Why Texas Country Music Is So Special
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- Опубликовано: 4 июн 2024
- Today's video is all about the Texas country music scene, which is alive and THRIVING thanks to artists like Cody Johnson, Aaron Watson, Flatland Cavalry, Jamie Lin Wilson, Koe Wetzel, and so many others. Plus, there are acts like the Turnpike Troubadours and Cody Canada and the Departed from the Red Dirt scene that get included in this world where touring is huge, rodeos are a way of life, and people just wanna dance at Gruene Hall!
00:00 Intro
01:55 - The State of Texas (A Point of Pride and Setting)
03:34 - The Live Music Experience
06:24 - Rodeo Culture
09:44 - Texas Absorbs Oklahoma & Red Dirt
11:13 - Independent Artistry & Outlaw Attitude
13:32 - Exemplary Songwriting
15:18 - Up & Coming Texas Acts
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Welcome to your beginner's guide to the Texas country music scene (which some people would call the Texas/Red Dirt scene, but don't worry that distinction is covered in the video). This one was a labor of love, so enjoy getting to know the Texas scene if you're unfamiliar with it -- and definitely dig deeper if any of these artists intrigue you! This is truly just a starting point. There are artists like Mike and the Moonpies, Cody Jinks, Triston Marez, Charley Crockett, and SO MANY MORE that I didn't even get to mention in this!
So glad to hear you meeting Chris LeDouxs name. He is my altime favorite. The man was a legend and a pioneer in his own rights. I miss him a lot. Rodeo is life
Grady, would you ever do a video about the Australian country music scene?
I know you’ve mentioned him before but I’m a fan of Vincent Neil Emerson. He did great singing on Colter’s new album
Not the same Cody Johnson!
Source: Am former bull rider from TX.
Like your channel though!
Shane Smith and the Saints you need to give them another listen man, best live show I have ever seen. Try the Mountain I think you would change your opinion
2 things Grady
1- do this for the Canadian country scene
2- you talked about Texas outlaws and left out Cody Jinks, Sad 😢
He did get cut and it hurt to do it. I weirdly remembered him later in the video and it was awkward to insert him but I love him. I am sorry lol.
Grady Smith, we need one on Canadian guys and you really need to check Corb Lund out!
I heard Corb for the first time on a Texas country music station! He puts the “Western” back in country and western! So freaking good!
@@treyhaddon2004 Corb Lund is now Texan since he is doing music in Texas.
Why not do this for Canadian country? Same as Texas?
From Texas, and I know Tyler Childers isn’t from here, but he’s HUGE down here, at least with everyone I know, so I def agree with the independent/outlaw attitude being almost synonymous
Want Cheese Bro oh yeah. Childers is a honorary Texan
Zach Kraemer Same thing with Colter
That is what is going on. A lot of artists not from Texas are joining the country scene from all over the US, Canada and Austarlia.
Agreed! We love our state, take it or leave it. :) What other people tattoo their state on their body? LOL We are proud. And we love our talent!
Same here in Oklahoma
The stars at night are big and bright (clap, clap, clap, clap) Deep in the heart of Texas.
This called to me 😂
proud to be a texan 🙏🏽
This always reminds of Pee Wee's Big Adventure (dating myself.)
@@annmarie3573 nothing wrong with that.
not going to lie I only know this from home free
Even if a singer isn’t native Texas, if you’re not mainstream country you’re pretty much accepted as a Texas singer 😂
Such as Ned LeDoux, Chancey Williams and Chris Peterson who are from Wyoming and Utah.
Good to know..I’m from Georgia, and have fallen in love with Texas Red Dirt music in the short time since I moved here, and see myself joining the great Texas red dirt artists on stage in the next few years.. see y’all soon!
@@kippd2265 its not texas red dirt.
@@xandro2445 Ok, to be technical, Texas country with Oklahoma red dirt flare…
@@kippd2265 Just imagine if Georgia started a music genre and Alabama started doing something similar. After a while they blend and everyone calls it Alabama music. Would you as a proud Georgian let that fly?
As a native Texan, I'm so glad to see you devote an entire video to the music scene here! My only criticism is that George Strait barely got a passing mention. I know you're more focused on the younger artists and those that don't have the mainstream attention that George has, but he's the King of Country Music, and I wish you would've talked about him more.
I agree! My first reaction was “I know you didn’t just make a video about Texas country and call Garth the king!” 😂 George Strait is the king of country!
What about Clint Black? Few country artists have ever had as successful of a debut album as he did. He would go on to a lot more further success for about a decade afterward as well, even if his debut was so successful that it was all but impossible to top.
He did talk about Chris LeDoux for a while which is always a positive though.
@@dylanhills3244 Clint Black was born in New Jersey but spent his childhood in Houston area.
@@stevendudley5687 I know. In fact, he was born in Long Branch, where Bruce Springsteen was born. But he moved back with his parents and 3 older brothers to his father's home city of Houston less than a year after he was born.
GEORGE STRAIT is the definition of Texas country music.
The gold standard!
Lets not forget the legends that came before him. Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Tanya Tucker, George Jones, Gene Autry etc.
Spitfirethedragon Bob Wills, Billy Joe Shaver, Steve Earle and so many others. Yes I acknowledge them all. But George Strait is special and he’s the pinnacle. In the late 70s and 80s, Country was taking a complete 180 away from its traditional sound, in favor of electric drums, synths, getting rid of the fiddle and steel guitar.
George Strait rejected that and made pure country. Strait Country, released in 1981, saved country music from just merging with pop rock.
GEORGE STRAIT is the King of Texas Country Music. He is THE King of All Country Music.
King George is traditional Nashville Country that is from Texas. Texas Country started in the 80’s/90’s without major label support, with people like Jerry Jeff Walker, Pat Green, and Robert Earl.
Jake I’m w you. King George will always reign supreme but this video is about the Cooder Graws and The Great Divide type bands that set this scene on fire
This pleases me as a native Texan. I really am liking Triston Marez.
Triston Marez has no bad song. Also loving the jollibee photo lol
Every song by him is super good
I’ve been diggin Charley Crockett lately! What’s old is new with his sound!
I was hoping someone would bring him up!!
Cody Jinks is really underrated his songs must be the whiskey and hippies and cowboys are supremely good and well written.
"No one sings about virigina...."
John denver " wEsT vIrGiNiAAAAA"
Whiskey Myers literally has a song called Virginia
Those are 2 states though. Lol
Listen to Tyler Childers he mentions Virginia n Kentucky
West Virginia has been it’s own separate state since 1863. Look at a map.
In “Universal Sound” he mentions the Cranberry Glades in Pocahontas County, WV
Whiskey Myers is my personal favorite. Their last album was fantastic and I wish you would of gone more in depth.
Whiskey Myers is an amazing band. They are great to see live and have amazingly well produced records. Dave Cobb of Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson, and Chris Stapleton fame has produced them. They’ve also cut a song with Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes.
Yes whiskey Myers !!!
They are my favorite. However they produced this album and while it’s good it’s not my favorite. Best song in the album is Bury My Bones.
This California Girl looooooves Whiskey Meyers!!
They have a song about Virginia for him too.
Grady, I saw and met Aaron Watson at a small venue about an hour from where you're located in VA. There wasn't many people there but that didn't seem to bother him a bit. The whole place sang along to every song and was all in, as close to the stage as we could get. Afterwards he took the time to talk to and hug every person who wanted to meet him. Amazing guy and artist!
I second this. I saw Aaron twice at the Ryman in Nashville and both times he stayed after to meet every single person who wanted to, which was a lot. Well he stayed so long the lights turned off and the security guards had to go turn them back on for him! hahaha He is a gem of a human being
For the first thousand shows
Not a soul showed up
Shane Smith and the Saints album Geronimo is some of the best Texas Country song writing out there.
Yes. Always gotta mention Shane Smith. And as great as their albums are, somehow they're even better live.
I just saw them at Wild West Fest In San Angelo Tx
Reckless Kelly's "Wicked Twisted Road" album (and title song) will always be one of my favorites. Give it a listen!!
Bulletproof. Fantastic Album!
absolutely great album
How to make it in Texas: if you can sing and you’re good enough to make us want to drink more and more and keep hearing you that’s an instant win
Grady, if you’ve never listened to the Pat Green album “Three days” do yourself a favor and do. It is as good a country album as has ever been made.
Three Days is such a great album. Every song on that album is a must listen.
Pat f*cking Green
Pats best in my book.
It’s my favorite Texas country album of all time. Every song is a banger. So glad someone mentioned this!
Pat Green deserved so much better.
I was taking my buddy to work one time in Martindale, Texas and we stopped to get coffee in Old Main Street in Martindale and what do you know, Randy Rogers was just chilling in there with the owner. We were kinda stunned and just said “hi we like you music man” he just said “that’s awesome” and gave us a fist bump.
Love me some Randy Rogers. Unfortunately my Ryman concert has been postponed for the 3rd time due to this plaque. Cannot wait to hear them live.
Jon Wolfe!!!! “Singing thing” “some ol bar in the 90s” to name a couple.
Josh Ward and Randall King are underrated Texas Country artists.
Josh Ward is ridiculously underrated
Josh ward is CRIMINALLY underrated.
@countrygirl countrymusiclover1127 its RUclips not your college essay, it's not important what Words I Choose To Capitalize
Dude I went to see colter at whitewater a couple years ago and the lineup was Josh Ward Opener, Colter Wall, and Cody Jinks. Josh Ward really surprised me, I was hooked. Whiskey and Whitley was what took it home.
Agreed @Gradysmith you need to check Josh Ward out and do another review on Randall King.
Hey I'm one of those Zach Bryan or bust teens who's pissed it took me this long to find the indi scene 😂
Same tho...
Here in the south western DFW area we have a Texas country station called "The Ranch" and they surprisingly play Tyler Childers a lot! I'm not complaining though cause I grew up in Short Pump and have family in Charlottesville now and that stuff hits me in the gut
What channel number is that??
95.9 or 106.9(not sure about the second one)
It’s both 95.9 and 106.9.. except if you go East from Dallas and 95.9 is KCKL, still a country station, and 104.1 is the ranch out here in East Texas
Living on the East side of town I mostly listen to 95.3 The Range
Grady, if you ever end up in Texas and need something to do for a few hours, I’d love to deep dive into this conversation, great video! I do want to shout out Pat Green, Cory Morrow, Robert Earl Keen, Charlie Robison, and my personal favorite, Cross Canadian Ragweed. These guys kinda bridged the gap between the outlaw movement and the current movement. Most of them went to Nashville and hated it, then moved back to Texas to do their own thing. I think they really helped pave the way for this generation to succeed.
Charlie Robison needs to come out with another album! He had this cool almost Max Stalling vibe about him but also with a bit more out of the box song writing.
@@chaseharrison5469 Unfortunately Charlie Robison doesn't sing anymore due to vocal injury/illness he had that couldn't be corrected.
Jaime Hernandez Damn, that sucks I didn’t know about that. I loved his style. Maybe he could potentially let his style live on as a songwriter but idk if he’s got other interests.
Ragweed saved/changed my life in 2005. They usually made it to the east once or twice a year and I am proud to say, I got to hang out with them several times after the shows and had lots of Boys from Oklahoma times ;-)
Bro I was looking for this comment I absolutely agree that’s the music real Texas natives listen to
First time I've heard you talk about Chris ledoux. I'm from Utah and he's my favorite artists!
Same!
I've been waiting for him to mention Chris for a really long time. I'm hoping he will do a video strictly on him.
@@lanehenkle6400 that would be awesome. He could talk about his rodeo days, than his music career. There's a lot there especially when you look at how he influenced Garth Brooks
He's mentioned him a couple of times in recent videos.
@@Island-Girl which videos?
Cleto Cordero and Kaitlin Butts, Country Music’s REAL power couple.
I'd like to mention Jason Eady and Courtney Patton. They are married and have separate careers but are both equally great. They do go out on the road together a lot and when they sing together, it's nothing short of beautiful.
I was about to write the same thing! Great video as always Grady but please check out these two!! Texas songwriting at its abolute best!
I put up a post before seeing this, they are fantastic! Also live Jamie Lin and Max Stalling.
Texas’ music is particular is amazing and so rich in history
Native Texan here and I loved this video! Texas country truly is a life of its own. Cody Johnson, Josh Abbott Band, Randall King, Mike Ryan, Shane Smith and the Saints, Stoney LaRue, Sam Riggs, Cody Jinks are all some of my favs and are all huge down here!
YES! JOSH ABOTT BAND I LOVE! I SAW THEM LIVE!
SHANE SMITH AND RANDALL KING IS AMAZING TOO!
I hear FLY AWAY by Shane Smith and it's so good.
I wish to learn music theory for Texas country.
The thing I LOVE about Texas country! It sounds more like traditional country unlike pop country of today's mainstream. I love the story telling of Texas country music
Kevin Fowler is awesome, I have seen him concert a couple of times, and was always a great time
I know it’s probably a very basic thing to say but as someone from Alabama I think the best modern country artist is CoJo without a doubt. Dude can’t make a bad song. Love Randall King too.
Triston Marez, Jacob Stelly, Josh Ward, Pecos and the Rooftops, Cody Jinks, Kody West, and Jon Wolfe.
As a Texan I already love this ☺️
Discovered Texas country a few years back and it took me down an insane rabbit hole I never dug out of. I’ve always liked tons of different genres, but never like I learned to love TX/red dirt.
For all the bad you can say about Spotify and how little it financially supports the artists, I wouldn’t have ever found TX country from here in Tampa, FL without it.
If you’re a newer fan and not real familiar outside of the big guys like Cody Johnson and Cody Jinks, yourself a favor and start digging into these artists! This is not a singles based scene, you NEED to take the time and listen to the albums beginning to end.
William Clark Green
Shane Smith & the Saints
Flatland Cavalry
Kody West
American Aquarium (from NC but get grouped with TX regularly)
Randall King
Jamie Lin Wilson
Randy Rogers Band
Whiskey Myers
Turnpike Troubadours
Jason Boland & the Stragglers
Jason Eady
Wade Bowen
Courtney Patton
Eli Young Band
Mike Ryan
Josh Ward
Casey Donahew
Triston Marez
Kat Hasty
Charlie Robison
Thieving Birds
The Damn Quails
Six Market Blvd.
Juliet McConkey
Curtis Grimes
Slade Coulter
Dylan Wheeler
Ryan Beaver
Jade Marie Patek
Dolly Shine
Stoney Larue
Red Shahan
Tanner Usrey
Cory Morrow
Micky & the Motorcars
Mike & the Moonpies
Kylie Frey
John Baumann
Austin Meade
Kolton Moore & the Clever Few
Reckless Kelly
Jon Wolfe
Ryan Bingham
Charlie Shafter
What a wonderful list!
Creed fucking Fisher
I literally love Aaron Watson‼️‼️ One of the best little known country artists.
As an Oklahoma home boy who was born and raised in Texas, you nailed the Oklahoma Texas relation right on the head. They’re one in the same, great music in both.
Jake Worthington is also worth mentioning here. A very underrated player in the Texas scene.
I’ve been waiting for a video like this, love the Texas scene, and I’m from Philly!
I grew up listenting to mainstream country and couldn’t take it anymore. Somehow I found Cody Jinks, which led me to Cody Johnson, which led me to whiskey Myers, which led me to Turnpike, which led me to Tyler Childers, which led me to Sturgill, which led me to Jason Isbell and so and so forth. Man I love me some country music!
Hi Grady. My favorite Texas music performer is Kelly Willis. I have loved her sound for over 20 yrs now. Second to her is Sunny Sweeney. Both amazing women singer/songwriters.
When I moved her I was chocked how MASSIVE Cody Johnson was. He just pulled 70,000 opening Rodeo season. He was the savior who filled in for Old Dominion in 2017 becoming an Instant legend.
We also get artists like Lee Brice playing in classic dance halls. It’s a remarkable atmosphere that brings the country out of these guys. There’s always a place for any artist.
I haven’t even watched the video yet, and I already know it’s going to be one of my favorites.
Another point to the live music experience in Texas is how many artist exceed expectations when you go see them. Flatland sounds even better live than on a record (they play devil off my back with a cover of devil went down to Georgia), when Shane Smith & the Saints harmonize together it can make your hair stand up, and being able to chat with these bands after the show is really why the texas scene is so special to people. Keep making content for this texas music fan.
Favorite artists: Mike Ryan, Dirty River Boys, Shane Smith & the Saints, Flatland, Kolton Moore, and WCG.
Shane Smith and the Saints gave me literal goose bumps about 3 or 4 times in one show throughout the night because they were so good.
Im a radio personality whos station and locale champions Texas country, my entire show was about showcasing the newest stuff in Texas country, but before I joined the team, I knew so little about country in general, but I developed a very real love for country through Texas country and im so glad people are giving it love and attention. Its a special scene and I could talk about it forever.
Texas Country Music Fan Base: WHY DIDN’T YOU MENTION *insert random tx artist*. THATS SO DISRESPECTFUL.
Just a testament to the amount of talent in the scene.
Listen to Josh Ward and Triston Marez. You won’t be disappointed
YES YES YES
Can't believe no one has mentioned to check out Jon Wolfe, am I alone on this one? 🤠🤷♂️
You are not alone. Jon is the epitome of Texas country and will be the face of it for a long time.
@@jonathangau9830 Glad to see I'm not alone, being someone from NC everytime I hear people talk about the Texas Country Music scene I never seem to hear his name mentioned in conversation even though I know he is very well known around Texas so he comes off to be very underrated I think unfortunately. I totally agree with you though 👌
Isn’t he from Oklahoma?
@@Kujjiman Yeah he was born there but made his music career in Texas
Jonathan Gau nah that’s Cody Johnson that’s gonna be running the scene. Let Randall King get traction and he’s gonna be right along with the best of them.
Jon while he makes decent music is known to be a diva and that doesn’t fly down here. I’ve experienced it myself when he didn’t want to play a show because they had to move the concert inside of the venue instead of outside.
As a 60 year old born and raised New York City boy I was turned on to Texas music by a young lady when I mentioned I was beginning to like Country music . About 10 years ago , my love for the genre has only grown . Pat Green , Randy Rogers , Jason Boland , Bruce and Charlie Robison , Roger Kreager , Cory Morrow , Wade Bowen , Stoney Larue , Ragweed, and especially , Jack Ingram . And also an even earlier generation of Earle Keen , Kris Kristofferson , Willie Nelson . Great songwriting is the greatest aspect of all of it .
Went to college at Baylor. Came across Zane Williams one day, which got me introduced to Cody Johnson, which got me to Cody Jinks, Jon Wolfe, Randall King, and everyone else. Cojo quickly became my favorite artist. There’s so much George Strait in him with his own flair and attitude and I love it.
As a native Texan and fierce supporter of this scene I was worried about this video. But I think you did a wonderful job introducing people to what it's all about. :)
For an outsider you nailed it, I am a native Texan from Houston and I love Texas music. I was at the Cody Johnson Houston Rodeo performance you mentioned and it was awesome. I like some of the older Texas artist like Pat Green, Kevin Fowler, Dale Watson, and who could forget Jerry Jeff Walker. There is a show you might want to check out called The Texas Music Scenee hosted by Jack Ingram, the older episodes were hosted by Ray Benson.
From France I listen to this incredible Texas scene I began to discover 10 years ago. Totally agree with you Grady when you're talking about the quality of song writing.The first time I heard this Reckless Kelly's song called Weatherbeaten Soul, I knew I'll be taken by Texas country music and red dirt.
To be the moon by Aaron Watson makes me cry every time because it makes me think about my grandma who passed about a year ago now. For no particular reason other than it just really reflects her values and her advice she always gave me
As an Oklahoman, it hurts my heart that Texas has absorbed Red Dirt but you’re not wrong. A lot of the red dirt nowadays is coming out of Austin/Stephenville now😂
Zane Williams has some insane songwriting skills, and I feel like he doesn't get all the credit he deserves!
Zane Williams is such a great songwriter! And he’s got such a rich old school sound to his voice!
I'm not from Texas but my friends and I are from the midwest and all our favorite artists are Texas/Red Dirt artists. The rodeo and livestock culture I've grown up around through Livestock Shows and Cattle auctions heavily embraces the Red Dirt scene because many of the artists are rodeo and livestock people as well. Aaron Watson was recently featured on a livestock show podcast called The Show with Cannon Brown, check it out!
You know you've been in Texas too long when you think Grady is crazy for saying mutton bustin' is weird.
9:44 - That sound you hear is Texans and Oklahomans being simultaneously triggered.
Seriously, thank you Grady for this solid treatment of the Texas country music scene!
"If you want to play in Texas you gotta have a fiddle in the band "
DAMN straight like George strait
Just want to say thank you so much for introducing me to the Texas scene. I came across your channel after you were included in a Rogue Rocket video about country music and it really opened my eyes up to different kinds of country music which I feel as more honest country. Would be interesting to see your take on some Australian country music artists sometime in the future 😊
I’ve seen many country artist from George, Alan, Willie, Childres, Midland, Flatland. Really you name it, Cody Johnson to this date has blown everyone out of the water with energy, performance, story telling.
As a native Austinite, I really appreciated this. I wish you had included 1 more point about what makes Texas music special--The Rich Rich History. Today's musicians are building off Willie Nelson, Robert Earl Keen, Pat Green, Kevin Fowler, Charlie Robison, etc.. You could even say the PBS show Austin City Limits, which started in the 70's really helped solidify a Texas sound that went out live across the nation. Throw in SXSW & the fact that Austin calls itself the Live Music Capital & it helps explain why Texas musicians believe in the Texas scene. I would recommend checking out Troy Stone as someone to watch.
Should’ve definitely mentioned Robert Earl Keen Jr one of The Godfather’s of Texas country. Saw someone mention Corb Lund, he and Hayes Carl made Bible on the Dash fun little tune you should check both those guys out!
From texas, some older guys like Pat Green, Lyle Lovett, and Rick Trevino are also really great
Great video Grady, I’m proud of my state’s music. I’d love to see a part two on this later down the road.
Great job Grady from this Texan. Texana and Red Dirt is where it is at for me. It has to have a fiddle, some steel, a vibe, and danceable. Big fan of Aaron Watson, Cody Johnson, Kevin Fowler, Kyle Park, Josh Abbott, Jason Cassidy, Granger Smith, Two Tons of Steel, and JB and the Moonshine Band.
As an Albertan, you need to do a video on corb Lund, absolute legend
I’m glad you mentioned William Clark green, he’s my favorite songwriter and wish he would put out new music so he could have a video to himself
Native Texan now living in Wyoming so I appreciate the combination of the Texas scene review and the Chris LeDoux mention! Always loved listening to Pat Green, Josh Abbott Band and Cross Canadian Ragweed!
Living in Waco and boy did you nail that at the end but there is something so endearing about all of it. I’m originally not from Texas at all and when I moved here 5 years ago my eyes were opened to such a different country music scene. It really deserves more love from outside of Texas because it is some of the purist artistry happening right now.
I think Ryan Bingham is my favorite Texas artist. He has a very gravely voice that sounds super cool.
He is awesome on the show Yellowstone. Bad guy but good. That show has some great music on it. Check it out Grady and everybody else.
Three words....Jack "Freakin' Ingram!!!! He's been on the scene, for 25+ years and most recent albums are career best. Jack became the bridge between the Willies, Jerry Jeff's, Robert Earl's for the Pat Greens, Cory Morrows, Wade Bowens and their spawn. After spending years on the Big 12 bar circuit and flirting briefly with Nashville success, before coming back home to do things his own damn way and sounding great while doing it.
Thank you for talking about the Texas music scene. You have turned me on to some new artists/bands👍👍👍👍👍👍
Texas Music now on Spotify has helped me find a lot of these artists. I am always checking out that playlist for new songs and artists to check-out.
William Clark Green >>>>> Didn’t know how blessed I was to be Texan until now
Texas is the best state. I may be biased because I'm from Texas but... I stand my ground❤️
So glad you uploaded this! Where I live there is literally 1 country radio station and the best you get is Lee Kernaghan and lots of small Aussie artists. So good to be led to some traditional (and more to the point, quality) country music. So happy I found this channel.
I've been listening to the latest Reckless Kelly album and it is really well written and produced. Such good stuff.
Being from Texas, I feel that the lyrics have more meaning to me knowing what they are talking about. I also believe that there is more dancing music being caused by the sounds of fiddle and steel which people really like. The way that bigger Texas artists have smaller known artists open up their shows also helps paves their way to fame and its almost like a ladder.
Quite a lot of the standout artists of the last few years for me have been from Texas. Of course there's Vincent Neil Emerson and Charley Crockett, who are both getting huge in the independent scene, but the smaller artists are releasing the best stuff IMO. In San Antonio there's spacey, rock inspired stuff like Garrett T Capps or real punchy, lyrical stuff like James Steinle is doing. Kathryn Legendre is picking up momentum too and Joshua Ray Walker has a real old soul sound. Elaina Kay released one of my top 5 albums last year and Juliet McConkey just released my current album of the year.
Couldn’t agree more! Joshua Ray Walker.... incredible! His yodel is on an other level!
Crockett has caught my ear. Gonna dive deeper soon.
There’s too many great artists out there, almost overwhelming, but you do a good job at covering both big names and up-and-comers. I just wish I could absorb all of the great music!
Excellent video grady. Texas country is so good. Have been listening to the spotify playlist texas country. Very big playlist but it is full of great music
You should Review Granger smiths newest songs "Country Things" & "Hate You Like I Love You"
Granger SUCKKKKKKKS
Tate S To each their own man.
@@tatesones7755 granger's older music is so good. past 3 albums have kinda sucked
I was hoping he would mention Granger.
Personally been listening to a bunch of Cody Johnson (for years now), and have had a blast listening to Parker McCollum and his work. “Limestone Kid” is a damn good album. Kolby Cooper I like too! He has a great voice and a ton of potential in my eyes.
I've been watching you for a while and can't thank you enough for introducing me to Flatland Cavalry!! I'm also a Virginian but I love exploring music from all over :))
Saw the Read Southall Band play at Tumbleweed in Stillwater about a year ago, been waiting for you to mention them ever since!
Okay, but can you do one of these on our country scene up here in Canada? Because that would be fun
I cut out a whole section of this video where I said that SOMEONE should do that. It took me years and years of being a casual Texas country fan to even make this basic video on the subject. I'm not equipped to talk about Canadian country in depth. (As my pronunciation of Saskatchewan in the Colter Wall video proved!)
@@GradySmith it's still in the video, at least the part where you said someone should do that.
Grady! Please give some attention to Curtis grimes! He is popular but over looked. Think you would enjoy
Grady Smith you could do a first listen video! Listen to Dean Brody and tell us what you think.
i’ve never heard you mention Stoney LaRue. He’s definitely one of my favs
Perhaps a deliberate dig at Oklahomans and Red Dirt music, which I prefer over Texas country. 😆
Billy Bob’s is beyond iconic; I’m so glad you mentioned it! If your a country fan, it needs to be on your country bucket list if you have one.
Hey Grady-
I've been playing in the TX country scene for a long time now, and I think you represented it fairly and accurately. Very well done, and thanks for spreading the word!
-Kris
I honestly believe that Cody Johnson is the next George Strait, not Luke Combs or Morgan Wallen (though they’re both great). Cody has something special, he’s an absolute powerhouse, just needs that leg up from Nashville
More like Randall King. He's got the George strait classic country sound down pat.
Grady you need to mention Reckless Kelly in some of these conversations. They’re just as awesome as some of these other acts you talk about.
RK is my all time fave band and living in NC, we are blessed to see them at least once a year and always look forward to sitting with or near Jay's parents!
Been waiting for you to make a video about Texas. Great job! I think it really shows what a rich history of country music has in Texas. I really like the point you made about songwriting. George Strait put a huge emphasis on quality of songwriting and I think the younger generation gets that. Cody Johnson has been an all time favorite of mine for a long time.
Texan here, you did a great job exploring Texas Country (especially for someone who isn’t from Texas). Keep up the good work!
Love love love the Chris LeDoux recognition, and if anyone doesn’t know he’s from the Cowboy State, Wyoming.
Why has no one mentioned Heather Myles, Amber Digby, Sunny Sweeney, Kevin Fowler, Jason Boland, Rick Trevino, Justin Trevino, Dale Watson? Used to hear all these artists (and more I’m sure I missed) on Xm radio Willies Place
Love all those artists, can add Jamie Lin Wilson, Courtney Patton, Jason Eady and quite a few others to that list. Not a country singer but Ruthie Foster and Carolyn Wonderland are also from Texas. I wish sat radio had as show featuring a lot of the lesser known traditional country artists.
Thankyouthankyouthankyou for mentioning Chris LeDoux! I grew up listening to Chris, and I cried like a baby when I found out he was gone. I played “One Less Tornado” on repeat for weeks on end after that... It makes my heart and soul happy to know that he has not been overlooked or forgotten!
There is nothing more satisfying than driving through Hill Country in the spring with all the bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrush lining the road and living the words of an Aaron Watson song.
Roommate from Dallas...is that Texas though? Seems like southern Oklahoma to me.
😂😂😂
Ooh. Haven’t watched yet- hope you give my man Hayes Carll some love
Saw play a couple of years ago at the Kessler Theater. He was great.
Thanks, Grady! You've officially made me more homesick for Texas than I usually am.
I’d say I’m relatively new to the genre but I dove head first into the deep end. Then I come along this channel and this guy starts dropping names of guys I’ve never heard of with songs that I can’t believe I’ve lived without. Sooo many layers