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When we hear country music, we imagine a guy holding a guitar with cowboy boots and hat, singing a particular tone and style. This genre of music is unique as it originated in Southern America in the 1920s. It is mainly simple ballads, dance tunes with uncomplicated lyrics and harmonies played with string instruments such as acoustic guitars.
Throughout its existence, country music has made a mark in the music world, and some people perfected it. They never left our homes ever since, and they still inspire the young generation of musicians to pursue this style of music. Twelve male country singers captured the hearts of millions, and until now, people love their music.
12 Greatest Male Country Singers:
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George Strait
Date And Place Of Birth: May 18, 1952, | Poteet, Texas
Greatest Hit: “Unwound”
George Strait is the “King of Country.” His influence in music is undeniable with his neotraditionalist country style.
Hank Williams
Date And Place Of Birth: September 17, 1923 | Mount Olive, Alabama
Greatest Hit: “Your Cheatin’ Heart”
Hank Williams is among the first country superstars. Unfortunately, he passed early at the age of 29 due to a heart attack.
Johnny Cash
Date And Place Of Birth: February 26, 1932 | Kingsland, Arkansas
Greatest Hit: “Walk the Line”
Johnny Cash or “The Man in Black” was from a poor farming family. He joined the Air Force in 1950. He sadly passed due to complications from diabetes in 2003.
George Jones
Date And Place Of Birth: September 12, 1931 | Saratoga, Texas
Greatest Hit: “Why Baby Why”
George Jones grew up in a low-income family but succeeded in life creating country music. He passed in 2013 at the age of 81.
Merle Haggard
Date And Place Of Birth: April 6, 1937 | Bakersfield, California
Greatest Hit: “Branded Man”
Merle Haggard had a rather inspirational life. He was once a disturbed teenager and even spent time at San Quentin Prison, died on the day of his birthday, April 6, 2016, due to complications of pneumonia at the age of 79.
Conway Twitty
Date And Place Of Birth: September 1, 1933 | Friars Point, Mississippi
Greatest Hit: “Next in Line”
Conway Twitty’s real name was Harold Lloyd Jenkins. He adopted his stage name from Conway, Arkansas and Twitty, Texas. Sadly, he passed on June 5, 1993, due to an aneurysm at the age of 59.
Charley Pride
Date And Place Of Birth: March 18, 1934| Sledge, Mississippi
Greatest Hit: “Kiss an Angel Good Morning”
Charley Pride, if not the only, is among the few successful black country singers, as he is also the first to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.
Jim Reeves
Date And Place Of Birth: August 20, 1923| Panola County, Texas
Greatest Hit: “Mexican Joe”
Jim Reeves was one of the greatest “Nashville Sound” style country singers. He was a part of the Grand Ole Opry from 1955 until he tragically passed on July 31, 1964, due to a plane crash.
Garth Brooks
Date And Place Of Birth: February 7, 1962 | Tulsa, Oklahoma
Greatest Hit: “If Tomorrow Never Comes”
Garth Brooks is also one of the greatest country singers, selling over 100 million albums. He harmonized rock and roll to the country genre and successfully crossed over to pop.
Willie Nelson
Date And Place Of Birth: April 29, 1933| Abbott, Texas
Greatest Hit: “On the Road Again”
Willie Nelson grew up with his paternal grandparents during the Great Depression. Today, he is now on his 80s but is still active and is doing charities and political ideals.
Waylon Jennings
Date And Place Of Birth: June 15, 1937| Littlefield, Texas
Greatest Hit: “Walk On Out of My Mind”
Waylon Jennings was friends with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson. On February 3, 1959, he was about to get on a private plane but gave up his seat to rockstar J.P. Richardson. Unfortunately, it crashed after takeoff taking the lives of everyone on board including Budd Holly, J.P. Richardson, and Ritchie Valens, hence “the day the music died.”
Kenny Rogers
Date And Place Of Birth: August 21, 1938| Houston, Texas
Greatest Hit: “The Gambler”
Kenny Rogers is an iconic artist, successful in both country and pop. He did a duet with the country female superstar Dolly Parton.
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These 12 men made a mark in the music industry, and the world will always be grateful. Their songs have been a part of the lives of the people in the 20th century. The generation today may not know their names, and the music we hear on the radio may never be the same as most say that the music back then will be the most meaningful. Country music is pure, and the message and emotion to the songs will always be magical.