How to Prove Your Country Music Street Cred (in any conversation)

There are certain unspoken "rules" to being a proper country music fan, and sometimes it seems like you gotta love certain legendary songs and artists - and, generally, I do love 'em! (Even if I can get annoyed by the expectation, too.) So, whether you're talking to a Merle-lover or a modern radio fan, here's your handy guide to being your best country know-it-all self.
Where are Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson? Right here: • The 10 Best Country So...
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[@Joedecher_baby]

I’m a little biased, because I’m from Arkansas, but... ...no Cash?

[@hunterv431]

Big_Hogue no not biased at all

[@mikelminugh4253]

Johnny cash is the top dog and im from nc

[@Bro.Carlisle2103]

Big_Hogue what part of Arkansas you from I’m from Paris

[@Joedecher_baby]

huntingfishinman 2103 central; Conway

[@aikidragonpiper71]

I’m from Arkansas too ! Yes Johnny Cash should be high on the list. Walk the line, Folsom Prison, Ring Of Fire, Ragged Old Flag and many many more.

[@TrevorHuntMusic]

What if all country musicians stopped focusing on proving they’re “country” and started focusing on making killer country music? Wouldn’t that be nice? Killer list by the way. 👍🏻

[@ronniebishop2496]

Or just great songs.

[@naos8116]

I never liked the whole gatekeeping thing when it came to genres, especially country.

[@albertwells8393]

@@naos8116 country NEEDS gatekeepers or you end up with a lot of trash that they play on the radio these days and niss out on the legends.

[@brynmcdougald2418]

Albert Wells shut up boomer

[@kennethmiller2333]

@@naos8116 And that's how you end up with genres that get changed, by the studios, until they no longer resemble what the fans actually like.

[@kevintinney268]

YoU sHoUlD hAvE mEnTiOnEd.... just kidding. This is your channel.

[@bigfootreal43]

Kevin Tinney .... Check out my new country album on my profile

[@ollivurbeck6859]

I checked out your channel and I love your sound keep it up brother.

[@YnoahY]

Woooo I love this comment

[@bcblair2]

If you aren’t familiar with Chris LeDoux go check out his music and his kid Ned.

[@lanehenkle6400]

I agree with that statement.

[@Heard83]

YES. He’s my favorite country Artist

[@edwinroyal9734]

Yes!!

[@scooterwilson1776]

Chris Ledoux was awesome.

[@cccduderanch3697]

My favorite song is strawberry roan

[@GradySmith]

What's up, y'all!! So depending on who I'm talking to, I sometimes feel a lot of pressure to like the "right" country music and appease certain people, and this video is just unpacking that. I was trying to put a fun spin on a subject people get sensitive about. Enjoy!

[@chrisjohns8575]

Do a review on justin Moore's new album late nights a longnecks. It's pure country

[@ronniebishop2496]

This is the first time as far as I’m concerned you got really into today’s questions about country music. Most are complaining that today’s stuff is a joke, me included.

[@wheatking8971]

I completely agree though just because you don't love some of the older country doesn't mean your not a major country fan. I don't like a lot of older stuff past the 80's. I know the hits but I generally don't listen to it. That doesn't mean I am not a true fan of country music any less than someone who does listen to Haggard on the regular . Cause I could probably name 10 new artists who sound more traditional and they might like but don't know about. There is just a lot of beating the drum in country about well if you don't listen to the oldies or you don't like artists such as Hays Carll or Ryan Bingham or Sturgill your not really a true fan. I disagree with that logic and like where your coming from on this because I often feel like I have to defend my tastes as well.

[@ronniebishop2496]

There’s a new kid coming out Clay Aery. He’s great.

[@michaeltorres7696]

It’s the same in hip hop, you have the pop, New Yorkers, southern, LA, mumble rap, and so on. Each group likes a specific sound

[@Kujjiman]

"I'm a product of my time" exactly. My time (born 1992) is Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Shania Twain, Jo Dee Messina. While my dad played John Denver, Glenn Campbell, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, I'd hardly say that's what I grew up on. It cracks me up hearing people my age and younger say they grew up on music from the 60s-70s. Liking it and growing up on it are two separate things in my eyes.

[@Island-Girl]

I was born in '79 and grew up on songs from the 50s and 60s. That's what my parents played, so that's what I knew. Yes, it was before my time, but I literally grew up listening to Hank, Waylon, Johnny, Merle, Patsy, etc. and then George.

[@sethgibson2760]

blond3grl born in 99 and grew up listening to bocephus, Waylon, Willie, Jonny, Merle, and so on. Outlaw and traditional country is what I grew up on as well!

[@arizona_ranger__804]

The thing is, they grew up in it because that’s what they heard, not what was being released at the time. Especially now when you can access any kind of music you want, don’t be surprised to hear future generations say they grew up in old music. (I grew up on mom’s Christian music from the 2000s, dads surf rock from the 80s, and grandad’s bluegrass from whenever. I now prefer outlaw country but I did grow up on music “before my time”)

[@zachmcdowell6445]

I was born in 2000 and grew up listening to Merle Haggard and George Jones (my dad was born in 1959). Still 2 of my favorite singers.

[@fnjesusfreak]

My time (born 1980) is Highway 101, Sweethearts of the Rodeo, Shenandoah, Holly Dunn, Patty Loveless, Reba McEntire, Randy Travis, Keith Whitley and Alison Krauss. But just as much I'd hear Hank Jr. and Sr., Willie and Waylon, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard or any number of classic names.

[@guymcman2806]

You could also reference Luckenbach Texas by Wyalon

[@dirtracer21d]

GuyMcman Waylon absolutely hated that song

[@clutchcity3456]

Tony Davis Yup, he only recorded it because he knew it was going to be a hit. His biggest issue was with how slow the song was and if you watch a live performance of the song you’ll notice he typically speeds it up.

[@bonaldi2719]

Outlaw country? You need to make an Outlaw Country video! Willie, Waylon and Merle were mentioned, yes, but Kris and Gram Parsons and The Fallen Angels and The Flying Burrito Brothers? Emmylou? Townes? Guy Clark? David Allan Coe? Neil Young? Buck Owens? Cash? Sturgill? Ry Cooder? Mary Robbins (one of the best story tellers in music history!), Leon Russell, Kurt Vile, Jimmie Rodgers! Gary Stewart, Roger Miller...even The Grateful Dead and Rolling Stones? Hank III? Anyway, keep up the good work! (This is only a ploy to see more and more rich history added to the conversation. The rock n' roll and blues and psychedelic snd folk (Woody Guthrie) and Americana influences in country are everywhere--not just trap. The poets in country music (Arlo Guthrie and Bob Dylan can be included) are what make it the true and undying art form it is. Country is indelible to the American consciousness, and the well is virtually endless. I love that you introduce us "ol' heads" to the new stuff, even though it can be painful at times. I do appreciate it. However, the young fans are capable of so much more if you give them a chance. Even you, Grady! Explore the 50s-70s off-the-beaten path records. You will never be disappointed! John Prine! Charlie Daniels. Brent Cobb.

[@retrobeast2745]

Bonaldi I think some of those names are reaching a bit and getting a little too inclusive....if Sturgill wants to keep his country cred he better change directions, cuz the one he's on ain't doing him any favors

[@lokisgodhi]

The problem with Outlaw Country is defining Outlaw Country. Many of the people associated with it did a lot of work that was not outlaw, even Waylon, but was obviously done in the overproduced Nashville Sound genre. Second, when outlaw became popular, everyone and their dog tried to jump on the band wagon. Doing a few outlaw style sonds did not make you outlaw. When outlaw became unpopular in the late 80s a lot associated people moved on from the genre.

[@rjohnson1690]

Nailed it! Jimmie Rodgers was the granddaddy of them all. He inspired all the greats including Hank. Kris wrote some of the greatest songs of all time.

[@austincerza2247]

Dude “you never even called me by my name” by David Allan Coe is always immediate country street cred.

[@walmartden6602]

It might be my all time favorite

[@jorgevivanco9583]

Coe is a classic

[@scooterwilson1776]

You missed one artist that defines country that is Alan Jackson

[@Dillion203]

Scooter Wilson Chatthoochee playing on CMT is etched in my brain. Who skis in jeans?

[@scooterwilson1776]

@@Dillion203 LoL he said the studio wanted something normal but wanted jeans lol.

[@GradySmith]

Yeah, I cut him when I added the Carter Family lol!

[@lanileblanc5005]

Grady Smith oof. Alan’s my boy

[@scooterwilson1776]

@@GradySmith that's rude😂 I have a video suggestion how about the best or worst singer and songwriter. Alan Jackson definitely would be on top there with his hooks lol.

[@ronniebishop2496]

It’s hard to pick a list but here. Statue of A Fool, Jack Greene, He Stopped Loving Her Today, If Tomorrow Never Comes, Moving On, Country Bumpkin, Faded Love, Crazy, I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry, Faithless Love, Desperado, Silver Wings. And I can add twenty more. Like Stand By Your Man.

[@ambersorensen8515]

I think you need merch that says 'I listen to country, and whatever the hell else I want to'.

[@Peter24601]

I would totally buy that shirt...

[@Island-Girl]

I love that idea!

[@treyhaddon2004]

If you’re talking about Merle, you have to mention “Big City!” And with Waylon you have to have “Momma’s Don’t Let Your Babies Grow up to be Cowboys.”

[@edwinroyal9734]

John Denver: Country Roads Brooks & Dunn: Red Dirt Road Keith Whitley: I'm No Stranger to the Rain Don Williams: Good ol' Boys Like Me

[@ericpeterson8732]

Keith Whitley "What I'd say". that song gets me good in the feels. Another who died too young.

[@edwinroyal9734]

@@ericpeterson8732 Earl Thomas Conley* not Keith Whitley, right?

[@tomforsythe7024]

"Good ol' Boys Like Me" is one of the finest songs ever written, in any genre. It is a three-minute novel.

[@tomforsythe7024]

@@ericpeterson8732 It was Earl Thomas Conley, but I agree it is brilliant. Killer solo by Kenny Greenberg. But, yes, Keith Whitley achieved legendary status in a short period of time.

[@fishymacaroon6]

Conway Twitty's a good name drop, alongside Hank, Merle, Jones, and Strait.

[@bonnieikamas1201]

...and Randy Travis...❤️

[@wolfgirl8260]

Yes I agree I love all of them I have a long list of Conway and hank sr ❤

[@skippyflapper]

Seen Merle, Jones, and Strait live, they're damn good performers.

[@aprilharwig]

I really love the older stuff, my favorite is Johnny Cash. I am surprised you didn't mention him. Great video as always, Grady!

[@coachpotatofitness1346]

Idk maby its bc im a teen but i just dont like the old stuff, at all but that is your opinion and I wont try to change that. Have a nice day!

[@Zacon2mlg]

Johnny Cash goes beyond just solid country gold. He is very genre bending and has made just so much stuff it's hard to pinpoint his best years, songs or even albums.

[@dudleydude6616]

@@Zacon2mlg 50's for Johnnys rockabilly 60's for his outlaw 70's still outlaw but also slower songs 80's and early 90's for his gospel. Late 90's early thousands for his really heartbreaking songs

[@peepeepoopopolous2288]

He probably didn't mention Johnny Cash because everyone has heard of him. Even people who don't listen to country know who he is so mentioning him wouldn't really prove your country street cred.

[@GradySmith]

Only left him out since he was in the video this one was responding to! :)

[@casandraleff4462]

“Are You Sure Hank Done it This Way?” is great, but since you referenced King George AND the Texas scene, another Waylon song you can’t go wrong with is “Bob Wills is Still the King”!

[@NicRidic]

Can't go wrong with any Bob Wills song either.

[@walmartden6602]

Amen brother

[@isaiahcooper2453]

My favorite country and Merle Haggard song, "Are The Good Times Really Over".

[@user-wv2qd1vs2h]

I think "Mama Tried" is his best.

[@isaiahcooper2453]

@@user-wv2qd1vs2h Yeah that is one of the best country songs ever. I just personally prefer "Are the good times really over." He has made some of the best songs ever like, "I'm a lonesome fugitive, Mama Tried, Big Wheels keep on rollin, Big City, Sing Me Back Home, Okie from muskokee, walkin on the fight'n side of me, Daddy Frank, working man blues and the list goes on and on and on...

[@Island-Girl]

Great song. My favorite of his is "Silver Wings."

[@retrobeast2745]

Isaiah Cooper never heard a bad song from the Hag

[@JakePridgeon]

It's to bad the Turnpike Troubadour's are probably done being a band. They had some awesome music

[@ambersorensen8515]

I think they will come back.

[@kylespade5958]

Jesus Christ almighty, I hope they come back.

[@teachergirl41]

Such sadness :(

[@chadbrooks9763]

Good band but pandora has shoved them down my throat way to much

[@robwasnj]

The omission of Johnny Cash was an EXCELLENT decision here! Nothing screams lack of country cred more than ONLY citing Johnny Cash because your favorite rapper or rocker thought he was bad-ass in an interview so now you have to like him too. When I feel the need to prove some country cred though I generally throw in a few obscurities from the past and present. Let's say David Allan Coe (and you'd better spell it right!), Cal Smith, Gram Parsons, Don Williams, Lefty Frizzel, etc for older and on the present front Jamie Lin Wilson, Courtney Patton, maybe even Allison Moorer etc. Also as someone has mentioned John Denver is often overlooked as a great country artist, a different flavor but one of the greats of our time, check out some of his live recording like Wild Montana Skies with Emmylou singing backup vocals, amazing stuff, he only got better with age. Your videos are very entertaining Grady!

[@MrAwesome00011]

Am I one of the only David Allan Coe fans in existence?

[@Braden-xu5ef]

It's been a long hard ride trying to get Grady to listen to him

[@peepeepoopopolous2288]

@@Braden-xu5ef sounds like Grady aint bitin' today boys

[@justinpacker2451]

Probably. I just so happen to love his parody on devil went down to Georgia, devil went down to Jamaica

[@everythingsaddiy6985]

@@justinpacker2451 thats not him

[@Leo-vr3bg]

“She went and fucked a filthy n word”

[@CS-lc2ot]

If you wanna be a super-hipster you gotta mention Colter Wall. Also, I feel slightly called out that when you mentioned hipster cred I immediately thought Jason Isbell. #old

[@retrobeast2745]

Yeesh hipsters

[@justinmastin7423]

Fun video. No matter what video you put out, especially when you start making lists, you are going to get people complaining their favorites aren't included while failing to read the list was according to you personally. Love your videos, keep doing you.

[@GradySmith]

Appreciate that perspective, Justin! My KZbin channel used to have like 8 people that cared, and I think I'm still adjusting to the opinion tidal wave sometimes!

[@mattclark9763]

If there was a category called “real cowboys” Chris LeDoux would have been on top of that list. His name holds a lot of street credibility among rodeo folks and cowboys

[@ericpeterson8732]

that's true, big stars like Garth Brooks and Brantley Gilbert name drop him like he's the Man.

[@Texasp12]

The king of Texas is Bob Wills, ask Willy. He'll tell ya

[@k999ford]

Luckenbach, Texas, man

[@RedneckcrapUSA]

Oh my word Grady Smith your channel is so good I have so many friends who hate country music there always like ugh it’s all about girls and trucks and that argument that everyone has heard 400 times and i can’t get it through there heads that’s not what it’s all about so I feel like I can come to your channel and connect and sing along with your clips you play just keep up the good work

[@johnmichaelbrosnan7163]

I love your stuff man. I'm from just outside of NYC, and I feel like I'm constantly trying to prove I'm "country enough". My dad and grandpa both loved that traditional shit kickin country, and I knew every song on your list. I love everything from The Carter Family to Cash to Strait to new guys like Luke Combs and Tyler Childers. This was a good list for people looking to get into country or people who, like you said, need to try and show they know their shit.

[@reedyoung2037]

I was born in 2001 and hank sr is my favorite singer of my short 18 years

[@peepeepoopopolous2288]

im an -02 and same here

[@peepeepoopopolous2288]

I had my CD player playing Hank Williams and my little sister heard it (who is 11 years old), asked who it is, and I said Hank williams and she was like "wow I like Hank Williams" lol. and she doesn't even listen to country.

[@generalmcterror2718]

I'm in that same boat with you

[@coltonregal1797]

2000 - Same here. Can't beat that original Southern sound.

[@kevinshayne7203]

Good to see that the younger generation still appreciates real country music!

[@comandermcgarrett7795]

I like that you put Amarillo by morning on here. My fav George song. I saw that thing for upchurch. Upchurch will be releasing a country album. In a couple of months. I will tell you when he does.

[@Putaspellonyou]

God help us all when he does...

[@ragereynolds4374]

@@Putaspellonyou what do you mean?

[@stinson6.082]

Rage Reynolds he means that shit is garbage

[@retrobeast2745]

Putaspellonyou listen to him over Luke Bryan any day.... And since I'm here after his album came out, I can tell you Grady likes some of the tracks on it.

[@retrobeast2745]

Stinson6.0 your probably intimidated by him

[@rjohnson1690]

I’m blown away by how many “country fans” don’t know Tennessee Whiskey is a cover song. That song has been cover several times too.

[@lindseybk3029]

I just realized why I have such an affinity for your channel... besides my love for good content, there is a familiarity about you that has drawn me in. Your intonation, mannerism, use of hands while talking. You remind me of my first love. Not in a weird, crushing-on-you way... In a comfortable, old friend way. Anyway, not trying to minimize your value as a creator by diminishing you with the appearance of a superficial attraction. I just find comfort in listening to you.

[@samthelegoman3990]

I chased some hens today hah where’s my street cred

[@GradySmith]

I feel like you get dirt road cred

[@TLeeG410]

“In Color” by Jamey Johnson. Probably the best country song from the last 15 years.

[@drewsayers17]

Travis Galliher agreed

[@faithpair6494]

Yea

[@iandonnellan7710]

I’ve seen him in concert twice just to hear it

[@peepeepoopopolous2288]

I think it can give the best country songs of all time a run for their money. It will hopefully go down as one of the best country songs of all time.

[@brynmcdougald2418]

It's not that good. Too slow kinda boring. It's okay

[@tiffanymccarty4243]

Have known Brantley since he was a snot nosed brat in Jefferson, Georgia. Great kid! Level head on his shoulders and talented as hell. When you get to be an old lady like me, country music means more because the stories are my life. Keep up the conversation, Grady.

[@davisbrothersband9990]

Thanks for including Charley, I got to see him live tonight. Without a doubt he put on the best concert I have ever been to.

[@youngthug2824]

Godbless you for mentioning Upchurch

[@ronnieedwards6633]

Yeah wayyyyy better than the morons on radio that fail miserably at "rapping"

[@retrobeast2745]

J Mit his rapping is kickass too

[@LuckyisEvil-qf6ek]

Kind of sad you didn't mention Conway Twitty. Nonetheless, good video.

[@TheStevenstatzer]

I appreciate the shoutout to Bristol, and both sides have a legitimate claim. The Carter Family lived near Mendota, VA so their origin is without a doubt Virginian. However, the building where Ralph peer held the recording sessions considered as the “Big Bang” of country music was on the Tennessee side of state street. If you ever get the chance to come to Bristol, I would really recommend seeing the Birthplace of Country Music museum less than a mile from the original site.

[@colenewberry1319]

Good job Grady! I don't think anyone else could have done a much better job of putting together a collection of country artist that made country what it is today.

[@robschillinger3365]

And now I have to listen to "Amarillo by Morning".... King George 4ever

[@nathanschmitz4775]

That's a long list when you're talking about the king

[@lokisgodhi]

Actually, I think Unwound was his best song and ought to be Strait's signature song.

[@USA-ln6ij]

Grady; do you like Don Williams???? One of my personal favorites.

[@michaelrockow5461]

The Gentle Giant! I enjoyed his music.

[@megrose4737]

The Muffins reference cracked me up! Thanks for yet another fantastic, thoughtful video Grady. I'm loving your podcast too!

[@labornotinvain]

Awesome video. Liked the humor in you examples of conversations/arguments to have with people. I have found that I have always had luck mentioning Eric Church in conversations--everyone I have talked to has at least one of his songs that just hits them.

[@lanehenkle6400]

Still waiting for a Chris LeDoux mention LOL

[@Peter24601]

A few of us are.

[@jacktrout5807]

Chris was more western than country and yes there is a difference.

[@HOTRODINATOR]

I thought Aaron Watson would for sure be mentioned with the Texas scene. My go to for old country is Randy Travis, he is one of the gods of country music.

[@bonnieikamas1201]

Hear hear!!!😁

[@marineladimitrova4758]

Wow, when you said the big four - my mind immediately went to The Highwaymen. I just wanted to say thank you for introducing me to some newer country - I started listening to Midland because of you and it even got my dad's approval (who is only into the classic country sound.)

[@MaverickMurray]

You should check out Colter Wall, a literal rancher and cowboy from Alberta. Very acoustic, sort of a folk-country sound with a voice that reminds some people of Johnny Cash.

[@taylorhauntus]

Buck Owens, Faron Young and Ray Price are some of my all-time favorites

[@peepeepoopopolous2288]

surprised he didn't mention Buck. While Grady was talking about Merle he could've thrown in a bit about how he and Buck started the Bakersfield sound to counter Nashville in the 60s. You probably know this but its. good bit to say to prove country cred.

[@calebrivas9068]

Tyler, Sturgill, and Jason all in the hipster category, damn lol 😂

[@cjhughes50beautifulunits36]

As a songwriter I would suggest mentioning the songwriters, especially if you're going to speak of the power of the lyrics. It all starts with a song! Thanks for what you do.

[@itsshyshy]

I love this video! I grew up on 90s country while living in the boonies, but my mom was a big Hank fan and my stepdad liked Cash so I got a lot of those too. It means I love that sound and the history, but I really only know those two artists. Took this list as recommendations!!

[@derekwheeler4299]

Please come out with I ain't country shirts. I would totally buy that.

[@SBMusic92]

I think those already exist but I think they're "That ain't country"

[@derekwheeler4299]

@@SBMusic92 That's pretty different.

[@retrobeast2745]

Derek Wheeler why the hell would you wanna wear that?

[@derekwheeler4299]

@@retrobeast2745 I like country music but I'm not "country" I just like the music. Also I find the use of the word ain't funny because it implies you are country a little.

[@eloramaxwell7020]

Ok... did anybody else get some weird ads before this vid 😂

[@GradySmith]

Haha what did you get?!

[@eloramaxwell7020]

@@GradySmith makeup for guys and then a super odd and low budget tic tac commercial

[@GradySmith]

@@eloramaxwell7020 Fascinating.

[@trashpanda1999]

I got an ad for a singer named David crowder, who I love listening to

[@Robinjoy45]

I prove my country street cred is my massive knowledge of Country Music from its beginnings in 1923 < 6/14/1923 to be exact with Little log cabin in the lane by Fiddlin John Carson to the latest Tanya Tucker cd in 2019.... Artists like Merle Haggard or Hank Snow or recently with Alan Jackson have introduced their fans to their idols like Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell, Jimmie C Rodgers and Will the Circle be unbroken came out in the later part of the Original Carter Family's career in 1936----- Wildwood Flower came out in 1928 and at their first recording session in Aug 1927 during the Bristol Sessions , the big bang of Country music recordings was Single Girl/Married Girl which was their first hit of sorts. I have collected all sorts of Country Music to cover all types of country in my vast multimedia collection.

[@DustyPellman]

Wasn't sure where this video was going to go when I clicked on it. Definitely dig the route you went with it.

[@themusicaldivide]

Don't forget the standard country jokes, too! "Luke Bryan? Never heard of her!" and "Florida Georgia Line? I stopped there to take a piss once!" - Country as cornbread!

[@Tar-Numendil]

That's the best shit i've heard all day!

[@themusicaldivide]

J Mit You're not good at picking up on sarcasm, are you? And you call me the "tard" ...

[@retrobeast2745]

J Mit ooh, somebody got a little shame wedgie stuck in their asscrack cuz somebody made fun of your oh so precious contemporary country artists? How dare somebody speak of the "saviors" that way! Take a joke lol

[@ronniebishop2496]

My favorite new one is Drinking Problem by Midland.

[@nateterry4769]

Anything by Midland is good!

[@ronniebishop2496]

Nate Terry Well not to me, but Drinking Problem is.

[@peepeepoopopolous2288]

@@ronniebishop2496 You should check out some of the Spotify singles that Midland did. "Texas is the Last Stop" is fantastic

[@ronniebishop2496]

that guy Ok I sure will.

[@Twangtown7]

Yo, you're really good at what you do on here. Keep it up.

[@sumnerh1073]

Grady if Waylon is your blind spot just wanted to make sure you have listened to “A long Time Ago”. Will give you chills

[@ricmichaels8712]

Grady always keeps it unbiased and real. Respect

[@bamtoe30]

RHEC!!! I'd love to see you cover some Upchurch!

[@bluesdjben]

Watching this 3 1/2 years later, and by now, a great way to prove your country street cred is to say, "Yeah, I watched a Grady Smith video about that."

[@carlboike8585]

"How dare you say farm boys would like upchurch! That's for the fakers." I wrote as I walked back from the milking parlor, shaking my head in disapproval. "Even the cows don't like that stuff!" Awesome videos man. Keep em comin

[@robertledet]

I think jason isbell was the gateway for me.. lol great vid

[@ORflycaster]

Grady, I appreciate the thought you put into this video. You don’t need “street cred,” you just have to be VERY careful making a Top Ten Greatest Ever list...........especially if you’re young AND didn’t grow up with adults who exposed you to their generation of country. Had you simply made a Grady’s Top Ten list you’d have been bombarded with suggestions for some GREAT older stuff you should explore. You’re spot-on with your complaints and reviews of today’s “music” that’s coming from Nashville, and that’s why you channel is growing. But true country fans who’ve been listening to quality music for decades have a whole ‘mother level of hate for this new noise. It’s not above “proving our country cred,” it’s about today’s music sucking, having nothing in common with country music, but being labeled and then PUSHED on the public. I watch your channel for your insights and because I know there are a few new artists out there who understand what country music is, and you’ll probably find them and introduce them to us.

[@Island-Girl]

@ORflycaster Well said!!

[@fordtechchris]

I understand country is regional. Being from California we had a different scene. But I think thats what makes us country! Our little different corners of Texas country.... Tennessee country.... Jon Pardi (Cali Country) etc etc. We all experience country differently. And I think we're all here to experience each others country! Keep bringing us all together Grady!

[@dragonkfg]

Great list Grady!

[@ronniebishop2496]

Merle Haggard had 38 number one hits.

[@kevinshayne7203]

And wrote 35 of them!

[@ronniebishop2496]

Kevin Shayne Yes and some nut was saying Johnny cash was better lol.

[@kevinshayne7203]

@@ronniebishop2496 I'm not gonna say better....I love Johnny Cash and perhaps without Cash there would've never been a Hag. I love 'em both but no denying Merle Haggard's influence on country music....38 number ones and 35 of his own compositions and all country music standards! That's an undeniable legacy!

[@blahjeffblah]

I LIVE for Randy Rogers Band.

[@seanwytchbruh]

Grady! I'm a huge fan, man! I'm really surprised when you got to modern that you didn't mention Eric Church. Watching some of your earlier videos, I noticed you really vibe to him! Much love, brother!

[@rickycoker5830]

Newfound respect young man...you covered some singers of my generation..thank you and great job

[@alhenro]

How about Brooks and Dunn? Where would they fall?

[@radcolortiedye6718]

He may have left them out intentionally as they made his personal list.

[@bjcarew]

alan jackson george strait area

[@Drew-nx5gc]

Chris LeDoux - This Cowboy’s hat Also Craig Morgan - International Harvester

[@mattwarden8671]

Flyingbomber LeDoux yes. Morgan... nah bruh that song is a pandering song. It reminds me of all the songs I hate from 2010-2012

[@kirbyflk3969]

International harvester is an amazing song!

[@davidrich27]

A friend of mine joked that the guy in the song was the son of the farmer and married the farmer's daughter, so he would sing "incestual harvester". Can listen to that song without hearing that now.

[@spencerwinston4334]

Grady, Jimmy Buffett, the man from Margaritaville, is the country music star that other country music legend stars imitate and listen to on their lakeboats. Jimmy Buffett writes lyrics and songs that are timeless. Open a Corona, Grady, this weekend and soak in the harmonicas of Fingers Taylor, the steel pedal guitars and steel drums along with the sublime country Key West Florida and South Texas vibe of Jimmy Buffett. Corona Cheers for your videos, Grady.

[@rockpaperscissors82]

As for Waylon, I recommend starting with his album: Lonesome, On'ry, and Mean. It's one of his first "outlaw" era albums, and it remains my favorite of his.

[@bigleaguewrestlingandlucha133]

OH MAH GAWD! YOU DIDN'T MENTION OLD TOWN ROAD!!!!11111111 All jokes aside...I dig your stuff, man.

[@nobleboysproduction8883]

Still not covering “the greatest country and western song”?? 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@andrewfranciscohughes2481]

By DAC That's a great song

[@kingmisha5161]

It was all that I could do to keep from cryin!!

[@mattclark9763]

“I was drunk the day my ma got out of prison”

[@melodiepatton2234]

You do an awesome job on this channel, everyone has opinions of best country songs... In reality I could probably name at least 100 influencial songs and every persons list is gonna be different... good job and keep up the great content.

[@jocelynwilson6500]

Grady, I love your channel and your podcast!! I have a video or podcast suggestion for you. I know at least 2 examples of country music artists who release 1 album or EP that's extravagant and just can't believe they haven't released more. Would be cool to know more examples although may depress me

[@laytonmartin6076]

Hell yeah upchurch 🤘🏼🤘🏼🇺🇸

[@CoffeeCupsTarot]

Wait, no Johnny Cash or Buck Owens LOL Waylon Jennings, and more modern influences - Alan Jackson, Dwight Yoakam, Randy Travis haha, Country music is such a deep genre it is really hard to mention everyone though.

[@werddnommah7417]

Mama tried is my all time favorite country song, and he stopped loving her today is his.

[@noahscott1236]

Country music is all about singing how you feel. So it changes with the times and where they're from. I'm an alabama boy that grew up fishing and riding in the bed of trucks and playing in the mud. So I love artist like Riley Green. I love george Straight to hank jr. That was my dads country that I picked up. Country has so many different stories and styles. Little something for everyone in the genre.

[@KMH6290]

I feel so validated in my country cred by being a millennial who knows every single one of these songs.

[@jtphog9711]

I think you forgot a whole category of us. I live on a farm in Kansas, and was born in 2001. I don’t like pop or rap and I strictly listen to country and maybe a little older rock and such. But there’s that age group of country music that wasn’t around for 90s country and witnessed the tail end of the careers of George and Tim and Alan, but saw the rise of guys like Dierks and Darius and Blake (although I don’t like as much of Blake’s stuff anymore) But I grew up on artists like dierks Bentley Darius Rucker and Craig Morgan, I feel like those 2000s guys and the people who listen to them deserve their own sorta category because I don’t think there’s very many artists like that anymore

[@Tar-Numendil]

I listened to Seneca Creek because of you. That album is incredible! My favorite song on it is Coal Country.

[@bigballer151]

Grew up with my dad playing Chris Ledoux. Awesome memories.

[@collegefootballfan7909]

You can't mention the Texas music scene and not mention Cody Jinks.

[@mattseifert]

Loud thunder heavy rain!!

[@Braden-xu5ef]

Adobe Sessions is one of the best albums I've ever heard, and he is my favorite modern artist right now

[@gabrielthabest]

No Chris LeDoux?! He’s one of the best.

[@davidrich27]

For "from the sticks" country fans, I'd mention Chris LeDoux. People that were raised in the country love him, in large part because he actually rodeo'd for a few years, so they think he's more authentically country than the people who rose to fame in Nashville.

[@Barabaari]

Fan from Finland u make great vids dude🤙 honest stuff

[@NOLAJLo]

Johnny Cash is on the Mount Rushmore of country music in my opinion... Folsom Prison Blues Live is one of the greatest albums ever. Also... Alan Eugene Jackson deserves better

[@jlsgarage872]

Man you didn't even mention midland those dudes are literally a 90s band born to late

[@tomforsythe7024]

Keith Whitley is a good litmus test. If someone is serious about Country, "Don't Close Your Eyes" is an essential album.

[@joekern4474]

Great list. Once again this is an impossible list to make but all around good job.

[@ronniebishop2496]

They claim The Chair is George Straits I On. But guys Bob Will is still the king.

[@mmasavant9128]

Well done sir!

[@Ironside_trucking]

You should take a look at upchurch summer love album it’s like a 90s/early 2000s country sound

[@ET2Fry1]

David Allen Coe, You Never Even Called Me by My Name. It's in the lyrics.

[@colinhaines9369]

Love seeing the Carter Family on there! Personally my favorite Country band, and probably one of (if not the) most important country band.