In the 1970s, country artists made huge strides in expanding its scope by exploring new musical styles and mainstreaming it. From traditional-leaning artists to genre-bending outlaws, these 10 singers left an indelible mark on country music history.
Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson pioneered Outlaw Country music while Loretta Lynn quickly rose to stardom. Notable figures also include:
Waylon Jennings
Progressive country was pioneered by artists such as Waylon Jennings in the Seventies. This subgenre of country music draws its influence from American folk music with other genres like rock and blues music – often taking an anti-establishment stance and singing about social injustice or rebelling against authority. The 1970s was an ideal environment for this subgenre’s development as many of these artists found an audience among young people raised on rock/country who desired more authentic sounds.
Jennings was widely recognized as the pioneer of outlaw movement in country music. A singer, songwriter, and guitarist by trade, he played bass guitar in Buddy Holly’s early 60s band before going on to co-found The Waymore Blues Band featuring Bob Dylan, Jerry Reed, Merle Haggard and others in later years. Jennings later earned membership into Grand Ole Opry and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and was an advocate for civil rights campaigns while staunchly opposing drug abuse before sadly succumbing due to complications due to complications related to diabetes complications in 2002 at age 61.
Jennings made his mark in outlaw country music during the Seventies as a pioneer of this style, recording critically-acclaimed albums that scored numerous top ten hits; co-writing hit song “Luckenbach, Texas,” appearing in films and TV shows as well as recording White Mansions featuring musicians documenting Confederate soldiers during the American Civil War; performing on The Dukes of Hazzard by writing its theme song and narrating episodes as an integral part of the show’s plotlines; among many other notable accomplishments during that era!
Jennings’ most memorable recordings feature his legendary duets with Willie Nelson. Wanted: The Outlaws was their initial breakthrough success and went on to inspire subsequent albums, featuring both comical anthems and heartbreaking ballads. Another key recording by Jennings is Lonesome On’ry and Mean which marked his fight for more artistic control over his work.
John Denver
In the 1970s, country music witnessed several artists gain prominence. Pioneers such as Waylon Jennings had an immense impact on future country musicians after his passing; more mainstream artists like Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash helped bridge the gap between country and pop music through their stories of hardship and redemption that resonated with audiences at large; their songs remain classics to this day.
John Denver was another iconic country artist of the 1970s. With an eclectic background that included singing, writing and acting roles – his songs often addressed public issues such as poverty, homelessness and war – while also acting as a humanitarian and philanthropist.
He remains popular today, having significantly shaped country music into what it is today. He was honored with being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, receiving many awards as a result, making his music an excellent selection for those interested in country music.
Born into a military family and educated at West Point, Smothers dropped out to pursue music full time; initially as part of The Smothers Brothers band before forging his solo career – an immensely popular entertainer who sold millions of records worldwide.
He wrote a book about her life as well as writing touching songs to memorialize her death at seven. His music has touched millions around the globe.
John Denver stood apart from black folk singers that influenced rock & roll by being an Everyman. His acoustic guitar and folksinger image resonated with audiences everywhere; while other folk musicians could sometimes be intimidating. While other folk musicians sometimes sang about magic and nature; John didn’t sing about voodoo priests or African witch doctors like Pat Boone did; instead his songs featured strings, studio production, and backup singers to lessen any perceived threat to listeners.
Loretta Lynn
Loretta Lynn became the first female winner of Country Music Association’s top prize, Entertainer of the Year, after rising from humble origins and marrying young at 15 to Oliver “Doolittle” Lynn a coal miner who encouraged her musical ambitions. Soon thereafter she found her distinct style: an engaging blend of twang, grit and energy; with lyrics such as those found on songs like 1968 man-scorned screed “Fist City.” These daring lyrics established Lynn as one of Music City’s leading provocateurs of that time.
Doolittle encouraged Loretta to pursue her singing dream and started appearing in local talent contests. At one televised event, Norm Burley of Zero Records noticed her and signed her shortly thereafter in February 1960. Following recording sessions in Los Angeles, they traveled around promoting “I’m a Honky Tonk Girl”, which quickly rose through the charts to land them an invitation to perform at Grand Ole Opry events.
Lynn had amassed an impressive catalog of straight-shooting hits by the time she won her inaugural CMA award in 1972, endearing herself to new generations of female country music fans. While her tumultuous personal life, including alcoholism, informed her music, her most revealing track came on 1974’s Wouldn’t It Be Great? when she discussed both painful marriage experiences as well as dealing with serious illness.
This track is an emotional rollercoaster of grief, anger, and hope; an inspiring tribute to her strength and courage while serving as an anthem of faith for those struggling with addiction. Loretta’s vocals on this record are superb allowing her to express every emotion with grace and conviction. A must-listen for any country music fan.
Dolly Parton
Country music in the 1970s was dominated by male singers, yet Dolly Parton managed to carve out her own successful career in country music. She earned multi-platinum success thanks to hits like 9 to 5, Heartbreaker and Great Balls of Fire as well as numerous albums that showcased her talent and range.
Dolly blended elements from Northern soul and girl groups into her signature twangy style to craft songs filled with spirit and unbridled freedom. Her humble beginnings (living in a one-room cabin in rural East Tennessee and singing to children on regional radio programs) informed her lyrics with an honesty few other artists could match; her first chart-topping single, 1966’s Dumb Blonde, established her as an individual who challenged stereotypes while shaping her own future.
She’s an unabashed giver who established her own foundation and works tirelessly for causes she cares about – from creating her namesake theme park and Broadway musical to supporting literacy-oriented Imagination Library programs – she has dedicated her life to making our world better.
Dolly Parton puts her vocal prowess on full display on this powerful anthem, supported by an all-star ensemble that includes Chet Atkins and Randy Travis – two guitarists known for creating some of the era’s most fiery guitar work – for this live favorite that also became part of Dolly’s 1982 album and 1994’s Trio project with Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris.
Dolly Parton’s 1989 album White Limozeen featured this powerful ballad as one of its highlights; produced by Ricky Skaggs, its lyrics tell the tale of an idealistic but financially constrained woman with big ideas who dreams of riding her own horse through the mountains of her hometown. She later recorded this classic as part of a duet with Sia for Netflix movie Dumplin’ featuring gospel choir accompaniment as a reminder of kindness’s power – this classic ballad also marked Dolly as founder of her Imagination Library which gives away free books to children living near her.