lambert – who also serves as Miranda’s wife! – in addition to songs with more contemporary themes.
Shelton has also won four seasons as coach on Emmy Award-winning television show The Voice as coach. Known for his playful banter with team members and commitment to finding winners from every genre, he formed an especially close bond with Cassadee Pope from whom they recorded songs together.
Shelton has always remained true to himself, remembering where he came from and remaining a country music enthusiast. Wearing cowboy boots and speaking with an authentic country accent are hallmarks of his authenticity as an artist; even after becoming an international superstar he still maintains his humble upbringing and believes anyone can become a country star.