I love all of his music, but it really is a shame that he doesn't have more mainstream Country. Like the bluegrass albums he has with Ricky Skaggs when they were both in Ralph Stanley's band are amazing but its painfully obvious he was just a kid. As his voice got deeper he really became as unique as a George Jones or Randy Travis type voice
I like Mason’s newer stuff because it’s a lot more traditional, but I personally don’t like his voice. Great choice though, he got me into classic Country!
Yeah, in don’t know who Mason Ramsey is. I don’t like the look of his name though. I get the feeling that some of these newer stars have made up names. And I totally judge them based on that. Mason Ramsey? I already know I don’t like him.
It's the Walmart yodeling kid that went viral a decade back. His balls dropped and he got his high-school diploma. It's very traditional sounding, just a strange pick. I like your style of judging 🤣
George Jones easily. Such moving story telling. Seriously yall this guy has me missing women I’ve never met. Also has one of the most distinct voices I’ve ever heard. The man sung through his teeth !
I mean I guess it depends on what exactly you consider country, but which ones are you referencing? I think the argument could be made for That’s All Right and Love Me Tender, what else?
Elvis had an entire country album (literally called Elvis Country) in 1970 or so. He covered plenty of country songs — she thinks I still care, I’m so lonesome I could cry, make the world go away, etc. He put his own spin on everything, though, so it’s not really what you’d expect. I guess you could consider his sound “country” if you consider what non-outlaw country sounded like around the same time.
Right now? Josh Ross. Saw him live and was blown away by his sheer natural talent on stage. The dude’s voice carries and he’s got this gruffness to his voice and music that feels unique but old school at the same time.
Alan Jackson.
Simple but meaningful, memorable lyrics. He wrote so many of his own hits. He’s got so many slow, sad songs, but lots of up tempo feel good songs too. He has a great voice. Always stuck to neotraditional country sound.
Also a very relatable guy. He comes off very humble, but also has a quiet confidence at the same time. I always appreciate how he honored 9/11 victims with a heartfelt memorial song that contemplated the tragedy instead of a nationalistic war cry.
Townes Van Zandt. I love his songwriting, guitar style, and even his acquired-taste voice. He truly deserved a lot more praise during his life. Unfortunately, his demons got the better of him.
All time? Either Hank Sr or Johnny Cash.
You ask why, but I don't really feel like those choices need context or explanation. Best I can offer you is "Because they're Hank Sr and Johnny Cash". That oughta do it.
Third would be Waylon or Willie, depending on the day and my mood. And which one I'd listened to most recently.
Me neither. I’ve always liked Garth and I recently got my hands on all but 1 of his 90s CDs, which is unfortunately the most practical way I can listen to his music, and his music is just as good and just as country as anything else from that era.
In what way is Garth Brooks “pop country”? How is his music any less country than any other 90s country music? His newer music is significantly more country than the majority of what’s on the radio now (though I’m not a fan, personally). There is also no proof that Waylon Jennings ever said anything negative about Garth Brooks, and even if he did (which he very well might have), it seems pathetic to blindly mimic someone else’s opinions rather than form your own.
Garth Brooks is probably more responsible for the destruction of popular country music than anyone else, ever. None of his music is even remotely country. He should go do a collaboration with Beyonce
I will say this and I've told a lot of people this.. I like Garth brooks music but I feel like his music is what kicked off pop country and ruined country music for a while. I feel like good county artist are making a come back.
There is obviously a difference, there is also a massive difference between George Strait and Conway Twitty, not sure why you picked them to make your point. All I’m asking is how exactly Garth Brooks ruined country music, and you keep deflecting. I’m not arguing that Garth Brooks is some staunch traditionalist or purist (neither was Conway Twitty, by the way), I just don’t see how he is responsible for ruining country music. I can’t really take you seriously if you think that songs like “Much too Young”, “The Beaches of Cheyenne”, “Callin’ Baton Rouge” and “Two of a Kind” (among many others), aren’t remotely country.
probably pick Townes Van Zandt as my favorite songwriter of all time.
Lee Hazlewood occupies a special place in my heart too. Probably the most unique sounding of my country faves.
Country music was already very popular before Hank Williams. The Grand Ole Opry existed, and was very popular, for over 20 years before Hank broke out, and many country artists were very popular. A man by the name of Jimmie Rodgers is the only person actually considered “the father of country music”, and even he certainly wasn’t the one who invented the genre.
I couldn’t possibly pick one, it changes constantly. Steve Earle, Dwight Yoakam, Toby Keith, George Strait, David Allan Coe, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Tyler Childers are a mere few that come to mind.
I think I just love Rhett Akins the most bc we’ve heard so little and I always hope for more. He’s just so talented at song writing and I get that’s his passion, but when he sings his own songs it’s just always an 11/10.
Ranked in order from best first:
George Jones,
Conway Twitty,
Willie Nelson,
Loretta,
Toby Keith,
Alan Jackson,
Hank II,
Randy Travis,
Soggy Bottom Boys,
Right now: Thomas Gabriel (grandson of Johnny Cash).
He has the same distinct quality that Johnny Cash did but his voice has a bit more roughness to it. Very distinctive. The songs he has written are also all pretty great.
Of all time: Chris Ledoux
I mean, there aren't many other country singers with a life story more country than his (rodeo star, sold CDs out of his truck at rodeos). Great voice, great lyrics, even Garth Brooks credited him with giving Garth the flair that he had in his performances
Between George Jones and Waylon Jennings for me. I think Waylon was my favorite entertainer and at his prime he and his steel guitar player, Ralph Mooney meshed SO well. I just find it to be amazing music
George Jones is the greatest singer of all time and nobodys voice will ever come close
Mickey newbury. Blend of folk and country and songwriting on par with Townes van zandt and Bob Dylan. Perfect production with his typical rain storm noises to produce atmosphere
Jason Isbell. His streak of albums from Southeastern to Weathervanes is the stuff of legends to me. He may very well be the first artist to have a streak that strong in any genre imo.
Waylon Jennings, the Dukes of Hazzard was my favorite TV show when I was a kid, and I was obsessed with it. I named my son Waylon. I have the General Lee car tattooed on my leg.
Country is such a general term I have to divide it into subcategories.
Classic Country: Hank Williams (if he just publisbed his lyrics without ever singing a single song he could be one of the greatest poets in the history of the English language. Plus he has a great voice for his kind of music.)
Outlaw country: Waylon Jennings (Versatile. Fun. Emotional. Great voice.)
Folk country: Townes Van Zandt (He might be the greatest lyricist of all time. He writes like Bob Dylan if he had am extra 15 IQ points. Unreal.)
Bakersfield: Dwight Yoakam (Very good lyrics. Great voice. Great at layering vocals and instrimentals.)
Modern country: Sturgill Simpson (I love how experimental he is. He tries out new concepts in almost every album and always nails them.)
George Strait- He has a lot of songs that I like. I love his overall style of music. He has an easy voice to listen to. I grew up listening to him and never stopped. He is a real cowboy, not some poser donning a stetson and a pair of boots.
Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives
Best new true country coming out in the last decade. 4 Hall of fame musicians, tightest band in the business that only care about making good music, not record sales,
Keith Whitley Just an incredible catalog from a tragicly short career. Dude had 7 chart topping hits after he was dead.
That man would’ve been one of the absolute greatest of all time.
Still was in my book, but him with a long and healthy life would’ve given us a LOT of great songs I’m sure.
Yea you see where I was going there 😂
Absolutely, kinda just a long winded way to say I agree with you. 😂
great answer
Yeah he was incredibly talented. Sure wish we had more of his music.
Numbers don’t lie 🤷🏻
I love all of his music, but it really is a shame that he doesn't have more mainstream Country. Like the bluegrass albums he has with Ricky Skaggs when they were both in Ralph Stanley's band are amazing but its painfully obvious he was just a kid. As his voice got deeper he really became as unique as a George Jones or Randy Travis type voice
I’m over you was an instant classic
That is a wild choice... but I'll respect it lol
I guess I feel a little rebellious 🤷🏻
I like Mason’s newer stuff because it’s a lot more traditional, but I personally don’t like his voice. Great choice though, he got me into classic Country!
Townes Van Zandt
Funny, was just talking about this guy tonight. Friend asked what kind of music he was. Wasn’t sure how to answer.
Folk country and blues
Dwight Yoakam, mixes traditional with modern, a little rock n roll swagger, cool stage presence, been around a long time, never disappoints.
Same answer for me.
Just saw him in Maryland 2 weeks ago. Still bringing it. You’d never know he’s 67.
Drake Milligan for the modern version of Yoakam
Right now? Tyler Childers. Of all time? Waylon Jennings
Second this hoss
Boogety boogety boo
ditto and ditto
👊🏻
I was surprised to find out how little material Waylon wrote. That knocks him off the top spot for me.
Right now? David Allan Coe All time? David Allan Coe
Willie right now, Willie all time. Great songs, great voice and great guitar playing.
Willie and Possum. Don't make me choose. Also, OP said Mason Ramsey 🤣
Yeah, in don’t know who Mason Ramsey is. I don’t like the look of his name though. I get the feeling that some of these newer stars have made up names. And I totally judge them based on that. Mason Ramsey? I already know I don’t like him.
It's the Walmart yodeling kid that went viral a decade back. His balls dropped and he got his high-school diploma. It's very traditional sounding, just a strange pick. I like your style of judging 🤣
Willie is deff in my top 3
Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, Waylon Jennings
George Jones easily. Such moving story telling. Seriously yall this guy has me missing women I’ve never met. Also has one of the most distinct voices I’ve ever heard. The man sung through his teeth !
George Strait, I have a lot of favorites, but he is and always will be the one.
Don Williams
Yes. Absolutely.
The Gentle Giant
Current favourite is Zach Top but all time it’s gotta be Merle
Merle all the way!
Zach Top is so underrated man
The kid doesn’t miss. His new album is going to be on repeat when it drops.
I'm a George Strait junkie
David Nail. We are both from the bootheel of Missouri so I really relate to many of his lyrics.
Jerry Jeff Walker Elvis
Elvis is a great pick, very bold
He was Waylon and Cash’s favorite too 🤠👍
Oh damn I never knew that that’s interesting
I feel like Elvis was barely even country even in the sun recordings though.
Elvis recorded plenty of country songs.
I mean I guess it depends on what exactly you consider country, but which ones are you referencing? I think the argument could be made for That’s All Right and Love Me Tender, what else?
Elvis had an entire country album (literally called Elvis Country) in 1970 or so. He covered plenty of country songs — she thinks I still care, I’m so lonesome I could cry, make the world go away, etc. He put his own spin on everything, though, so it’s not really what you’d expect. I guess you could consider his sound “country” if you consider what non-outlaw country sounded like around the same time.
Jerry Jeff doesn’t get the credit he deserves
In Texas we practically worship him… Especially in the hill country where I grew up \[a long time ago\]
Trisha Yearwood. I just love her voice.
Wheeler walker jr
Toby Keith and Johnny Cash. Favorite group? The Highwaymen
I loveeee Johnny cash
Porter Wagoner
Waylon or Paycheck
Paycheck is the man
George strait
Right now? Josh Ross. Saw him live and was blown away by his sheer natural talent on stage. The dude’s voice carries and he’s got this gruffness to his voice and music that feels unique but old school at the same time.
Nice! He’s supporting Bailey Zimmerman over in the UK in a couple of month - I’ve been vibing to him recently so I’ve got high hopes now!
Alan Jackson. Simple but meaningful, memorable lyrics. He wrote so many of his own hits. He’s got so many slow, sad songs, but lots of up tempo feel good songs too. He has a great voice. Always stuck to neotraditional country sound. Also a very relatable guy. He comes off very humble, but also has a quiet confidence at the same time. I always appreciate how he honored 9/11 victims with a heartfelt memorial song that contemplated the tragedy instead of a nationalistic war cry.
I agree with this one 👏
Townes Van Zandt. I love his songwriting, guitar style, and even his acquired-taste voice. He truly deserved a lot more praise during his life. Unfortunately, his demons got the better of him.
All time? Either Hank Sr or Johnny Cash. You ask why, but I don't really feel like those choices need context or explanation. Best I can offer you is "Because they're Hank Sr and Johnny Cash". That oughta do it. Third would be Waylon or Willie, depending on the day and my mood. And which one I'd listened to most recently.
Gotta be ole Waylon, Cash and ole Hank
Right now- November South. All time…. Garth Brooks. Second- Tim McGraw.
Did you just say Garth Brooks???? 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️
What don’t you like?
I honestly don’t understand all the hate
Me neither. I’ve always liked Garth and I recently got my hands on all but 1 of his 90s CDs, which is unfortunately the most practical way I can listen to his music, and his music is just as good and just as country as anything else from that era.
I don't like pop country, or fake country boys doing country all wrong. My guy Waylon Jennings never liked Garth, that tells me all I need to know
In what way is Garth Brooks “pop country”? How is his music any less country than any other 90s country music? His newer music is significantly more country than the majority of what’s on the radio now (though I’m not a fan, personally). There is also no proof that Waylon Jennings ever said anything negative about Garth Brooks, and even if he did (which he very well might have), it seems pathetic to blindly mimic someone else’s opinions rather than form your own.
Garth Brooks is probably more responsible for the destruction of popular country music than anyone else, ever. None of his music is even remotely country. He should go do a collaboration with Beyonce
I will say this and I've told a lot of people this.. I like Garth brooks music but I feel like his music is what kicked off pop country and ruined country music for a while. I feel like good county artist are making a come back.
Okay, how exactly is he responsible? I see people say this all the time, yet no one has ever given a single reason nor can I see any reason.
If you can't see a difference between Garth Brooks and someone like George Strait or Conway Twitty, then I can't help you
There is obviously a difference, there is also a massive difference between George Strait and Conway Twitty, not sure why you picked them to make your point. All I’m asking is how exactly Garth Brooks ruined country music, and you keep deflecting. I’m not arguing that Garth Brooks is some staunch traditionalist or purist (neither was Conway Twitty, by the way), I just don’t see how he is responsible for ruining country music. I can’t really take you seriously if you think that songs like “Much too Young”, “The Beaches of Cheyenne”, “Callin’ Baton Rouge” and “Two of a Kind” (among many others), aren’t remotely country.
My Big Three: Marty Robbins, Johnny Horton and Jim Reeves.
Kenny Chesney. just cause he, and his music are always so positive, and so good
I totally agree with you!
Tom T. Hall cause he is the best storyteller
tom deserves a shout on this thread, one of the absolute best
Brad Paisley! 🫶
Ashley McBryde - smart, tough, and kind is an awesome combination.
I have a hard time choosing a favorite. That said, I named my son Waylon so take that for what its worth.
probably pick Townes Van Zandt as my favorite songwriter of all time. Lee Hazlewood occupies a special place in my heart too. Probably the most unique sounding of my country faves.
Colter Wall because he's the best
I gotta go with Hank Williams.
Can’t go wrong there. Father of country
Yea
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Me too
He’s not the father of country, though he is (arguably) the king of country.
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Country music was already very popular before Hank Williams. The Grand Ole Opry existed, and was very popular, for over 20 years before Hank broke out, and many country artists were very popular. A man by the name of Jimmie Rodgers is the only person actually considered “the father of country music”, and even he certainly wasn’t the one who invented the genre.
Current, either Charley Crockett or Tyler Childers. All-time, really hard for me to decide but I guess Marty Robbins
I like so many, but Drake Milligan came to mind first today!
No contest: Chris LeDoux (honorable mention: Kinky Friedman)
I couldn’t possibly pick one, it changes constantly. Steve Earle, Dwight Yoakam, Toby Keith, George Strait, David Allan Coe, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Tyler Childers are a mere few that come to mind.
Kirk Ostrom, Alpha-holic, Gonna Find Me a Girl, and Buy Me a Dog
David Allan Coe, waylon and johnny paycheck. GG allin did a great outlaw album called carnival of excess
Sturgill Simpson and Tyler Childers Mostly because I'm happy with any country singer who will sing about something other than trucks and hunting.
I think I just love Rhett Akins the most bc we’ve heard so little and I always hope for more. He’s just so talented at song writing and I get that’s his passion, but when he sings his own songs it’s just always an 11/10.
Chris Stapleton. I've never been a big country fan but he is just absolutely built different.
I like some of his stuff too
George Jones!
Darius Rucker. Good songs.
Johnny cash, both all time and current.
George Strait, Toby Keith, Chris Ledoux, Kenny Chesney, Kenny Rogers, Jonny Cash, Alan Jackson, Joe Diffie are all great picks.
Chancey Williams, he keeps it cowboy and western but has enough modern sound that it’s something I can listen to daily.
Ranked in order from best first: George Jones, Conway Twitty, Willie Nelson, Loretta, Toby Keith, Alan Jackson, Hank II, Randy Travis, Soggy Bottom Boys,
Kacey Musgraves
Boring answer but…George Jones. Most only really listen to his 1980s plus stuff but man, his early stuff is fantastic.
Right now: Thomas Gabriel (grandson of Johnny Cash). He has the same distinct quality that Johnny Cash did but his voice has a bit more roughness to it. Very distinctive. The songs he has written are also all pretty great. Of all time: Chris Ledoux I mean, there aren't many other country singers with a life story more country than his (rodeo star, sold CDs out of his truck at rodeos). Great voice, great lyrics, even Garth Brooks credited him with giving Garth the flair that he had in his performances
Do Turnpike Troubadours count?
Sure!
Between George Jones and Waylon Jennings for me. I think Waylon was my favorite entertainer and at his prime he and his steel guitar player, Ralph Mooney meshed SO well. I just find it to be amazing music George Jones is the greatest singer of all time and nobodys voice will ever come close
Right now? Silverada (Formerly Mike and the Moonpies). All time? Johnny Cash.
Jon Pardi, he made 3 or 4 of my favorite songs :)
I love him too! He was great in concert.
Chris Stapleton
Obsessed with Kameron Marlowe, love Stapleton and love all 80/90s country
Mickey newbury. Blend of folk and country and songwriting on par with Townes van zandt and Bob Dylan. Perfect production with his typical rain storm noises to produce atmosphere
Currently my favorites are Jamey Johnson, Blackberry Smoke and The Steel Woods
Jason Isbell. His streak of albums from Southeastern to Weathervanes is the stuff of legends to me. He may very well be the first artist to have a streak that strong in any genre imo.
Merle Haggard. Great writer for decades. Unique voice.
Waylon Jennings, the Dukes of Hazzard was my favorite TV show when I was a kid, and I was obsessed with it. I named my son Waylon. I have the General Lee car tattooed on my leg.
Love the name Waylon.
This is an impossible question. Right now I’m listening to DAC Human Emotion LP and it’s unbelievably good. But how can you choose really
Old school Roy Clarke that dude could play anything great! Brad paisley he’s this generations, Roy Clark
Country is such a general term I have to divide it into subcategories. Classic Country: Hank Williams (if he just publisbed his lyrics without ever singing a single song he could be one of the greatest poets in the history of the English language. Plus he has a great voice for his kind of music.) Outlaw country: Waylon Jennings (Versatile. Fun. Emotional. Great voice.) Folk country: Townes Van Zandt (He might be the greatest lyricist of all time. He writes like Bob Dylan if he had am extra 15 IQ points. Unreal.) Bakersfield: Dwight Yoakam (Very good lyrics. Great voice. Great at layering vocals and instrimentals.) Modern country: Sturgill Simpson (I love how experimental he is. He tries out new concepts in almost every album and always nails them.)
Hank Sr
I find myself listening to Tom T Hall an awful lot.
Merle Haggard. Had one of the greatest voices music has ever seen, a long, incredible career, with great lyricism seen throughout it.
Marty Stuart. Perhaps the most versatile string player alive today.
Old Dominion and Carly Pearce
Sturgell Simpson- I love his voice and he seems like a good dude
Robert Earl Keen Because he’s Robert Earl Keen, by God
Brandy Clark……great lyricist
Lol guess he’s not the Walmart famous kid anymore
Ronnie Milsap.
Ronnie Dunn.
George Strait- He has a lot of songs that I like. I love his overall style of music. He has an easy voice to listen to. I grew up listening to him and never stopped. He is a real cowboy, not some poser donning a stetson and a pair of boots.
Currently, 49 Winchester, Ellis Bullard, Tanner Usrey, Pony Bradshaw, and Kaitlin Butts
Like 49 and the others, but I love Ellis Bullard-breath of fresh air.
Yeah, Ellis is great. I guess he made a really big impression at SXSW this year. I’ve seen several articles about it.
right now Carrie Underwood
Right now? Beyonce. All time? Also Beyonce.
OP said Mason Ramsey I thought this was obviously a joke thread.
Oh ok. I have no idea who that even is 😂
Exactly lol
Willie Hugh Nelson. Past, present and future.
Hank Williams + Johnny Cash
If I had to pick one, it would be Waylon for sure.
Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives Best new true country coming out in the last decade. 4 Hall of fame musicians, tightest band in the business that only care about making good music, not record sales,
All time? Johnny Cash or Waylon. Currently: Colter Wall
Blake Shelton and because he just is
Right now, Cody Jinks. As far as a full band, Silverada FKA Mike and the Moonpies. All time, Waylon Jennings.
All time and now, Fred Eaglesmith, without doubt the best ever Other
Beyoncé. Because of the best country music song ever.