Top 20 iconic country bands that have defined the genre through the years

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Top 20 iconic state  bands that person  defined the genre done  the years

Country songs are 1 of the astir loved music genres, with a affluent past spanning decades. While determination are idiosyncratic singers who person stood out, the power of radical singers cannot beryllium overlooked. Over the years, respective country bands person revolutionised the genre, winning the hearts of fans and apical euphony awards.

Country euphony  singers Zac Brown, William Lee Golden, and Jerry Dale McFaddenCountry euphony singers of assorted bands (L to R) Zac Brown, William Lee Golden, and Jerry Dale McFadden. Photo: Christopher Polk, Jason Kempin, Scott Dudelson (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • The Carter Family, 1 of the oldest state bands, has influenced generations with its storytelling and folk-driven sound.
  • Contemporary state bands propulsion the boundaries of state euphony with genre-blending sounds and innovative production.
  • In 1985, The Highwaymen brought outlaw state to the mainstream with the deed Highwayman.

Iconic state bands ever

This compilation of apical iconic state bands is created utilizing accusation from assorted reputable sources, including Rolling Stone, Forbes, and Billboard. Note that the statement of bands connected the database does not travel immoderate peculiar bid and whitethorn beryllium subjective.

Country bandYear of formation
Zac Brown Band2002
Rascal Flatts1999
Alabama1969
Lady A2006
Diamond Rio1982
Dixie Chicks1989
The Statler Brothers1955
Oak Ridge Boys1943
The Carter Family1927
The Flying Burrito Brothers1968
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band1966
Lonestar1992
The Mavericks1989
The Highwaymen1985
Eli Young Band2000
Little Big Town1998
The Band Perry2005
Asleep astatine the Wheel1970
Old Dominion2007
Drive-By Truckers1996

1. Zac Brown Band

The Zac Brown Band execute  onstage successful  Atlanta, Georgia.The Zac Brown Band execute onstage during a peculiar New Year's Eve Show astatine State Farm Arena successful Atlanta, Georgia. Photo: Paras Griffin
Source: Getty Images
  • Origin: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
  • Active from: 2002
  • Members: Zac Brown, Coy Bowles, Clay Cook, Daniel de los Reyes, Matt Mangano, Jimmy De Martini, Chris Fryar, John Driskell Hopkins, Caroline Jones
  • Albums: 7

This state euphony set was formed successful 2002 by its pb vocalist Zac Brown. It has released 7 workplace albums and is champion known for hits specified arsenic Chicken Fried, Old Love Song, My Old Man, Colder Weather, and Stubborn Pride. According to Forbes, successful 2015, the three-time Grammy Award-winning set was among the highest-paid celebrities.

2. Rascal Flatts

Rascal Flatts execute  onstage successful  Irvine, CaliforniaSingers Joe Don Rooney, Gary LeVox, and Jay DeMarcus of the set Rascal Flatts execute onstage astatine FivePoint Amphitheatre successful Irvine, California. Photo: Scott Dudelson
Source: Getty Images
  • Origin: Nashville, Tennessee
  • Active from: 1999
  • Members: Jay DeMarcus, Gary LeVox, Joe Don Rooney
  • Albums: 10

Rascal Flatts is an all-male state set that formed successful 1999. With astir 11 workplace albums, the set has established itself arsenic a favourite among state euphony fans. Some of its apical hits see Life Is a Highway, What Hurts the Most, My Wish, and Bless the Broken Road. It has reportedly sold implicit 27 cardinal albums and 33.7 cardinal integer downloads.

3. Alabama

Part of Alabama set  performs successful  Nashville, TennesseeRandy Owen and Teddy Gentry of Alabama execute onstage during time 4 of CMA Fest 2023 astatine Nissan Stadium successful Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin
Source: Getty Images
  • Origin: Fort Payne, Alabama, United States
  • Active from: 1969
  • Members: Jeff Cook, Mark Herndon, Jackie Owen, Rick Scott, Bennett Vartanian
  • Albums: 26

This was 1 of the astir iconic bands successful the 1980s, with hits specified arsenic Dixieland Delight, Feels So Right, Mountain Music, and The Closer You Get. The five-member set was formed successful 1969 and has truthful acold released implicit 20 workplace albums. It is reportedly the astir awarded state euphony set with implicit 200 awards and has sold implicit 75 cardinal records worldwide.

4. Lady A

Lady A set  performs successful  Nashville, Tennessee.Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, and Dave Haywood of Lady A execute onstage during the 2024 People's Choice Country Awards astatine Grand Ole Opry House successful Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Mickey Bernal
Source: Getty Images
  • Origin: Nashville, Tennessee, United States
  • Active from: 2006
  • Members: Hillary Scott, Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley
  • Albums: 9

Lady A, 1 of the astir celebrated state bands today, was formerly known arsenic Lady Antebellum and was formed successful 2006. This philharmonic radical has released respective chart-topping songs that person seemingly go anthems among state euphony lovers. Some of their fashionable songs are Need You, I Run To You, American Honey, Just A Kiss, and Hello World. The radical has six Grammy Award wins.

5. Diamond Rio

Diamond Rio during an lawsuit   successful  Universal City, CaliforniaDiamond Rio during The 37th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards - Arrivals astatine Universal Amphitheater successful Universal City, California, United States. Photo: SGranitz
Source: Getty Images
  • Origin: Nashville, Tennessee, United States
  • Active from: 1982
  • Members: Dan Truman, Marty Roe, Jimmy Olander, Dana Williams, Carson McKee, Micah Schweinsberg
  • Albums: 10

Diamond Rio instantly impacted the state euphony satellite with their archetypal song, which debuted astatine fig 1. The radical boasts implicit 10 workplace albums with respective songs, including hits similar One More Day, Meet successful the Middle, Beautiful Mess, and Mirror Mirror. The set has won aggregate CMA and ACM awards passim their career.

6. Dixie Chicks

The Chicks set  performs the US nationalist  anthem successful  Chicago, Illinois.US set The Chicks execute the US nationalist anthem connected the 4th and past time of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) astatine the United Center successful Chicago, Illinois. Photo: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds
Source: Getty Images
  • Origin: Dallas, Texas, United States
  • Active from: 1989
  • Members: Emily Strayer, Martie Maguire, Natalie Maines
  • Albums: 8

Dixie Chicks, formed successful 1989, changed their sanction to The Chicks successful 2020. The set gained prominence successful the 1990s and 2000s, pursuing the merchandise of their albums Wide Open Spaces and Fly. The female state singers person 8 albums with implicit 20 singles, including Goodbye Earl, March March, Sin Wagon, and Ready to Run. The Chicks set has won implicit 60 awards.

7. The Statler Brothers

The Statler Brothers bandA grey standard photograph of The Statler Brothers set successful 1970. Photo: Gems
Source: Getty Images
  • Origin: Staunton, Virginia, United States
  • Active from: 1955
  • Members: Joe McDorman, Don Reid, Harold Reid, Phil Balsley, Lew DeWitt, Jimmy Fortune
  • Albums: 37

Formed successful 1955, the quartet was backup singers for Johnny Cash. They person been credited arsenic the archetypal state euphony enactment to transportation the genre's nostalgia from a agrarian to a suburban setting. With implicit 37 workplace albums and respective awards, including 3 Grammys, the radical is undoubtedly 1 of the champion successful state music’s history.

8. Oak Ridge Boys

The Oak Ridge Boys set  astatine  The 58th Annual CMA AwardsRichard Sterban, William Lee Golden and Duane Allen of The Oak Ridge Boys be The 58th Annual CMA Awards astatine Music City Center successful Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Tibrina Hobson
Source: Getty Images
  • Origin: Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States
  • Active from: 1943
  • Members: Duane Allen, Ben James, William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban
  • Albums: 31

The four-member philharmonic radical was founded successful 1943 and is known for its gospel roots and creaseless state harmonies. With implicit 8 decades successful the euphony scene, the set has released implicit 30 workplace albums and has sold implicit 41 cardinal units. Its apical songs see Elvira, Come On In, Thank God for Kids, and Brand New Star.

9. The Carter Family

The Carter Family performs astatine  a past   eventThe Carter Family performing unrecorded astatine Columbia Recording Studios, perchance during the signaling of 'An Historic Reunion' astatine Columbia Recording Studios successful Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Don Paulsen
Source: Getty Images
  • Origin: Maces Spring, Virginia, United States
  • Active from: 1927
  • Members: A. P. Carter, Ezra Carter, Sara Carter, Maybelle Carter
  • Albums: 32

The Carter Family, formed successful 1927, is considered 1 of the astir influential and the oldest state bands successful history. Its songs, Can the Circle Be Unbroken and Wildwood Flower, became foundational to state music. It released much than 30 workplace albums until 1956. Keep Me connected the Sunny Side, Boonie Blue Eyes, and Daddy Sang Bass are immoderate of its astir known songs.

10. The Flying Burrito Brothers

Members of The Flying Burrito Brothers execute  successful  CaliforniaJohn Jorgenson, Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen execute onstage successful enactment of Chris Hillman's medium 'Bidin My Time' astatine Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza successful California. Photo: Scott Dudelson
Source: Getty Images
  • Origin: Los Angeles, California
  • Active from: 1968
  • Members: Gram Parsons, Chris Hillman, "Sneaky" Pete Kleinow, Chris Ethridge, Michael Clarke
  • Albums: 19

This radical was established successful 1968 and is considered the pioneer of state rock. It is champion recognised for its 1969 influential debut album, The Gilded Palace of Sin and different hits, specified arsenic Christine’s Tune, Wild Horses, and Sin City. Although its rank changed aggregate times, it importantly influenced state music.

11. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band performs astatine  Fair Grounds Race Course successful  New OrleansJamie Hanna, Ross Holmes and Jeff Hanna of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band execute during the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival astatine Fair Grounds Race Course successful New Orleans. Photo: Erika Goldring
Source: Getty Images
  • Origin: Long Beach, California, United States
  • Active from: 1966
  • Members: Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, Bob Carpenter, Jaime Hanna, Ross Holmes, Jim Photoglo
  • Albums: 25

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, besides known arsenic the Illegitimate Jug Band, was formed successful 1966 by American guitarist Jeff Hanna and his lad Jaime Hanna. The set became fashionable successful the 1970s, particularly for their medium Will the Circle Be Unbroken, which brought unneurotic respective state euphony legends. Its well-known hits are It’s Morning, Mr. Bojangles, and Dance Little Jean.

12. Lonestar

Lonestar set  members execute  successful  Twin Lakes, WisconsinMichael Britt, Dean Sams, and Drew Womack of Lonestar execute onstage astatine Country Thunder Wisconsin - Day 3 successful Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. Photo: Joshua Applegate
Source: Getty Images
  • Origin: Nashville, Tennessee, United States
  • Active from: 1992
  • Members: Michael Britt, Keech Rainwater, Dean Sams, Drew Womack
  • Albums: 12

This American set is besides known arsenic Texassee and was co-founded by Britt, Rainwater, and Sams successful 1992. Its azygous Amazed, released successful 1999, had immense success, making the set popular. So far, it has released 12 workplace albums with respective hits, including Maybe Someday, Never Enders, The Countdown, and Pretty Good Day.

13. The Mavericks

The Mavericks set  astatine  the 60th Annual GRAMMY AwardsMembers of the philharmonic radical The Mavericks be the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards astatine Madison Square Garden successful New York City. Photo: John Shearer
Source: Getty Images
  • Origin: Miami, Florida, United States
  • Active from: 1989
  • Members: Raul Malo, Paul Deakin, Eddie Perez, Jerry Dale, McFadden
  • Albums: 12

The Mavericks from Miami, Florida, is different fashionable state set that gained important occurrence successful the 1990s. It has stood retired with its eclectic style, which blends state with Latin, rock, and popular influences. The radical has won respective awards, including a Grammy Award successful 1996 for Best Country Performance by Duo/Group with Vocals.

14. The Highwaymen

The Highwaymen set  members rehearse for an eventThe Highwaymen, featuring Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, George Jones, and Hank Williams Jr., rehearse for the 2-hour peculiar that premieres. Photo: Rick Diamond
Source: Getty Images
  • Origin: United States
  • Active from: 1985
  • Members: Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson
  • Albums: 3

Formed successful 1985, The Highwaymen popularised outlaw country, narrating stories of American resilience and adventure. This radical brought unneurotic state legends, making it iconic. It has released 3 workplace albums, with respective apical singles, including Silver Stallion, Riders successful the Sky, Big River, and The King Is Gone.

15. Eli Young Band

Eli Young Band members execute  astatine  an eventJames Young, Mike Eli and Jon Jones of Eli Young Band execute onstage astatine the Windy City Smokeout astatine the United Center successful Chicago, Illinois. Photo: Natasha Moustache
Source: Getty Images
  • Origin: Denton, Texas, United States
  • Active from: 2000
  • Members: Mike Eli, James Young, Jon Jones, Chris Thompson
  • Albums: 6

This set from Denton, Texas, was founded successful 2000 and is constituted by 4 members: Mike Eli, James Young, Jon Jones, and Chris Thompson. It is 1 of the champion state bands of the 2000s, distinguished by its unsocial benignant that blends state and stone influences. Their breakthrough deed is Crazy Girl, which won the ACM Song of the Year grant successful 2012.

16. Little Big Town

Little Big Town members execute  successful  Nashville, TennesseeJimi Westbrook, Kimberly Schlapman, Karen Fairchild, and Phillip Sweet execute onstage for the Take Me Home U.S. Tour astatine Bridgestone Arena successful Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: John Shearer
Source: Getty Images
  • Origin: Homewood, Alabama, United States
  • Active from: 1998
  • Members: Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, Jimi Westbrook
  • Albums: 11

Little Big Town from Homewood, Alabama, was formed successful 1998 by its 4 members. It is known for its affluent harmonies and genre-blending dependable and became fashionable successful 2005 done its opus Boondocks. The philharmonic group’s different fashionable hits see Girl Crush, Pontoon, Day Drinking, Tornado, and Little White Church.

17. The Band Perry

The Perry siblings astatine  an lawsuit   successful  New York CityReid Perry, Kimberly Perry and Neil Perry of the euphony radical The Band Perry sojourn SiriusXM Studios successful New York City. Photo: Slaven Vlasic
Source: Getty Images
  • Origin: Ridgeland, Mississippi, United States
  • Active from: 2005
  • Members: Kimberly Perry, Neil Perry, Reid Perry
  • Albums: 2

The Band Perry hails from Ridgeland, Mississippi and was formed by 4 siblings successful 2005. It gained state euphony fans’ attraction successful the 2010s, particularly aft the merchandise of the deed If I Die Young. The set has won respective awards, including a Grammy and CMT Awards. Its different notable songs are Better Dig Two and All Your Life.

18. Asleep astatine the Wheel

Ray Benson (L) of Asleep astatine  the Wheel performs connected  stageRay Benson (L) of Asleep astatine the Wheel performs during the 2023 Austin City Limits Music Festival astatine Zilker Park successful Austin, Texas. Photo: Tim Mosenfelder
Source: Getty Images
  • Origin: Paw Paw, West Virginia, United States
  • Active from: 1970
  • Members: Ray Benson, Jason Baczyński, Dennis Ludiker, Connor Forsyth, Josh Hoag, Flavio Pasquetto, Joey Colarusso
  • Albums: 26

With much than 20 workplace albums and respective chart-topping singles, Asleep astatine the Wheel is 1 of the astir iconic state bands. The band, which was formed successful 1970, is led by Ray Benson and is known for its power by Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys. Its top songs are Route 66, Hot Rod Lincoln, and Texas Me and You.

19. Old Dominion

The Old Dominion set  members be  an grant  ceremonyBrad Tursi, Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen and Geoff Sprung of Old Dominion airs successful the property country during The 58th Annual CMA Awards astatine Bridgestone Arena successful Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Tibrina Hobson
Source: Getty Images
  • Origin: Nashville, Tennessee, United States
  • Active from: 2007
  • Members: Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Whit Sellers, Geoff Sprung, Brad Tursi
  • Albums: 4

Formed successful 2007, the Old Dominion set is simply a modern state set recognised for its creaseless melodies and clever songwriting. The set gained prominence successful the 2010s with hits specified arsenic Break Up with Him, Hotel Key, One Man Band, and Make It Sweet. The set has won aggregate CMA and ACM awards, solidifying its spot successful modern state music.

20. Drive-By Truckers

member of The Drive By Truckers execute  astatine  an lawsuit   successful  Newport, Rhode IslandThe Drive By Truckers execute during the Newport Folk Festival 2017 astatine Fort Adams State Park successful Newport, Rhode Island. Photo: Douglas Mason
Source: Getty Images
  • Origin: Athens, Georgia, United States
  • Active from: 1996
  • Members: Patterson Hood, Mike Cooley, Brad Morgan, Jay Gonzalez, Matt Patton
  • Albums: 14

This 1996 state set hails from Athens, Georgia, but has roots successful Richmond, Virginia. It is known for its storytelling and politically charged lyrics, with its dependable featuring a blend of rock, country, and Americana influences. Although its lineup has changed implicit the years, it remains a almighty dependable successful alternate state music. Some of its fashionable hits are What It Means, Zip City, Tornadoes, and The Living Bubba.

What state set has sold the astir records?

Alabama is considered the best-selling state set of each time, having sold implicit 75 cardinal records worldwide. The set has captivated galore with its blend of confederate rock, pop, and state sounds, and it peaked successful the 1980s.

What set is considered the archetypal state euphony group?

The Carter Family, formed successful 1927, is 1 of the oldest state bands and is reportedly the archetypal formed state euphony group. Up to 1956, it released 32 albums with galore singles.

What is the biggest state supergroup?

The Highwaymen is regarded arsenic the biggest state supergroup. It was formed by state legends Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson.

Which state set has won the astir awards?

Little Big Town and Alabama are among the astir awarded state bands, winning aggregate Grammys, CMA, and ACM awards for their harmonies and innovative sound.

Many state bands person been formed implicit the years, but not each of them person near a long-lasting interaction connected the genre. The iconic state bands supra person importantly influenced state music’s evolution, maintaining its relevance crossed generations. Even though immoderate of them bash not beryllium today, their songs person been fan-favourites done the years.

Legit.ng precocious published a database of apical male state singers. Country music’s antheral artists person stood retired implicit the years, elevating the genre’s esteemed presumption globally. They person won the hearts of fans and bagged respective coveted euphony awards.

Country euphony has respective singers, but a ascendant bulk are considered male. Their captivating, saccharine melodies and alluring lyrics support listeners yearning for much of their hits. While immoderate person been astir for decades, others are coming up and person won the emotion of galore fans. Discover who they are and their power connected the genre.

Source: Legit.ng

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