Country music conjures images of cowboy hats and pickup trucks; but its diversity often escapes us.
Doug Sahm of Texas made history as one of the earliest country stars, his yodeling voice helping create what has since been termed country gospel music. Meanwhile, in the 1970s emerged “outlaw country”, as epitomized by Willie Nelson and others.
1. George Strait
George Strait remains true to the formula that propelled him into superstardom: country music that’s hard-core honky-tonk with western swing elements that propelled him during his 1980s reign as chart-topping artist and multiple Entertainer of the Year awards from both CMA and ACM. George is now inducted into both organizations’ Halls of Fames; during that decade he dominated charts and released albums certified platinum or higher; this followed up his 1981 debut Strait Country which contained similar sound. With respectable maturity slowly creeping in towards beginning of 90s but only relative terms: his sound matured slightly but only relative to what fans were used to hearing back then.
After joining the Army and stationing himself in Hawaii, Strait formed his first band and immersed himself in the music of Hank Williams, George Jones, Merle Haggard and Bob Wills – the pioneers of western swing. Their influence can be heard throughout his later recordings wherein he forgoing over-the-top twang and flashy fillips for subtler phrasing; his resultant style recalls Lefty Frizzell or Perry Como’s smooth vocal style.
As Nashville’s musical landscape shifted in the early ’90s, Strait continued his reign over music’s landscape. He won both ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year awards while recording more platinum and gold albums than any other artist. Additionally, his 1995 box set, Strait Out of the Box remains one of country music history’s best-selling records.
He continued his success throughout the twenty-first century with releases like Blue Clear Sky, Carrying Your Love With Me and One Step at a Time. Additionally, Strait released For the Last Time: Live from the Astrodome and Classic Christmas Wherever You Are which each hit number one on country charts; his studio albums Somewhere Down in Texas, Troubadour and Twang also enjoyed top billing status on country charts; plus numerous sold out concerts during his Cowboy Rides Away tour appearances.
2. Glen Campbell
Glen Campbell was one of the most beloved country music artists of all time, known for his hit songs in the 1960s and 70s and hosting his own television show as well as acting in some film projects. He was honored with being honored with induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Campbell died at age 81 in 2017. Born April 22nd 1936 on a family farm near Billstown and Delight, Arkansas – seventh child out of twelve– he displayed early promise as a musician. Campbell began playing guitar as soon as his father bought him a $5 Sears and Roebuck guitar, and soon found himself performing live on local radio shows. Although nearly drowning as a toddler in Little Missouri River; when his lips went blue from being revived by brother; Campbell always believed that God saved him through some divine intervention.
Campbell began touring nationally with his uncle’s Western swing band during the 1960s. He quickly rose to become one of network television’s most sought-after variety stars, appearing on shows such as The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and Donny & Marie; also, making television movies, as well as hosting his own syndicated series called “The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour”.
Campbell’s turbulent relationship with singer Tanya Tucker in the 1970s garnered significant media coverage, as did his drug abuse. Publicly overcoming these issues was key in helping Campbell overcome them; and in 1994, he published an open autobiography entitled Rhinestone Cowboy.
Campbell amassed sales of over 100 million records worldwide by the time of his retirement in 2007. He earned numerous hit singles such as “Rhinestone Cowboy” and “Southern Nights”, many of which have become beloved classics of country music.
Campbell continued performing after retiring, appearing on television and recording an album of cover songs. He even played bass and sang harmony vocals on Brian Wilson’s Beach Boys Pet Sounds record (filling in for him temporarily). Campbell made a successful comeback during the 1980s, releasing several hit albums.
3. Guy Clark
Guy Clark made waves outside of mainstream country by carving his own path as an independent Texas troubadour. Starting to write songs at six, he signed his first writer’s deal at nine and ultimately secured a publishing deal at 16.
After moving to Nashville with Susanna Clark in 1971, he quickly established himself at the heart of a community of like-minded songwriters that included Rodney Crowell, Rosanne Cash, Emmylou Harris and Townes Van Zandt. His second album The South Coast of Texas showcased various styles ranging from folk to Western swing and bluegrass music – both his solo recordings “Boats to Build” and “The Partner Nobody Chose” reached chart status; but it was Jimmy Buffett’s cover of “She’s Crazy for Leavin” that cemented its place within this musical milieu.
Sam Hunt stands out on this list due to his cross-genre crossover career and signature song, “Hooked On A Feeling.” In addition, he’s become one of the top selling singers with over 10 million albums sold.
Laci Kaye Booth first made headlines for her run on American Idol; however, in 2021 was when her storyteller-esque talent really came into its own with her full-length album, Stack of Records. This showcased both her singing and songwriting abilities to their full potential.
Zach Bryan is best-known in country music circles for his hit single, “Sunny Side Up,” although his musical repertoire includes gospel and hip-hop influences. Set to release his debut album Uncommon Danger in 2022, the country-pop fusionist stands poised for breakout success with its current radio single, “Beer Up,” as an example of crossover appeal which has helped amass millions of on-demand streams and amassed an ever-growing fan base – it features upbeat energy coupled with infectious chorus – making this surefire summer radio smash! For even more great country artists check out our Top 50 Country Stars All Time list!
4. Martina McBride
Martina McBride stands out as an artist capable of both traditional and contemporary country music styles, delighting fans with her stunning soprano vocals and country grit. Thanks to these qualities, McBride continues to find success on charts well into the 21st century.
McBride began singing in her father’s band, The Schiffters. By her teenage years she took on the lead role. Following graduation from high school she attended college for one semester before realizing music was her true calling. Following a brief stint singing rock bands she moved to Nashville and met sound engineer John McBride who helped her send out demo tapes to talent scouts at RCA Records.
McBride initially gained fame as a neo-traditionalist who recorded country-pop crossover songs that found great favour with both fans of country music and non-fans alike. Over time, however, she became increasingly focused on traditional country material instead of pop tunes; during the late Nineties and Tenities she enjoyed several major hits both on country charts as well as adult contemporary charts.
McBride’s success has inspired a new generation of female country stars, such as Kacey Musgraves and Maren Morris. More recently, she has focused on charity work and creating her podcast; in addition, she appeared as a guest artist on NBC competition Songland.
Dwight Yoakam successfully bridged the divide between country music and rock fans; more recent country artists have turned their focus toward crossing over into pop music to reach a wider audience and have succeeded in creating numerous hits that have found wide appeal on country charts, many reaching both top positions of both charts simultaneously.
Brandon Breland may be the latest artist to join this trend, and his 2021 debut album Stack of Records showcases his musical identity to listeners. Although influenced by pop music, Brandon’s vocal style retains strong country influences – often exploring topics of faith and family.