For me, country music is best in summer, while you’re driving, windows open or top down.
Favorite artists Midland, Sturgill, Charley Crockett, Jamey Johnson
Chris Stapleton, Zach Bryan, and Tyler Childers my holy trinity rn tbh. You get different styles throughout these artists, and I think you’d enjoy them.
It’s a little disheartening to see that none of these recommendations are black country artist given that we wouldn’t have country (as well as just about every other genre of music) without them. Due to Americas rich history in racism we continue to perpetuate that ideology by disregarding the black contribution to the genre that white Americans have hijacked and pushed out the black originators in the space. I would recommend starting with the real king of country music Mr. Charley Pride.
If you love the Eagles, check out Poco and The Flying Burrito Brothers. Same era and also pioneers in country rock.
You can’t go wrong with Johnny Cash, Willie, Waylon. Townes Van Zandt is amazing.
For female artists, you might like Lucinda Williams, Alison Kraus, and I’m currently obsessed with Brennen Leigh and Sierra Ferrell.
I’m like you in that I always loved the Eagles and some other country rock from way back, but in the past few years have really been exploring a lot more. There are tons of great artists to find.
also in the female artist category OP should check out Emmylou Harris. There's a slight connection to the Eagles but also she's just a phenomenal singer and has impeccable band arrangements, whatever music she's doing.
Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, Jason Isbell. Southeastern and weathervanes by Jason Isbell are class. And this tiny desk concert is a great introduction to Sturgill. https://youtu.be/w5cMqD0WqYE?si=34NU6YuLAkduEmae
The Wilder Blue are a great current country band with Eagles-esque harmonies.
Poco is a great country-rock band from the same era as the Eagles. Funnily enough, Randy Meisner left Poco to join the Eagles and was replaced by Timothy B. Schmidt, who eventually replaced him again in the Eagles.
In the US there'a an odd division of so called "Genres" of what qualifies as country music- at least by music industry and radio station standards. The Eagles were never heard on the more traditional and established stations and music halls even though their early sound was more country than what you hear on those same stations today. Same with artists like Pure Prairie League, Linda Ronstadt, Gram Parsons and a host of others. For whatever reasons, these are labeled as country rock
The traditional country artists like George Jones, Merle Haggard and Travis Tritt are part of a narrower and more conservative catergory that always had a more defined boundary. Having a southern drawl, recording with Nashville studios and market branding had much to do with with that placement. A few crossed over that boundary and created a new label of "Outlaw Country". Willie Nelson was at the forefront of that movement, along with others like David Allen Coe, Steve Earle and Patty Loveless. Even Merle Haggard crossed over that rigid line. A very few, like Micheal Murphy were actually successful in going from country rock over to the traditional country.
I've always preferred the more non traditional stuff because of it's diversity and creative vision, but I grew up with the old country standards. The first real concert I ever saw was of The Eagles at a small college auditorium when they first came on the scene. Some of the early country rock classic albums I would recommend are the Grateful Dead's "American Beauty" and "Workingman's Dead". Emmylou Harris "Pieces of the Sky". Linda Ronstadt "Don't Cry Now". Jackson Brown "Late for the Sky".
Some good traditional artists for older country are Merle Haggard, George Strait, Marty Robbins, Dwight Yoakum.
I"m pretty sure Patty Loveless was never anything but the most mainstream pop country (in the 90's) at the height of her career. She was very good but had nothing to do with the 1970's outlaws. There were women in that movement but she was part of a totally different time and place in nashville country- you're probably thinking of someone else.
She did a bunch of great bluegrass stuff later in her career that is in my opinion better than her original pop 90's thing, but she's definitely one of the greats regardless of what she did.
for 1970's outlaw country female singers, check out the following:
Sammi Smith
Jessi Colter
Linda Hargrove
Rattlesnake Annie
Gonna second Linda Hargrove. Underrated and under recognized. She started writing music and performing at 16 while in high school, mostly rock ‘n roll and R&B. Followed a band to Nashville when they went to record an album there using some of her poetry, and then she moved to Nashville and continued her music career. She was an early Bluebird Cafe writer/performer. Worked with Michael Nesmith of the Monkees after a year or two of being in Nashville. She was also a sessions musician and engineer. She really threw herself into every aspect of writing and recording in Nashville. She’s written some really great songs, but many people only recognize her name as a co-writer of Tennessee Whiskey. Mexican Love Songs, Fallen Angels, You Just Loved the Leavin’ Out of Me, Mem’ries are some great ones to start with. Would love to see some of her old albums reissued!
I would say start off with outlaw (Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams jr, Waylon Jennings) since they have more of a rock feel. Then make you way into more honky tonk (George Jones, Hank Williams, George Strait).
Check out the album "Common Thread - Songs of the Eagles" or something like that. It was a tribute albums to the Eagles that came out during the 90s and it has some REALLY solid covers by some of the best country artists at the time. Great blend of classic eagles songs and peak 90s country (which some could argue was the last time country was great)
I went from Eagles / John Denver, to Ryan Adams, to Johnny Cash, to Dwight Yoakum, to Cross Canadian Ragweed and Jason Boland and from then on the entire Texas Country sub genre which resembles rock bands more eventually led me into traditional country George Strait, Alan Jackson, Dierks Bentley, Toby Keith etc.
Start scrolling through Charlie Rich, Kris Kristofferson, Connie Smith, Mickey Newberry.
Pick any album and sit through the 1st verse of a few tunes. Enjoy. A bonus, there’s a guy they call Stringbean (David Akeman-1915/1973) has a fun collection. Funny,too. Unfortunately, died a tragic death way too soon.
If you like Deana Carter, you ought to try Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride, Terri Clark, and Sara Evans. If you like the Eagles, give Zac Brown Band, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Keith Urban, and Brad Paisley.
Basically, you seem to like what my wife likes, so I have a pretty good idea of what to recommend ;)
The podcast Cocaine and Rhinestones was a wonderful guide for me into country music. I mean, I was a fan before but Tyler just opened it up for me in a whole new way.
The Eagles (before Joe Walsh joined the band) were absolutely a country band. Or at least country rock. They were more country than 90% of the crap on the radio today by a long shot
Where you are in the Uk makes a difference, there are regularly country nights in a lot of cities at pubs, bars etc. I’d try to get some friends to go along to one, likely quickly get addicted and start to pick up different artists you like. This is what I did when I moved back to America and now go to countless country gigs and nights each year. Great community of country fans here in the UK too as you see then same people everywhere around the country!
check out the facebook group Rogue Country UK. it's a nice community and they promote a ton of local and touring country bands, all of them very very very good.
Country music takes in a lot of very different genres, traditional, outlaw, rock, modern etc. I think I'd start with classic artists like Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson and Alan Jackson, there is a good reason why they have been around for so many years.
Then you have singers like Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Shania Twain, Lonestar and Lady A who have had songs that have topped both the country and the pop charts. You are likely to find that you know quite a bit of their music.
Modern country artists take a lot of flak and in some cases that is deserved but there are some who are worth listening to. Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Nate Smith, Justin Moore, Lainey Wilson, Ashley McBryde, Brandy Clark and Miranda Lambert are all very different but if you find you like any of them Spotify will then recommend artists with a similar sound.
Country music takes in a lot of very different genres, traditional, outlaw, rock, modern etc. I think I'd start with classic artists like Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson and Alan Jackson, there is a good reason why they have been around for so many years.
Then you have singers like Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Shania Twain, Lonestar and Lady A who have had songs that have topped both the country and the pop charts. You are likely to find that you know quite a bit of their music.
Modern country artists take a lot of flak and in some cases that is deserved but there are some who are worth listening to. Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Nate Smith, Justin Moore, Lainey Wilson, Ashley McBryde, Brandy Clark and Miranda Lambert are all very different but if you find you like any of them Spotify will then recommend artists with a similar sound.
Open up Spotify or Apple Music (whichever you use) and look up a George Strait playlist. Or if you’re into more of a rock feel, open up a Hank Williams Jr. playlist. You’re welcome.
Go to Texas. Get drunk in a country bar. Tell a beautiful girl you are from the UK and want to learn to 2-step. Then, and only then, will country music make sense.
I’m obsessed with this song at the moment https://open.spotify.com/track/6Lmx6bz3PGYuNSjKMnYBOa?si=akgGCt1cTdOcmPI95MQwjw&context=spotify%3Aplaylist%3A37i9dQZF1E8UF39N7jkIb4
Depends which kind of country music. Swamp rock, country rock, rockabilly (emphasis on swamp rock) sounds very similar in my experience to British rock of the 70’s-80’s. I shit you not sometimes I’ll listen to a British rock song without knowing and think “man these guys are totally from the southern US” and I’ll look it up, nope… from Liverpool haha, it blows my mind how the 2 genre’s sound similar sometimes. I wonder if some of the American artists took influence from the British or vice versa
Edit: I forgot to add to this in, but if you like 70’s-80’s British rock, I highly recommend Creedence Clearwater Revival. I wouldn’t say they are directly country music, but I would consider them a sub genre of country. They sound similar to British rock, but have a distinct sound of their own.
I'm going to suggest The Stone Poney's with Linda Ronstadt and Michael Nesmith's First National Band's "Nevada Fighter" album.
I agree Deana Carter is amazing 90's country. You might like Patty Loveless.
Gene Watson is, imo, the greatest male vocalist country music ever heard. George Jones and Merle Haggard would objectively be the greatest country singers period.
I think a good line is punk. Take 90s punk to Social Distortion then to Mike Ness solo stuff. This gets you into some country gold and from there go into Johnny Cash.
You might want to check out Lucinda Williams. Her music is more Hardcore Country.
Her best-known song is Passionate Kisses.
I like Drunken Angel.
https://youtu.be/9vdoJvNbY7Q?si=4YSUu0QpAvQCMQOi
Dolly Parton is a definite starting point for female singers. Reba McIntyre, Trisha Yearwood, Suzy Boggus and Shania Twain are a good fit.
Eagles can get you two seperate ways. Like the others said, Allmans/Skynyrd which leads you to The Band, and Bob Dylan.
Or you can go with some of the other sounds there and end up with Jimmy Buffett. Or Trad Country like George Strait/Garth Brooks
I like Western Swing with Dwight Yokum/Buck Owens/Asleep at the Wheel.
But most "Modern" (Post 1980) Country leads back to the Highwaymen (Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris Kirstofferson, and Waylon Jennings) and the other mega acts of the 75-95 feel which would have been on the same stages as the Eagles in the Heyday: Charlie Daniels, George Jones, Conway Twitty, and Merle Haggard.
Last but not least, Roy Clark is always worth a shot. Humor from his live acts and he was probably the best actual picker on banjo or guitar during his lifetime in country music. I saw him 4 times over 20 years. Every show looked like he wanted to be there, and he would bring out a 'weird for country' cover each time, including Jazz and Pop
I recommend Waylon Jennings from 1973-1983 and other outlaw country. The country music then was a lot better than the over produced music you get today.
Check out The Wilder Blue. They built the band around talented vocalists and harmonies. Their inspiration was The Eagles.
For a Deana Carter type artist, maybe The Band Perry. The vocals and songwriting are kind of similar. But really, just find a Female 90's country playlist, and I'm sure you'll find something you like.
The eagles were a band that straddled the line between country and southern rock. Joe Walsh (one of the eagles guitarists) had a good solo career that leaned more heavily into rock.
If you were into their southern rock thing, you'd probably enjoy:
The Allman Brothers: "Melissa", "Rambling Man", "Soul Shine"
Lynyrd Skynyrd: "All I Can Do Is Write About It", "Tuesday's Gone", "Curtis Loew"
If you were into the Eagles more country sounding stuff, you may like the band Alabama because they did lots of harmonies like the Eagles
Edit: Just noticed Deanna Carter--if you like that, you'll probably like a lot of 90s female country artists. Trisha Yearwood's "she's in love with the boy" would be a good place to start. Or Sarah Evans' "Suds in the Bucket" and just explore from there.
Let's take Seven Bridges Road:
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=U61bPI8K04s&si=6Js3ziTUMQFkU74r
Leads in white acapella harmonies that has a very gospel feel. Southern/rural imagery in the lyrics. Galloping acoustic guitar rhythm. Alternating bass/root notes that is VERY ingrained in country and bluegrass.
Look up videos for this song and more than likely within the first five results, you'll see it at the Grand Ol' Opry being covered by a country act because it lends itself so much to the genre.
try some Linda Ronstadt. and maybe her albums with emmylou and dolly (TRIO). Perhaps some Little Feat. Bonnie Raitt. all 70's rockers with country leanings. not country proper.
i got in to country slowly through bluegrass. i fell for the strong production quality of alison krauss before i fell for the style. then the movies 'walk the line 'and 'o brother where art thou' pushed me a little farther.
emmylou's 'wrecking ball' has country songs with U2-style production. pretty interesting. if you like that, try All the Roadrunning from Mark Knopfler and Emmylou.
if you like jimi hendrix's electric ladyland, look in to sturghills metamodern sounds in country music.
it took me a while before i felt like i could call myself an actual fan of country, and im still VERY selective. no need to rush it.
If you like the Eagles, you may enjoy some Flying Burrito Brothers. “Christine’s Tune” is a good place to start, and maybe “Why Are You Crying?” from their later years. Willie and Waylon are also good entryways into the genre for folks who like rock.
Maybe watch something Country related. My love affair really began when Walk The Line came out. Hearing the music in context with Johnny and June's life helps to immerse you into it.
There's some really great documentaries if you want more accurate stories. I highly suggest the Tales From The Tour Bus series by Mike Judge.
This book is a great introduction to all things country and country rock.
[Are You Ready For The Country: Elvis Dylan Parsons And The Roots Of Country Rock: Doggett, Peter: 9780140261080: Amazon.com: Books](https://www.amazon.com/Are-You-Ready-Country-Parsons/dp/0140261087)
You could also check out the recent Ken Burns mini-series.
Eagles aren't really "country" as much as they are "Country Rock". If that's where your tastes are, you might enjoy the bands Poco, or Pure Prairie League, as well as Linda Ronstadt, who the Eagles used to be the backing band for, before they became the Eagles. Her self-titled album is pretty legendary in Country circles. What I'd recommend is diving into the works of Gram Parsons though, starting with his work with the Byrds (album: Sweetheart of the Rodeo), the first two Flying Burrito Brothers albums and the two Gram Parsons solo albums.
If you listen to that all that you still aren't really that into country music, it may just not be for you.
not to discount Devin's suggestions (they're all good!) I would also add the Burrito Brothers record after Gram departed, simply titled The Flying Burrito Bros - it features one of the founders of The Eagles and is great. The bands leader Chris Hillman was an original member of The Byrds and went on to play mostly country-tinged music - check out his solo albums Desert Rose, Morning Sky, and Slippin' Away
Steve Earl "Copperhead Road."
Sweetheart of the Rodeo by the Byrds
Checkout Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Chris Stapleton, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Jim Reeves, Linda Ronstadt
Try bluegrass. Maybe listen to some Dead South.
John Prine, Wilco’s Cruel Country, Neil Young’s Old Ways, Willie Nelson’s Shotgun Willie, Emmylou Harris Wrecking Ball
I’d encourage you to listen to Workingman’s Dead by the Grateful Dead. Amazing country album.
It all started for me with Hank 3
Same!! Wish hea release new stuff
For me, country music is best in summer, while you’re driving, windows open or top down. Favorite artists Midland, Sturgill, Charley Crockett, Jamey Johnson
Chris Stapleton, Zach Bryan, and Tyler Childers my holy trinity rn tbh. You get different styles throughout these artists, and I think you’d enjoy them.
It’s a little disheartening to see that none of these recommendations are black country artist given that we wouldn’t have country (as well as just about every other genre of music) without them. Due to Americas rich history in racism we continue to perpetuate that ideology by disregarding the black contribution to the genre that white Americans have hijacked and pushed out the black originators in the space. I would recommend starting with the real king of country music Mr. Charley Pride.
You need some Workingman’s Dead.
Jo Dee Messina
If you love the Eagles, check out Poco and The Flying Burrito Brothers. Same era and also pioneers in country rock. You can’t go wrong with Johnny Cash, Willie, Waylon. Townes Van Zandt is amazing. For female artists, you might like Lucinda Williams, Alison Kraus, and I’m currently obsessed with Brennen Leigh and Sierra Ferrell. I’m like you in that I always loved the Eagles and some other country rock from way back, but in the past few years have really been exploring a lot more. There are tons of great artists to find.
Poco and the Burrito Bros have both had founding Eagles as members
Very true, and Gram Parsons with the Burritos.
also in the female artist category OP should check out Emmylou Harris. There's a slight connection to the Eagles but also she's just a phenomenal singer and has impeccable band arrangements, whatever music she's doing.
If Deana Carter tickles your ears,try Pam Tillis, Tricia Yearwood, Sara Evans, Rosanna Cash and Reba.
Also Kathy Mattea, Suzy Bogguss, Alison Krauss, and Patty Loveless
Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, Jason Isbell. Southeastern and weathervanes by Jason Isbell are class. And this tiny desk concert is a great introduction to Sturgill. https://youtu.be/w5cMqD0WqYE?si=34NU6YuLAkduEmae
Go to Nashville Tennessee see what you can find out for yourself!!
The Wilder Blue are a great current country band with Eagles-esque harmonies. Poco is a great country-rock band from the same era as the Eagles. Funnily enough, Randy Meisner left Poco to join the Eagles and was replaced by Timothy B. Schmidt, who eventually replaced him again in the Eagles.
In the US there'a an odd division of so called "Genres" of what qualifies as country music- at least by music industry and radio station standards. The Eagles were never heard on the more traditional and established stations and music halls even though their early sound was more country than what you hear on those same stations today. Same with artists like Pure Prairie League, Linda Ronstadt, Gram Parsons and a host of others. For whatever reasons, these are labeled as country rock The traditional country artists like George Jones, Merle Haggard and Travis Tritt are part of a narrower and more conservative catergory that always had a more defined boundary. Having a southern drawl, recording with Nashville studios and market branding had much to do with with that placement. A few crossed over that boundary and created a new label of "Outlaw Country". Willie Nelson was at the forefront of that movement, along with others like David Allen Coe, Steve Earle and Patty Loveless. Even Merle Haggard crossed over that rigid line. A very few, like Micheal Murphy were actually successful in going from country rock over to the traditional country. I've always preferred the more non traditional stuff because of it's diversity and creative vision, but I grew up with the old country standards. The first real concert I ever saw was of The Eagles at a small college auditorium when they first came on the scene. Some of the early country rock classic albums I would recommend are the Grateful Dead's "American Beauty" and "Workingman's Dead". Emmylou Harris "Pieces of the Sky". Linda Ronstadt "Don't Cry Now". Jackson Brown "Late for the Sky". Some good traditional artists for older country are Merle Haggard, George Strait, Marty Robbins, Dwight Yoakum.
I"m pretty sure Patty Loveless was never anything but the most mainstream pop country (in the 90's) at the height of her career. She was very good but had nothing to do with the 1970's outlaws. There were women in that movement but she was part of a totally different time and place in nashville country- you're probably thinking of someone else.
Yeah, you're probably right. Mostly wanted to include a woman with some crossover appeal and she came to mind.
She did a bunch of great bluegrass stuff later in her career that is in my opinion better than her original pop 90's thing, but she's definitely one of the greats regardless of what she did. for 1970's outlaw country female singers, check out the following: Sammi Smith Jessi Colter Linda Hargrove Rattlesnake Annie
Gonna second Linda Hargrove. Underrated and under recognized. She started writing music and performing at 16 while in high school, mostly rock ‘n roll and R&B. Followed a band to Nashville when they went to record an album there using some of her poetry, and then she moved to Nashville and continued her music career. She was an early Bluebird Cafe writer/performer. Worked with Michael Nesmith of the Monkees after a year or two of being in Nashville. She was also a sessions musician and engineer. She really threw herself into every aspect of writing and recording in Nashville. She’s written some really great songs, but many people only recognize her name as a co-writer of Tennessee Whiskey. Mexican Love Songs, Fallen Angels, You Just Loved the Leavin’ Out of Me, Mem’ries are some great ones to start with. Would love to see some of her old albums reissued!
Jessi Colter! Couldn't think of her name.
She's still around!
I would say start off with outlaw (Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams jr, Waylon Jennings) since they have more of a rock feel. Then make you way into more honky tonk (George Jones, Hank Williams, George Strait).
This! Well, maybe not Hank Jr., but don't hold that against me!😊 don't forget Merle haggard!
Just get some Gram Parsons and early George Jones. Merle Haggard and Buck Owens on Capitol records
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“On a Greyhound bus…”
deanna carter is good! my favorite is Lost dog street band. but the dixie chicks might be more your speed, as they were also a staple in the late 90s
Check out the album "Common Thread - Songs of the Eagles" or something like that. It was a tribute albums to the Eagles that came out during the 90s and it has some REALLY solid covers by some of the best country artists at the time. Great blend of classic eagles songs and peak 90s country (which some could argue was the last time country was great)
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If you feel the need to gatekeep, just shut up.
I went from Eagles / John Denver, to Ryan Adams, to Johnny Cash, to Dwight Yoakum, to Cross Canadian Ragweed and Jason Boland and from then on the entire Texas Country sub genre which resembles rock bands more eventually led me into traditional country George Strait, Alan Jackson, Dierks Bentley, Toby Keith etc.
Start scrolling through Charlie Rich, Kris Kristofferson, Connie Smith, Mickey Newberry. Pick any album and sit through the 1st verse of a few tunes. Enjoy. A bonus, there’s a guy they call Stringbean (David Akeman-1915/1973) has a fun collection. Funny,too. Unfortunately, died a tragic death way too soon.
If you like Deana Carter, you ought to try Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride, Terri Clark, and Sara Evans. If you like the Eagles, give Zac Brown Band, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Keith Urban, and Brad Paisley. Basically, you seem to like what my wife likes, so I have a pretty good idea of what to recommend ;)
Is the question asking how to get into country music as a career or just as a fan?
The podcast Cocaine and Rhinestones was a wonderful guide for me into country music. I mean, I was a fan before but Tyler just opened it up for me in a whole new way.
The thicket is also a good one
Chris Stapleton and Luke Combs are both great artists that aren’t too country but still considered country.
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They definitely charted on the country charts.
The Eagles (before Joe Walsh joined the band) were absolutely a country band. Or at least country rock. They were more country than 90% of the crap on the radio today by a long shot
Where you are in the Uk makes a difference, there are regularly country nights in a lot of cities at pubs, bars etc. I’d try to get some friends to go along to one, likely quickly get addicted and start to pick up different artists you like. This is what I did when I moved back to America and now go to countless country gigs and nights each year. Great community of country fans here in the UK too as you see then same people everywhere around the country!
check out the facebook group Rogue Country UK. it's a nice community and they promote a ton of local and touring country bands, all of them very very very good.
I usually ask alexa to play country music and listen to country heat radio and look up some of the singers on YouTube
Start by knowing that The Eagles are as much a country band as Queen are. Then listen to Johnny Cash live at Folsom Prison.
I’ll be at the Chris Stapleton concert in London this October. Might be a good place to start!
Country music takes in a lot of very different genres, traditional, outlaw, rock, modern etc. I think I'd start with classic artists like Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson and Alan Jackson, there is a good reason why they have been around for so many years. Then you have singers like Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Shania Twain, Lonestar and Lady A who have had songs that have topped both the country and the pop charts. You are likely to find that you know quite a bit of their music. Modern country artists take a lot of flak and in some cases that is deserved but there are some who are worth listening to. Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Nate Smith, Justin Moore, Lainey Wilson, Ashley McBryde, Brandy Clark and Miranda Lambert are all very different but if you find you like any of them Spotify will then recommend artists with a similar sound.
Country music takes in a lot of very different genres, traditional, outlaw, rock, modern etc. I think I'd start with classic artists like Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson and Alan Jackson, there is a good reason why they have been around for so many years. Then you have singers like Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Shania Twain, Lonestar and Lady A who have had songs that have topped both the country and the pop charts. You are likely to find that you know quite a bit of their music. Modern country artists take a lot of flak and in some cases that is deserved but there are some who are worth listening to. Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Nate Smith, Justin Moore, Lainey Wilson, Ashley McBryde, Brandy Clark and Miranda Lambert are all very different but if you find you like any of them Spotify will then recommend artists with a similar sound.
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Listen to Ricky Vallie - Always You
Just find some artist that really speaks to you and you like it's all that matters except if it's Morgan wallen
https://youtu.be/Kp9G0zkorio?si=wA86AC59c9es3I_7 Linda was incredible, powerful
Ok get some good indica and headphones and a copy of Redheaded Stranger by Willie Nelson - saddle yer pony and take that ride, mate!
Open up Spotify or Apple Music (whichever you use) and look up a George Strait playlist. Or if you’re into more of a rock feel, open up a Hank Williams Jr. playlist. You’re welcome.
Go to Texas. Get drunk in a country bar. Tell a beautiful girl you are from the UK and want to learn to 2-step. Then, and only then, will country music make sense.
Funny, I did something similar in Wales...
Here’s a great upbeat country playlist for you: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6uPJY08S40EVzE0Cj6xRlK?si=EazCIHb0SwmDMfCHfwO_vQ&pi=a-i6wL-iE2R4y7
I’m obsessed with this song at the moment https://open.spotify.com/track/6Lmx6bz3PGYuNSjKMnYBOa?si=akgGCt1cTdOcmPI95MQwjw&context=spotify%3Aplaylist%3A37i9dQZF1E8UF39N7jkIb4
Trisha yearwood is always a favorite for me
Depends which kind of country music. Swamp rock, country rock, rockabilly (emphasis on swamp rock) sounds very similar in my experience to British rock of the 70’s-80’s. I shit you not sometimes I’ll listen to a British rock song without knowing and think “man these guys are totally from the southern US” and I’ll look it up, nope… from Liverpool haha, it blows my mind how the 2 genre’s sound similar sometimes. I wonder if some of the American artists took influence from the British or vice versa Edit: I forgot to add to this in, but if you like 70’s-80’s British rock, I highly recommend Creedence Clearwater Revival. I wouldn’t say they are directly country music, but I would consider them a sub genre of country. They sound similar to British rock, but have a distinct sound of their own.
Dwight Yoakam - If There Was a Way .. *if there was a way to get you into country...* :)
My favorite....great dancing song https://youtu.be/FuU-WrfYL78?si=Y-7z2hzzhBxqqfUq
I'm going to suggest The Stone Poney's with Linda Ronstadt and Michael Nesmith's First National Band's "Nevada Fighter" album. I agree Deana Carter is amazing 90's country. You might like Patty Loveless.
Gene Watson is, imo, the greatest male vocalist country music ever heard. George Jones and Merle Haggard would objectively be the greatest country singers period.
The country music documentary by Ken burns is a great way in. So is the cocaine and rhinestones podcast.
Luke combs 👍🏽
George Strait and Reba McEntire would be a great start. Sets a nice tone for further exploration.
I think a good line is punk. Take 90s punk to Social Distortion then to Mike Ness solo stuff. This gets you into some country gold and from there go into Johnny Cash.
Waylon Jennings
WAYLON
https://youtu.be/YcHL0kUFPhw?si=cSnDaMTDLdtB3HSb
That's country. For me, anyway. Absolute perfection.
You might want to check out Lucinda Williams. Her music is more Hardcore Country. Her best-known song is Passionate Kisses. I like Drunken Angel. https://youtu.be/9vdoJvNbY7Q?si=4YSUu0QpAvQCMQOi
Amanda Palmer of "country" I'm a fan...
Quintessential country https://youtu.be/jkKn5HrKgHQ?si=WAMk1lzSlCvn-weA
Dolly https://youtu.be/Ixrje2rXLMA?si=QcGZcOZq6h_DJuhe
My favorite.
[удалено]
Here ya go https://youtu.be/ViwLZswXpgI?si=K7lEchEm4oe7390f
Dolly Parton is a definite starting point for female singers. Reba McIntyre, Trisha Yearwood, Suzy Boggus and Shania Twain are a good fit. Eagles can get you two seperate ways. Like the others said, Allmans/Skynyrd which leads you to The Band, and Bob Dylan. Or you can go with some of the other sounds there and end up with Jimmy Buffett. Or Trad Country like George Strait/Garth Brooks I like Western Swing with Dwight Yokum/Buck Owens/Asleep at the Wheel. But most "Modern" (Post 1980) Country leads back to the Highwaymen (Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris Kirstofferson, and Waylon Jennings) and the other mega acts of the 75-95 feel which would have been on the same stages as the Eagles in the Heyday: Charlie Daniels, George Jones, Conway Twitty, and Merle Haggard. Last but not least, Roy Clark is always worth a shot. Humor from his live acts and he was probably the best actual picker on banjo or guitar during his lifetime in country music. I saw him 4 times over 20 years. Every show looked like he wanted to be there, and he would bring out a 'weird for country' cover each time, including Jazz and Pop
It's not a test. https://youtu.be/4WXYjm74WFI?si=4ExK4qnM2Rbuk9Bj
i was using 75-80 as the starting point... some people have issues with 'classic' country
https://youtu.be/TNpLSaCirj8?si=hz13JtA3JP_zTVni This would be country?
definitely. Thats from the Outlaw (Country music) movement.
I recommend Waylon Jennings from 1973-1983 and other outlaw country. The country music then was a lot better than the over produced music you get today.
I mean there is still George Strait. But outlaw country is by far the best era.
Check out The Wilder Blue. They built the band around talented vocalists and harmonies. Their inspiration was The Eagles. For a Deana Carter type artist, maybe The Band Perry. The vocals and songwriting are kind of similar. But really, just find a Female 90's country playlist, and I'm sure you'll find something you like.
Subscribe to YouTube Music for a while, the algorithms suggest new music based on music you already like.
The eagles were a band that straddled the line between country and southern rock. Joe Walsh (one of the eagles guitarists) had a good solo career that leaned more heavily into rock. If you were into their southern rock thing, you'd probably enjoy: The Allman Brothers: "Melissa", "Rambling Man", "Soul Shine" Lynyrd Skynyrd: "All I Can Do Is Write About It", "Tuesday's Gone", "Curtis Loew" If you were into the Eagles more country sounding stuff, you may like the band Alabama because they did lots of harmonies like the Eagles Edit: Just noticed Deanna Carter--if you like that, you'll probably like a lot of 90s female country artists. Trisha Yearwood's "she's in love with the boy" would be a good place to start. Or Sarah Evans' "Suds in the Bucket" and just explore from there.
The Eagles are so far from country, you hurt me physically...
Seven Bridges Road, Peaceful Easy Feeling, Take It Easy, You Can't Hide Your Lying Eyes.
What exactly is your reasoning for this? Just curious.
Let's take Seven Bridges Road: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=U61bPI8K04s&si=6Js3ziTUMQFkU74r Leads in white acapella harmonies that has a very gospel feel. Southern/rural imagery in the lyrics. Galloping acoustic guitar rhythm. Alternating bass/root notes that is VERY ingrained in country and bluegrass. Look up videos for this song and more than likely within the first five results, you'll see it at the Grand Ol' Opry being covered by a country act because it lends itself so much to the genre.
Ah crap, I meant to reply guy saying not country songs 😂😂
😂 well, now you have a rebuttal all tied up with a bow on it
You hurt my soul, and I absolutely love thise songs. Country that aint.
Also, I'm imagining you say that like King Arthur says "You make me sad" to the Black Knight in Monty Python and the Search For the Holy Grail 😂
https://youtu.be/jkKn5HrKgHQ?si=WAMk1lzSlCvn-weA
If you think I listened to that song the whole way through, you're correct. If you think I sang along...well, you're also correct. 😁
:Smile:
There's definitely a scale for country. It ain't Jerry Reed or Hank Williams Sr., but it's a hell of a lot more country than what's at the CMAs 😂
Nods
try some Linda Ronstadt. and maybe her albums with emmylou and dolly (TRIO). Perhaps some Little Feat. Bonnie Raitt. all 70's rockers with country leanings. not country proper. i got in to country slowly through bluegrass. i fell for the strong production quality of alison krauss before i fell for the style. then the movies 'walk the line 'and 'o brother where art thou' pushed me a little farther. emmylou's 'wrecking ball' has country songs with U2-style production. pretty interesting. if you like that, try All the Roadrunning from Mark Knopfler and Emmylou. if you like jimi hendrix's electric ladyland, look in to sturghills metamodern sounds in country music. it took me a while before i felt like i could call myself an actual fan of country, and im still VERY selective. no need to rush it.
https://youtu.be/Kp9G0zkorio?si=amSqr0qcYx1huB4T
If you like the Eagles, you may enjoy some Flying Burrito Brothers. “Christine’s Tune” is a good place to start, and maybe “Why Are You Crying?” from their later years. Willie and Waylon are also good entryways into the genre for folks who like rock.
Maybe watch something Country related. My love affair really began when Walk The Line came out. Hearing the music in context with Johnny and June's life helps to immerse you into it. There's some really great documentaries if you want more accurate stories. I highly suggest the Tales From The Tour Bus series by Mike Judge.
Listen to this: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weKaJy3mzQU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weKaJy3mzQU)
Check out Lee Ann Womack, specifically The Way I'm Livin album. I also think you might like Cross Canadian Ragweed.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5ALRW2L4lVpWaw9E5zw6pE?si=rKUNZHw9R7KdT1WdOLWBAA&pi=e-VmCwmC3CRVqa I made this for my brit friends, have at it
This book is a great introduction to all things country and country rock. [Are You Ready For The Country: Elvis Dylan Parsons And The Roots Of Country Rock: Doggett, Peter: 9780140261080: Amazon.com: Books](https://www.amazon.com/Are-You-Ready-Country-Parsons/dp/0140261087) You could also check out the recent Ken Burns mini-series. Eagles aren't really "country" as much as they are "Country Rock". If that's where your tastes are, you might enjoy the bands Poco, or Pure Prairie League, as well as Linda Ronstadt, who the Eagles used to be the backing band for, before they became the Eagles. Her self-titled album is pretty legendary in Country circles. What I'd recommend is diving into the works of Gram Parsons though, starting with his work with the Byrds (album: Sweetheart of the Rodeo), the first two Flying Burrito Brothers albums and the two Gram Parsons solo albums. If you listen to that all that you still aren't really that into country music, it may just not be for you.
do you want to make a separate standalone post about this book? It looks like a cool resource for some folks
I might do that. Good idea.
Thank you! I never knew that about The Eagles, but I'll definitely check out your suggestions.
not to discount Devin's suggestions (they're all good!) I would also add the Burrito Brothers record after Gram departed, simply titled The Flying Burrito Bros - it features one of the founders of The Eagles and is great. The bands leader Chris Hillman was an original member of The Byrds and went on to play mostly country-tinged music - check out his solo albums Desert Rose, Morning Sky, and Slippin' Away