Steve PMHThe 1970s was a golden era for country music, with numerous artists achieving widespread success and critical acclaim.
From the outlaw movement to the rise of crossover hits, the decade saw a diverse range of styles and sounds that continue to influence country music today.
In this article, we will explore the best 70s country artists who shaped the genre and left a lasting impact on the industry.
One of the defining characteristics of 70s country music was the emergence of outlaw country, a movement that rejected the polished, commercial sound of Nashville in favor of a more raw and authentic approach.
Artists like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Merle Haggard became synonymous with the outlaw movement, blending traditional country themes with rock and roll attitude.
Meanwhile, crossover hits from artists like Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers helped bring country music to a wider audience, paving the way for future generations of country stars.
Whether you’re a die-hard country fan or simply curious about the genre’s rich history, the best 70s country artists offer a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal moment in music history.
From classic hits to hidden gems, these artists continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson is one of the most iconic country artists of the 70s, known for his unique voice and songwriting skills.
He has released numerous albums during this decade, including “Red Headed Stranger,” “Stardust,” and “Shotgun Willie.”
Nelson’s music was a fusion of country, rock, and folk, which helped him gain a diverse fan base.
His songs often had a melancholic and introspective feel, with lyrics that explored themes of love, loss, and life on the road.
One of his most popular songs of the 70s was “On the Road Again,” which won him a Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 1981.
The song’s catchy melody and upbeat rhythm made it an instant hit, and it remains a classic to this day.
Nelson’s talent as a songwriter was also evident in his album “Red Headed Stranger,” which is considered one of the best country albums of all time.
The album tells the story of a wandering outlaw, and its stripped-down sound and raw emotion made it a critical and commercial success.
Overall, Willie Nelson’s contributions to country music in the 70s cannot be overstated.
His unique sound and songwriting skills helped shape the genre and influenced countless artists who came after him.
Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash was one of the most iconic country artists of the 70s and beyond. He was known for his deep, distinctive voice and his ability to tell a story through his music.
Cash had a long and successful career, releasing numerous hit songs and albums throughout the decade.
One of Cash’s most famous songs from the 70s was “A Boy Named Sue,” which was released in 1969.
The song tells the story of a man named Sue who seeks revenge on his absent father, and it became one of Cash’s biggest hits.
Another popular song from the 70s was “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” which was written by Kris Kristofferson and recorded by Cash in 1970.
Cash was also known for his collaborations with other artists, including his duets with June Carter Cash.
The two recorded several albums together in the 70s, including “Carryin’ On with Johnny Cash and June Carter” and “Johnny Cash and His Woman.”
In addition to his music career, Cash was also an actor and appeared in several films and TV shows throughout the 70s.
He even had his own TV show, “The Johnny Cash Show,” which aired from 1969 to 1971.
Overall, Johnny Cash’s impact on country music in the 70s cannot be overstated.
His unique voice and storytelling ability helped to shape the genre and inspire countless artists who came after him.
Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton is one of the most iconic country artists of the 1970s. With her unique voice and songwriting skills, she quickly rose to fame and became a household name.
Parton’s career took off in the mid-1970s with hits such as “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “Here You Come Again.”
Her music was known for its catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics, which resonated with audiences around the world.
In addition to her music career, Parton is also an actress, author, and philanthropist.
She has won numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and Country Music Association Awards.
Parton’s influence on country music cannot be overstated.
She paved the way for future generations of female country artists and continues to inspire fans around the world with her music and humanitarian work.
Waylon Jennings
Waylon Jennings was a prominent figure in the 70s country music scene.
Born in Texas in 1937, Jennings started his music career in the late 50s as a DJ and performer on local radio stations.
His unique style of music, which blended traditional country with rock and roll, caught the attention of RCA Records, who signed him in 1965.
Throughout the 70s, Jennings released a string of successful albums, including “Ladies Love Outlaws,” “Dreaming My Dreams,” and “I’ve Always Been Crazy.”
He was known for his outlaw image and rebellious attitude, which resonated with audiences and helped to define the outlaw country subgenre.
Jennings’ music was characterized by his distinctive voice, which had a rough, gravelly quality, and his skillful guitar playing.
He was also a prolific songwriter, penning many of his own hits, as well as songs for other artists.
Overall, Waylon Jennings was a trailblazer in the 70s country music scene, pushing the boundaries of the genre and paving the way for future generations of country artists.
His influence can still be heard today in the music of many contemporary country stars.
Loretta Lynn
Loretta Lynn is one of the most iconic country artists of the 1970s.
Born in Kentucky in 1932, she began her music career in the 1960s and quickly rose to fame with hits like “Fist City” and “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”
Lynn’s music often focused on the struggles of working-class women, and her lyrics were known for their honesty and authenticity.
She was unafraid to tackle controversial topics, such as birth control and the Vietnam War, and her songs resonated with audiences across the country.
In addition to her music career, Lynn is also a successful author, with several bestselling books to her name.
She has won numerous awards for her contributions to country music, including four Grammy Awards and a Kennedy Center Honor.
Overall, Loretta Lynn is a true legend of country music, and her impact on the genre is still felt today.
Conway Twitty
Conway Twitty was a legendary country music artist who dominated the charts throughout the 1970s.
Born as Harold Lloyd Jenkins in Friars Point, Mississippi, Twitty started his career as a rock and roll singer in the 1950s before transitioning to country music in the 1960s.
Twitty’s smooth, baritone voice and romantic ballads made him one of the most popular country artists of the 1970s.
He recorded numerous hits such as “Hello Darlin’,” “You’ve Never Been This Far Before,” and “I’d Love to Lay You Down,” which topped the charts and became fan favorites.
In addition to his solo career, Twitty also collaborated with Loretta Lynn, and the duo recorded several hit duets.
Their partnership produced classic songs like “After the Fire Is Gone,” “Lead Me On,” and “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man.”
Twitty’s legacy as a country music icon continues to live on today.
He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999, and his music continues to inspire and influence new generations of country artists.
Tammy Wynette
Tammy Wynette was a country music icon in the 70s. She had a string of hits that made her one of the most successful female artists of all time.
Her music was known for its emotional depth and relatable lyrics.
One of her most well-known songs is “Stand by Your Man,” which has become a classic in the genre.
It’s a powerful ballad about the importance of loyalty and commitment in a relationship.
Wynette’s performance of the song is filled with passion and sincerity, making it a timeless masterpiece.
In addition to “Stand by Your Man,” Wynette had many other hits in the 70s, including “D-I-V-O-R-C-E,” “Til I Get It Right,” and “Another Lonely Song.”
Her music resonated with audiences because of its honesty and authenticity.
Wynette’s impact on country music cannot be overstated.
She paved the way for future generations of female artists and inspired countless musicians with her talent and dedication.
Her music will continue to be celebrated and cherished for years to come.
Merle Haggard
Merle Haggard is a legendary figure in country music, known for his distinctive voice and his ability to tell a story through his songs.
He was born in 1937 in Oildale, California, and grew up in poverty, spending time in juvenile detention centers and later in prison.
Haggard’s music was influenced by his experiences, and he became known for his songs about the working class and the struggles of everyday people.
He had a string of hits in the 1970s, including “Okie from Muskogee,” “Mama Tried,” and “The Fightin’ Side of Me.”
In addition to his success as a musician, Haggard was also known for his rebellious spirit and his willingness to speak his mind.
He was a vocal critic of the Vietnam War and the counterculture movement of the 1960s, and his music reflected his conservative values.
Overall, Merle Haggard’s contributions to country music cannot be overstated.
His unique voice, his storytelling ability, and his willingness to tackle controversial topics have made him one of the most influential country artists of all time.
George Jones
George Jones is often considered one of the greatest country singers of all time. He had a distinctive voice and a style that was both traditional and innovative.
Jones was born in Texas in 1931 and began his career in the 1950s. He had his first hit in 1955 with “Why Baby Why,” which was followed by many other successful songs.
Jones had a long and prolific career, releasing over 150 albums and earning numerous awards and accolades.
He was known for his emotional and expressive delivery, which helped him connect with audiences and earn the nickname “The Possum.”
Some of Jones’ most popular songs include “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” “The Grand Tour,” and “White Lightning.”
He also collaborated with many other country artists throughout his career, including Tammy Wynette, Merle Haggard, and Willie Nelson.
Jones’ influence on country music is undeniable, and he continues to be celebrated as one of the genre’s greatest artists.
His legacy lives on through his music, which remains beloved by fans around the world.
Kenny Rogers
Kenny Rogers was one of the most successful country artists of the 70s, known for his smooth voice and crossover appeal.
He had a string of hits throughout the decade, including “Lucille,” “The Gambler,” and “Coward of the County.”
Rogers began his career in the 60s as a member of the folk group The New Christy Minstrels, but it wasn’t until he went solo in the 70s that he achieved major success.
He was a master at blending country with pop and rock, and his unique sound helped him appeal to a wide range of audiences.
In addition to his music career, Rogers was also a successful actor, appearing in films such as “Six Pack” and “The Gambler.”
He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest country artists of all time.
Overall, Kenny Rogers was a talented musician and actor who left a lasting impact on the country music industry.
His smooth voice, crossover appeal, and unique sound helped him become one of the most successful and beloved country artists of the 70s.
John Denver
John Denver was an American singer-songwriter and actor who rose to fame in the 1970s for his folk and country music.
He was born on December 31, 1943, in Roswell, New Mexico and passed away on October 12, 1997, in Monterey Bay, California.
Denver’s music was known for its positive and uplifting messages, which often reflected his love for nature and the outdoors.
He had several hits in the 70s, including “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Annie’s Song,” and “Rocky Mountain High,” which showcased his unique voice and songwriting abilities.
In addition to his music career, Denver also appeared in several films and television shows, including “Oh, God!” and “The Muppet Show.”
He was also a passionate environmental activist and served as a board member for several organizations dedicated to preserving the natural world.
Overall, John Denver’s impact on the country music scene in the 70s cannot be overstated.
His music continues to inspire and uplift listeners today, and his legacy as a talented musician and passionate environmentalist lives on.
Charley Pride
Charley Pride was an American country music singer, musician, and guitarist. He was one of the most successful African American performers in the history of country music.
Pride’s music career spanned over four decades and he had more than 30 number one hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Pride was born in Mississippi in 1934 and grew up listening to country music.
He started playing guitar at a young age and was influenced by artists such as Hank Williams and Jimmie Rodgers.
Pride moved to Nashville in the late 1960s and signed with RCA Records. His first single, “The Snakes Crawl at Night,” was released in 1966 and became a top 40 hit.
Pride’s breakthrough came in 1967 with the release of “Just Between You and Me,” which reached number nine on the country charts.
He followed this up with a string of hits, including “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’,” “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone,” and “Mountain of Love.”
Pride’s smooth baritone voice and engaging stage presence made him a favorite among country music fans.
Throughout his career, Pride faced discrimination and prejudice due to his race. However, he refused to let this stop him from pursuing his passion for music.
He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000 and received numerous other honors and awards throughout his career.
Charley Pride’s contributions to country music are undeniable.
His unique voice and style helped to break down barriers and pave the way for future generations of African American country music artists.
Glen Campbell
Glen Campbell was a multi-talented country artist who made a significant impact on the music industry in the 70s.
He was not only a singer but also a songwriter, guitarist, and actor.
Campbell’s career took off in the late 60s and peaked in the 70s with hits like “Rhinestone Cowboy,” “Southern Nights,” and “Wichita Lineman.”
He was known for his smooth voice, catchy tunes, and impressive guitar skills, which earned him a reputation as one of the best guitarists in the industry.
In addition to his successful music career, Campbell also appeared in several movies and TV shows, including the classic film “True Grit” alongside John Wayne.
Overall, Glen Campbell’s contributions to the country music genre in the 70s cannot be overstated.
He was a talented artist who left a lasting impression on the industry and will always be remembered as one of the greats.
Emmylou Harris
Emmylou Harris is a renowned American singer-songwriter who emerged as a prominent figure in the country music scene during the 1970s.
Harris is known for her unique voice, which blends elements of country, folk, and rock music.
She has released several critically acclaimed albums throughout her career and has won numerous awards for her contributions to the music industry.
Harris’s debut album, “Gliding Bird,” was released in 1969, but it wasn’t until the mid-1970s that she achieved commercial success.
Her album “Elite Hotel,” released in 1975, earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
Harris continued to release successful albums throughout the decade, including “Luxury Liner” and “Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town.”
In addition to her solo work, Harris is also known for her collaborations with other artists. She has worked with musicians such as Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Neil Young.
Her collaboration with Parton and Ronstadt, “Trio,” was released in 1987 and earned the trio a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Harris’s contributions to the country music scene during the 1970s have had a lasting impact on the genre.
Her unique blend of musical styles and her powerful vocals have made her a beloved figure among country music fans.
Don Williams
Don Williams was one of the most popular country artists of the 1970s.
Known as the “Gentle Giant” for his tall stature and mellow voice, Williams had a string of hits throughout the decade.
Born in Texas in 1939, Williams began his career in the 1960s as a songwriter.
He wrote songs for artists such as Johnny Cash and Lefty Frizzell before launching his own career as a performer.
Williams’ smooth baritone voice and laid-back style made him a favorite among country fans.
He scored his first hit in 1974 with “We Should Be Together,” and went on to have 17 number one hits over the course of his career.
Some of Williams’ most beloved songs include “Tulsa Time,” “I Believe in You,” and “Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good.”
His music has been covered by a wide range of artists, including Eric Clapton, Waylon Jennings, and Alison Krauss.
Williams retired from performing in 2016 and passed away in 2017, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most distinctive voices in country music history.
Charlie Rich
Charlie Rich, also known as the Silver Fox, was an American country music singer and musician who rose to fame in the 1970s.
He was born on December 14, 1932, in Colt, Arkansas, and began his career in the 1950s as a session musician.
Rich’s smooth vocals and piano skills helped him become a successful solo artist in the 1970s.
He had several hit songs during this time, including “The Most Beautiful Girl” and “Behind Closed Doors”.
These songs showcased his ability to blend country, pop, and soul music into a unique sound that appealed to a wide audience.
In addition to his successful music career, Rich was also a talented songwriter and producer.
He wrote many of his own songs and produced albums for other artists, including Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis.
Overall, Charlie Rich’s contributions to 70s country music cannot be overstated.
His unique blend of genres and smooth vocals helped him become one of the most successful artists of the decade.
Tanya Tucker
Tanya Tucker is a renowned country artist who rose to fame in the 1970s with her unique blend of country and rock music.
Born in Texas in 1958, Tucker began performing at a young age and released her first album at just 13 years old.
Throughout the 70s, Tucker released a string of successful albums and singles, including “Delta Dawn,” “What’s Your Mama’s Name,” and “Lizzie and the Rainman.”
Her music showcased her powerful vocals and her ability to convey emotion through her lyrics.
Tucker’s style was often described as edgy and rebellious, and she was one of the few female artists in the genre to challenge traditional gender roles.
She was known for her signature look of tight pants and cowboy boots, which became a fashion trend among her fans.
In addition to her music career, Tucker also appeared in several films and television shows, including “The Love Boat” and “Touched by an Angel.”
She has won numerous awards throughout her career, including a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Female in 1993.
Overall, Tanya Tucker’s contributions to country music in the 70s were significant, and her unique style and powerful voice continue to inspire artists today.
Crystal Gayle
Crystal Gayle is an American country music artist who achieved significant success in the 1970s.
She was born on January 9, 1951, in Paintsville, Kentucky, and is the younger sister of the legendary country singer Loretta Lynn.
Gayle’s unique voice and signature long hair made her a standout performer in the country music scene.
She released her debut album, “Crystal Gayle” in 1975, and it included her first hit single “Wrong Road Again.”
In 1977, Gayle released the album “We Must Believe in Magic,” which became her breakthrough album.
It included her signature hit “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” which won a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
The album also featured other hit singles such as “Talking in Your Sleep” and “Why Have You Left the One You Left Me For.”
Throughout the 1970s, Gayle continued to release successful albums and singles, including “When I Dream,” “You Never Miss a Real Good Thing (Till He Says Goodbye),” and “Half the Way.”
She was also a regular performer on the popular television show “Hee Haw.”
Overall, Crystal Gayle’s unique voice and style helped her become one of the most successful country artists of the 1970s.
Her music continues to be loved by fans of country music around the world.
Ronnie Milsap
Ronnie Milsap is an American country music singer and pianist who gained popularity in the 1970s.
He was born on January 16, 1943, in Robbinsville, North Carolina. Milsap is known for his unique blend of country, pop, and R&B music.
Milsap’s career took off in the mid-1970s when he signed with RCA Records.
He released several hit singles during this time, including “Pure Love,” “Daydreams About Night Things,” and “It Was Almost Like a Song.”
These songs helped establish Milsap as one of the best country artists of the 1970s.
One of the reasons for Milsap’s success was his ability to appeal to a wide audience. His music was not limited to traditional country music fans, but also appealed to pop and R&B fans.
This crossover appeal helped him gain a large and diverse fan base.
Milsap’s success continued throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and he has sold over 35 million records worldwide.
He has won numerous awards, including six Grammy Awards and eight Country Music Association Awards.
In conclusion, Ronnie Milsap is one of the most successful country artists of the 1970s.
His unique blend of country, pop, and R&B music, along with his crossover appeal, helped him gain a large and diverse fan base.
Milsap’s success continued throughout his career, and he remains a highly respected figure in the country music industry.
Hank Williams Jr.
Hank Williams Jr. is one of the most iconic country artists of the 70s. Born in Louisiana in 1949, he was the son of legendary country singer Hank Williams.
Williams Jr. began his music career at a young age, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already performing with his father’s band.
Williams Jr. quickly made a name for himself as a solo artist, releasing his first album in 1964.
Throughout the 70s, he continued to produce hit after hit, with songs like “All My Rowdy Friends (Have Settled Down)” and “Family Tradition” becoming instant classics.
One of Williams Jr.’s greatest strengths as an artist was his ability to blend traditional country sounds with rock and roll influences.
He was known for his energetic live performances, and his music was often described as “rowdy” and “rebellious.”
In addition to his music career, Williams Jr. was also a successful television personality.
He hosted his own variety show, “Hank Williams Jr. and Friends,” and his song “Are You Ready for Some Football?” became the theme song for “Monday Night Football” in 1989.
Overall, Hank Williams Jr. was a trailblazer in the country music industry, and his influence can still be felt today.
His unique blend of traditional country and rock and roll helped to shape the sound of country music in the 70s and beyond.
