Vince Gill
One of the most popular artists in modern country music, Vince Gill is famous for his top-notch songwriting, world-class guitar playing and warm, soaring tenor, all wrapped up in a quick and easy wit. Gill achieved his big breakthrough in 1990 with “When I Call Your Name,” which won both the Country Music Association’s (CMA) Single and Song of the Year awards as well as a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male. Since then, Gill has won 17 additional CMA Awards, 22 Grammy Awards, and eight Academy of Country Music Awards. In 1991, Gill was invited to become a member of The Grand Ole Opry, and in 2007 was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. In 2012 he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A gifted songwriter, Gill’s compositions earned him entry into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005 and was awarded the prestigious BMI Icon award in 2014. Throughout his career he has released 20 albums, sold over 30 million albums, and charted 45 singles. Always considering himself a musician above all else, Gill has over the years been a part of some iconic bands including Pure Prairie League, The Cherry Bombs, and The Time Jumpers. In 2017 Vince was asked to join the Eagles on the road and continues to be a part of that historic band’s tour.
Read MoreThe Red Clay Strays
Hailing from Mobile, AL, The Red Clay Strays are one of music’s fastest-rising bands and poised for a huge breakout this year. The group is currently having a massive moment with their single, “Wondering Why,” which has garnered over 75 million streams to date, spent a week at # 1 on Spotify’s Viral 50 USA Playlist and is currently #1 on the Americana Singles chart for the sixth-consecutive week. The song is also charting on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 as well as Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs chart, AAA chart and Hot Country Songs chart, and continuing to gain support across platforms. “Wondering Why” is from the band’s album, Moment of Truth, which is currently #2 on the Americana Albums Chart and is filled with their eclectic rock-n-roll sound. Of the record, Billboard praises, “Lead singer Coleman’s gruff, impassioned vocal shines here as always, bolstered by the group’s exemplary musicianship.” Known for their electric live shows, the band will continue to tour through this fall with sold-out shows across the country, including their three-night headline debut at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium in September, all three nights of which sold-out within just hours. The Red Clay Strays are Brandon Coleman (lead vocals, guitar), Drew Nix (electric guitar, vocals, harmonica), Zach Rishel (electric guitar), Andrew Bishop (bass) and John Hall (drums).
Read MoreLittle Texas
In the early ’90s, as a new brand of country music was commanding the airwaves, there was a First Time for Everything. With its debut album, Little Texas burst onto the scene with songs written, recorded, and performed exclusively by the members themselves, quickly becoming one of the top vocal bands of the decade. Thousands of shows and 8 albums later (with over 7 million units sold) and celebrating the 30th year of its debut appearance on the country music charts, it’s easy to understand why the group earned the moniker “Hardest Working Band in Country Music.” During its heyday, Little Texas racked up 12 Top 20 singles (with 7 Top 10s and 3 consecutive No.1s in a 12 – month period ) and received multiple Grammy, CMA and ACM nominations, winning the ACM for Top Vocal Group of 1993. To date, band members have continued to write or co-write, record, and play every note on every single they’ve released.
“It’s amazing that the run we had was 30 years ago, and here we are, still out there touring and having a blast, if not the most fun we’ve ever had,” says Porter Howell (lead guitar and lead vocalist). “We are very grateful to still be playing these songs for fans and to look out and see people who could not have possibly been alive back then singing every word is so gratifying,” he adds. “ ’90s country music is still going strong, and we are thrilled to have a place in it.” From their debut single “Some Guys Have All the Love,” which provided the band its first top 10 hit , to the top 5 ballad “You and Forever and Me,” listeners have been blown away by the group’s intricately stacked harmonies , reminiscent of the vocal stylings of the Eagles. Lead guitarist Porter Howell developed a signature slide guitar technique that further delineated the band’s unique sound.
Little Texas’ sophomore release, a juggernaut appropriately titled Big Time, produced the three chart toppers, including “What Might Have Been,” “My Love,” and the wildly popular “God Blessed Texas, ” [ which has just been rerecorded by Jonas Brothers frontman Joe Jonas for the HBO Max series, The Righteous Gemstones ] bringing the group further critical acclaim and accolades. Big Time remains the band’s best – selling album, with more than 3 million copies purchased to date. Quickly designated as an arena act, the group stepped into the role of headliner in 1994 with the release of its third album. Kick a Little, featuring top 5 singles “Kick a Little” and “Amy’s Back in Austin,” would ultimately reach platinum status, selling over a million units.
Little Texas often played more than 300 shows a year to packed venues across the United States and Canada. Fans richly rewarded the group with album and merchandise sales, while the industry showered the act with three Grammy nominations, plus awards for ACM Vocal Group of the Year and CMA Album of the Year for the band’s role in Common Thread: The Songs of The Eagles. In fact, the group’s cover of “Peaceful Easy Feeling” was so popular that it charted without an official release, spurring the band to a feat that has never been repeated by any country music act: In 1994, Little Texas had three different songs on three different charts with three different lead singers, simultaneously. The headlining tour continued through 1995, with the band finishing as the fifth largest – grossing act of the year. Little Texas also released its first compilation album in 1995, Little Texas – Greatest Hits, followed by Super Hits, Volume 3 in 2000. After a hiatus, the group returned to the airwaves, country charts, and music video playlists in 2007 with not one but two albums: Missing Years and the band’s first live album, The Very Best of Little Texas: Live & Loud. Since that time, Little Texas has continued to tour constantly and released an independent studio album in 2015, Young for a Long Time.
The group currently consists of original band members Porter Howell (lead guitar and lead vocals), Dwayne O’Brien (rhythm guitar and vocals), Duane Propes (bass and vocals), and drummer Del Gray.
Granger Smith
After 24 years touring as an award-winning, platinum-selling, country music singer-songwriter, Granger Smith chose to leave the music business to pursue ministry. Honoring his late son, River, his first book ‘Like A River’ became a New York Times bestseller. His follow up, Up Toward the Light, is a beautiful children’s book that draws inspiration from a story detailed in Like a River.
Compelled by the call to ministry, Smith serves his local church under the teaching, counsel and leadership of his pastor while he continues work on a Master’s Degree at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Smith is a highly sought-after speaker, actor, author and host of the nationally syndicated iHeartRadio show “After Midnite with Granger Smith.” You can also listen to The Granger Smith Podcast where Granger discusses matters of faith, family, music, and the outdoors. And you can watch Smith and his family in their everyday lives on a popular weekly YouTube series called “The Smiths.”
Over the course of his groundbreaking music career, Granger amassed a massive and rabid audience known as Yee Yee Nation, built through heavy touring and grassroots fan engagement. He released ten studio albums, one live album, and two EPs. Granger charted over eight singles on the Billboard country charts, including the number one hit ‘Backroad Song,’ and garnered numerous accolades for writing, producing, publishing and performing.
Jerrod Niemann
After a decade as a major-label artist, prolific Nashville hitmaker Jerrod Niemann has put his heart on his sleeve with the patriotic anthem, “Old Glory.” Describing the resolute ballad as “100 % heart, 0 % politics,” the singer-songwriter wrote the track in honor of U.S. soldiers following the 2017 Tongo Tongo ambush in Niger. A veteran of multiple USO Tours, Niemann knew how much those heroes were willing to sacrifice in the name of duty – from missing their children’s first steps and soccer games, anniversaries and so much more. He performed “Old Glory” live for the first time during the USO Holiday Tour, and is now bringing it to the American public. Also in 2017, Niemann dug deep into his journey for critically-acclaimed album THIS RIDE – his first for Curb Records which includes the feel-good jam, “I Got This,” duet “A Little More Love” (with Lee Brice) and the classy romance of “God Made a Woman.” Known for clever wordplay and attention-grabbing lyrics, the engaging singer-songwriter topped Country charts with his PLATINUM-certified anthem “Drink to That All Night,” a multi-week #1 from the 2014 album HIGH NOON. Niemann first burst onto the scene in 2010 with his #1 major-label debut, JUDGE JERROD & THE HUNG JURY, which skyrocketed on the strength of his PLATINUM-certified #1 smash “Lover, Lover” and GOLD-certified Top 5 “What Do You Want.” His second release, FREE THE MUSIC, included Top 15 “Shinin’ On Me” and “Only God Could Love You More.
Read MoreDrew Parker
Drew Parker, a native of Covington, Georgia, is a rising star in country music. Influenced by ‘90s country legends like Ronnie Dunn and Travis Tritt, Parker has made a significant impact in the industry, contributing to hits like Luke Combs’ “Forever After All” and “Doin’ This,” as well as Jake Owen’s “Homemade.” He has earned a GRAMMY nomination, BMI Song of the Year award and more. In addition to his songwriting successes, Parker has performed on the Grand Ole Opry. In 2020, Parker’s EP ‘While You’re Gone” earned him the MusicRow ‘DisCovery Award,” and the EP’s title track reached No. 1 on SiriusXM’s The Highway. He continues to carve his path in country music with the release of his major label debut album “Camouflage Cowboy’ in 2024, including tracks “The Truck”, “Better on a Boat” and “Love The Leavin’” which is impacting at country radio. He currently is opening for Luke Combs as part of his “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Stadium Tour,” and he will embark on a headline tour later this year.
Read MoreMark Chesnutt
Neo-honky tonker Mark Chesnutt parlayed a solid grounding in classic country into chart-topping stardom during the ’90s. Born in Beaumont, Texas, in 1963, Chesnutt grew up listening to his father’s extensive country record collection (Bob Chesnutt had been a locally popular singer who never hit it big, and thus worked as a used-car salesman). Chesnutt learned both guitar and drums, and made his professional singing debut with his father’s band at age 15 on the local club scene. He even dropped out of high school for a time to pursue music, but later reconsidered and got his diploma; meanwhile, his father began taking him to Nashville for recording sessions. During the ’80s, Chesnutt released singles on local labels like the San Antonio-based Axbar (where he also issued a full album, Doing My Country Thing) and the Houston-based Cherry. He also served as the house headliner at the Beaumont club Cutter’s, where his band often featured future star Tracy Byrd. After around a decade of dues-paying, positive word of mouth finally helped Chesnutt land a record deal with MCA. Chesnutt’s debut album, Too Cold at Home, was released in 1990, and the title track became his first hit, climbing into the country Top Five. With a style that blended George Jones, Merle Haggard, and Bob Wills, Chesnutt went on to score four more Top Ten hits from the album: the number one Brother Jukebox, Blame It on Texas, Your Love Is a Miracle, and Broken Promise Land. By the time that string ran out, Chesnutt had finished his follow-up, 1992’s Longnecks & Short Stories. It gave him four more Top Five singles in Bubba Shot the Jukebox (one of Chesnutt’s signature songs), Old Flames Have New Names, the chart-topping I’ll Think of Something, and Ol’ Country. Chesnutt kept his hit-machine status going on 1993’s Almost Goodbye, which gave him three more chart-toppers in the title track, It Sure Is Monday, and I Just Wanted You to Know. 1994’s What a Way to Live offered the number one Gonna Get a Life and the number two Goin’ Through the Big D.
For 1995’s Wings, MCA briefly resurrected its Decca country imprint and made Chesnutt the flagship artist; while the album wasn’t the hit factory of its predecessors, many critics dubbed it one of Chesnutt’s most eclectic and consistent sets. Seeking to restore his commercial momentum, MCA issued Greatest Hits in 1996, and the new song It’s a Little Too Late went all the way to number one. 1997’s Thank God for Believers found Chesnutt back on MCA Nashville and produced a number two hit in the title cut. For 1999’s I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing, Chesnutt flirted with crossover material, namely the titular Diane Warren ballad that became a big hit for Aerosmith. Praised by many critics for its relative subtlety, Chesnutt’s version topped the country charts for a month, and even reached the pop Top 20. Despite that success, the album’s other singles didn’t perform as well, and his 2000 follow-up album, Lost in the Feeling, was something of a flop in comparison to his past work. Chesnutt and MCA subsequently parted ways, and he signed with Columbia for 2002’s Mark Chesnutt, which sold decently but didn’t quite mark a return to past glories. That doesn’t mean Chesnutt lost his audience, though, and he released Savin’ the Honky Tonk on Vivaton Records in 2004, followed by Heard It in a Love Song from Cbuj Entertainment in 2006. Rollin’ with the Flow appeared in 2008, followed by 2010’s Outlaw, which featured covers of outlaw country classics. Chesnutt followed Outlaw six years later with Tradition Lives, his first collection of new original material in eight years.
Kacey Musgraves
Kacey Musgraves is a seven-time Grammy Award winner who will release her fifth studio album Deeper Well in March 2024. Deeper Well is the first release since her critically acclaimed 2021 album star-crossed, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales Chart. star-crossed was the follow up to Musgraves’ groundbreaking 2018 album Golden Hour which earned Kacey her third No 1 debut on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and distinguished her as only the third artist to ever take-home Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards and Academy of Country Music Awards.
In 2023 Musgraves achieved her first Hot100 #1 for “I Remember Everything,” a duet with Zach Bryan. “I Remember Everything” is the first country music duet in 40 years since Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers “Islands in the Stream” (1983) to reach this feat. “I Remember Everything” won the Grammy Award for Best Country Song by a Duo or Group at the 66th annual ceremony in February 2024. With this win, Musgraves became the only artist ever to receive a Grammy Award for Best Country Album, Best Country Song, Best Country Solo performance and Best Country Duo or Group performance.
Clint Black
Clint Black is renowned for his illustrious career in modern music, standing out as a prominent figure in the Class of ’89. His journey to superstardom began with his triple-platinum debut album, ‘Killin’ Time,’ which spawned five consecutive #1 singles. Following this success, Clint continued to shine with the triple-platinum ‘Put Yourself in My Shoes’ and a series of platinum and gold albums throughout the ’90s. What sets Clint apart is his exceptional songwriting skills, as he penned or co-wrote every one of his over three dozen chart-topping hits, including classics like ‘A Better Man,’ ‘Where Are You Now,’ ‘When My Ship Comes In,’ and ‘Like the Rain.’ His remarkable catalog boasts 22 #1 singles, solidifying him as one of the most accomplished singer-songwriters of his time.
Throughout his remarkable career, Clint Black has sold over 20 million records worldwide, a testament to his immense popularity. His musical prowess has garnered him over a dozen gold and platinum awards in the U.S. and Canada, underscoring his widespread appeal. Additionally, Clint has secured nearly two dozen major awards and nominations, including an impressive tally of GRAMMY nominations. Such recognition speaks to his undeniable talent and enduring impact on the music industry. To honor his exceptional contributions, Clint Black has been immortalized with a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame, further solidifying his status as a legendary figure in the world of music.
Randall King
George Strait is a prominent figure in classic country music who has influenced artists like Randall King. King gained recognition in Texas with his EP ‘Another Bullet’ in 2016, followed by a successful debut in 2018. His talent attracted Warner Nashville, leading to the release of ‘Shot Glass’ in 2022. Growing up in Hereford, Texas, surrounded by country icons like George Strait, Keith Whitley, and Merle Haggard, King developed a passion for music. He pursued a business degree at Texas Tech but found his calling in music after being inspired by local acts. Transitioning to South Plains College, he studied music production and formed the Randall King Band before embarking on a solo career in traditional country music.
Randall King’s journey continued with the release of ‘Another Bullet’ EP in 2016, followed by his self-titled debut album. The success of his independent work caught the attention of Warner Music Nashville, leading to his EP ‘Leanna’ in 2020. Known for his traditional country style, King’s music resonates with fans, evident in hits like ‘Takin’ It as It Comes.’ Teasing his next album with singles such as ‘Record High’ and ‘You in a Honky Tonk,’ King stayed true to his roots. His second album, ‘Shot Glass,’ released in 2022, showcased his commitment to honoring traditional country music while making a mark in the industry.
Sammy Kershaw
Sammy Kershaw specializes in modernizing old-fashioned honk tonk by singing with a light, friendly touch and a hint of the sepia-toned warmth of ’70s soft rock. He had a streak of Top Ten Country hits in the early ’90s, showcasing his playful aspects similar to George Jones and bringing pub rock standard Third Rate Romance to the country charts. His versatility was evident in songs like ‘She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful’ which combined twang with pop elements. Transitioning from country-pop to a traditionalist sound in the 2000s, Kershaw maintained a successful career on the road with occasional studio returns focusing on his Louisiana R&B roots.
Born in 1958 in Kaplan, Louisiana, Sammy Kershaw grew up in Cajun country. He started his musical journey at a young age, touring the Southern clubs and honky tonks as a teenager. Despite facing personal challenges and struggles with drugs and alcohol, Kershaw’s dedication to music led him to a breakthrough opportunity with Mercury Records in 1990. His debut album ‘Don’t Go Near the Water’ marked the beginning of his chart-topping success, leading to multiple platinum albums and memorable hits like ‘She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful’ and ‘Queen of My Double Wide Trailer’.
Throughout his career, Sammy Kershaw’s music evolved, blending hard honky tonk with contemporary country and adult contemporary styles. Despite ups and downs in his journey with different record labels, Kershaw’s passion for music remained unwavering. From running for political office to releasing successful albums like ‘I Won’t Back Down’ and ‘Swamp Poppin’,’ Kershaw’s commitment to his Louisiana roots and love for music shone through in every performance, showcasing his talent and versatility as a respected artist in the country music industry.
Gretchen Wilson
Gretchen Wilson, the talented artist, made a groundbreaking entry into the music scene in late May 2004. Her debut single, “Redneck Woman,” carved its way to the top of the Billboard country singles chart, marking a significant milestone as the first solo female singer to achieve this feat in over two years. Simultaneously, her debut album, Here for the Party, made a grand entrance by claiming the number one spot on the country album chart and securing the second position on the pop album chart with remarkable sales of 227,000 copies during its opening week. Embracing a distinctively country style in her music, Wilson’s arrival was celebrated as a resurgence of authenticity in a genre that had been veering towards pop influences.
Gretchen Wilson’s journey traces back to the small town of Pocahontas, Illinois, where she first discovered her passion for singing as a child. Growing up in challenging circumstances, she endured hardship and worked at a young age to support herself. Moving to Nashville in 1996 marked a pivotal moment in her career, where she dedicated years to honing her craft while being part of the Muzik Mafia, a close-knit community of aspiring musicians and songwriters. Collaborating with John Rich, Wilson crafted the autobiographical hit, “Redneck Woman,” a song that boldly celebrated her humble beginnings and resonated deeply with audiences. Through her perseverance and dedication, Wilson’s music touched hearts and established her as a prominent figure in the country music scene.