Why Texas Country Music Is So Special

[@GradySmith]

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!

[@lanehenkle6400]

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

[@gregpitt4585]

Grady, would you ever do a video about the Australian country music scene?

[@zanegoldfish4383]

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

[@trevorhudnall4]

Not the same Cody Johnson! Source: Am former bull rider from TX. Like your channel though!

[@wheatking8971]

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

[@TheWantCheesebro]

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

[@NotOldGreyWolf]

Want Cheese Bro oh yeah. Childers is a honorary Texan

[@chaseharrison5469]

Zach Kraemer Same thing with Colter

[@Spitfirethedragon]

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.

[@KS-un3pi]

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!

[@greninjaswrld3777]

Same here in Oklahoma

[@Island-Girl]

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.

[@thelittlebaddog]

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!

[@dylanhills3244]

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.

[@dunidane5206]

He did talk about Chris LeDoux for a while which is always a positive though.

[@stevendudley5687]

@@dylanhills3244 Clint Black was born in New Jersey but spent his childhood in Houston area.

[@dylanhills3244]

@@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.

[@Jekyll_Jackal]

The stars at night are big and bright (clap, clap, clap, clap) Deep in the heart of Texas.

[@jessiegunnels7261]

This called to me 😂

[@larrymendez2788]

proud to be a texan 🙏🏽

[@annmarie3573]

This always reminds of Pee Wee's Big Adventure (dating myself.)

[@Jekyll_Jackal]

@@annmarie3573 nothing wrong with that.

[@mitchellb4551]

not going to lie I only know this from home free

[@carolinepearce1179]

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!

[@SBMusic92]

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

[@donkeysaurusrex7881]

For the first thousand shows Not a soul showed up

[@zacharyhacault9546]

Cody Jinks is really underrated his songs must be the whiskey and hippies and cowboys are supremely good and well written.

[@joshuapitts9938]

I’ve been diggin Charley Crockett lately! What’s old is new with his sound!

[@edrt440]

I was hoping someone would bring him up!!

[@bradenhanzelka3512]

Even if a singer isn’t native Texas, if you’re not mainstream country you’re pretty much accepted as a Texas singer 😂

[@tonyschmitz1997]

Such as Ned LeDoux, Chancey Williams and Chris Peterson who are from Wyoming and Utah.

[@kippd2265]

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!

[@xandro2445]

@@kippd2265 its not texas red dirt.

[@kippd2265]

@@xandro2445 Ok, to be technical, Texas country with Oklahoma red dirt flare…

[@xandro2445]

@@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?

[@acanadianamerican6478]

2 things Grady 1- do this for the Canadian country scene 2- you talked about Texas outlaws and left out Cody Jinks, Sad 😢

[@GradySmith]

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.

[@treyhaddon2004]

Grady Smith, we need one on Canadian guys and you really need to check Corb Lund out!

[@joshuapitts9938]

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!

[@Spitfirethedragon]

@@treyhaddon2004 Corb Lund is now Texan since he is doing music in Texas.

[@bubbahyde322]

Why not do this for Canadian country? Same as Texas?

[@br370830]

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!

[@kennethdang4446]

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.

[@PatrickJDylan]

GEORGE STRAIT is the definition of Texas country music.

[@annmarie3573]

The gold standard!

[@Spitfirethedragon]

Lets not forget the legends that came before him. Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Tanya Tucker, George Jones, Gene Autry etc.

[@PatrickJDylan]

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.

[@texan5055]

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.

[@reymaldonado1428]

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

[@MVTX]

This pleases me as a native Texan. I really am liking Triston Marez.

[@ja2022]

Triston Marez has no bad song. Also loving the jollibee photo lol

[@MountainMarker]

Every song by him is super good

[@chaseharrison5469]

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.

[@pamelaparker7032]

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.

[@brandonk2560]

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!

[@claytonsingleton4000]

Shane Smith and the Saints album Geronimo is some of the best Texas Country song writing out there.

[@1234chris]

Yes. Always gotta mention Shane Smith. And as great as their albums are, somehow they're even better live.

[@RYDAWGTX]

I just saw them at Wild West Fest In San Angelo Tx

[@marshalljohnson6951]

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.

[@chaseharrison5469]

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.

[@jaimehernandez3104]

​@@chaseharrison5469 Unfortunately Charlie Robison doesn't sing anymore due to vocal injury/illness he had that couldn't be corrected.

[@chaseharrison5469]

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.

[@shooterjam]

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 ;-)

[@westtexag]

Bro I was looking for this comment I absolutely agree that’s the music real Texas natives listen to

[@BizInTheFrontPartyInTheBack]

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.

[@DJCashEel]

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.

[@tylerhackner9731]

Texas’ music is particular is amazing and so rich in history

[@LgSutterby]

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!

[@katiegurksnis160]

I haven’t even watched the video yet, and I already know it’s going to be one of my favorites.

[@jtphog9711]

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

[@KeithsAdvetures]

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.

[@KnightOfTheSquare]

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.

[@EamonnDoylePhotoFilm]

"No one sings about virigina...." John denver " wEsT vIrGiNiAAAAA"

[@reymaldonado1428]

Whiskey Myers literally has a song called Virginia

[@cceynar94]

Those are 2 states though. Lol

[@rocketpinktrees1985]

Listen to Tyler Childers he mentions Virginia n Kentucky

[@darincrow8838]

West Virginia has been it’s own separate state since 1863. Look at a map.

[@brodybuzzard2078]

In “Universal Sound” he mentions the Cranberry Glades in Pocahontas County, WV

[@mattowen6721]

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.

[@txdieselkid]

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.

[@sirot655]

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

[@laramiecrockett5283]

What channel number is that??

[@sirot655]

95.9 or 106.9(not sure about the second one)

[@HateTheGameTX]

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

[@SNRSachse1]

Living on the East side of town I mostly listen to 95.3 The Range

[@tylermurff9492]

Jon Wolfe!!!! “Singing thing” “some ol bar in the 90s” to name a couple.

[@Farticus731]

Reckless Kelly's "Wicked Twisted Road" album (and title song) will always be one of my favorites. Give it a listen!!

[@MajEMT]

Bulletproof. Fantastic Album!

[@daltonderrick16]

absolutely great album

[@drewbousquet3759]

Whiskey Myers is my personal favorite. Their last album was fantastic and I wish you would of gone more in depth.

[@bittnerbs]

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.

[@Oilfieldtrash432]

Yes whiskey Myers !!!

[@mr.mr.3301]

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.

[@ajb2173]

This California Girl looooooves Whiskey Meyers!!

[@dangodard5342]

They have a song about Virginia for him too.

[@bowhunter12561]

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

[@daganpeterson4277]

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!

[@cadestevens5721]

First time I've heard you talk about Chris ledoux. I'm from Utah and he's my favorite artists!

[@lanehenkle6400]

Same!

[@lanehenkle6400]

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.

[@cadestevens5721]

@@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

[@Island-Girl]

He's mentioned him a couple of times in recent videos.

[@koltoncrochet6264]

@@Island-Girl which videos?

[@montanamag187]

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.

[@terrymcsparrin]

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.

[@BryceEnglin]

Three Days is such a great album. Every song on that album is a must listen.

[@shooterjam]

Pat f*cking Green

[@shannonmorrow2399]

Pats best in my book.

[@lizakabe8116]

It’s my favorite Texas country album of all time. Every song is a banger. So glad someone mentioned this!

[@LTProductions335]

Pat Green deserved so much better.

[@holleyjay1122]

Texan here, you did a great job exploring Texas Country (especially for someone who isn’t from Texas). Keep up the good work!

[@jaimehernandez3104]

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. :)

[@evanyount9173]

You hit the nail on the head with the first point, being from East Texas and attending Texas Tech (where alot of Texas country guys are alumnus) it's great to hear about a town, spot or even a road and be like yeah I know where that is it's like 10 minutes from here... it's a surreal feeling to know exactly what they're talking about that you don't get in the vagueness of mainstream scene.

[@Chihobbit]

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 😊

[@calebgilbreath6116]

I’m so glad you mentioned the og Guy Clark

[@flint005]

Kevin Fowler is awesome, I have seen him concert a couple of times, and was always a great time

[@krisfarrow4399]

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

[@bradenhanzelka3512]

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

[@karstenstow1921]

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.

[@JUN_SA]

I think Ryan Bingham is my favorite Texas artist. He has a very gravely voice that sounds super cool.

[@pamelaparker7032]

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.

[@Codeman8887]

Thanks for this video Grady. I am from Texas and have been in the Texas country/Red Dirt scene for what seems like forever. I think you knocked this video out of the park and really get it. The people who truly like Texas country is due to the fact everyone of us in Texas can relate to some song someone plays. The song writing is one of the best in my opinion and the play on words these singers can have is amazing. Between the imagery they have in their songs to just the sound alone help paint the picture of what they are trying to show you. I think Flatland is one of the best at this and I also think Whiskey Myers is another band that can do it so well. Great video and look forward to more videos from you on the Texas Country scene.

[@plankeye69]

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.

[@danielemarini7471]

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!

[@robwasnj]

I put up a post before seeing this, they are fantastic! Also live Jamie Lin and Max Stalling.

[@tysonbrown9531]

Thanks for giving us some much needed recognition!

[@swaniac8833]

As an Albertan, you need to do a video on corb Lund, absolute legend

[@AutumnRagland]

Watching this video as we are driving back to our home in Oklahoma from Texas. Such a great video. Very accurate.

[@chubz790]

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

[@SnowQuaker]

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.

[@randallmoyeracing5472]

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.

[@hockeycoco66]

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.

[@narcthy993]

Hey I'm one of those Zach Bryan or bust teens who's pissed it took me this long to find the indi scene 😂

[@maddykim9348]

Same tho...

[@mc39S686]

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.

[@michaelhejl9233]

Billy Bobs is nothing but a tourist trap. Been there twice. Don’t care if I ever go back. Find a real dance hall.

[@aviation_termination]

Josh Ward and Randall King are underrated Texas Country artists.

[@eamonmullins4347]

Josh Ward is ridiculously underrated

[@TrashbagProtagonist]

Josh ward is CRIMINALLY underrated.

[@velvet4299]

@countrygirl countrymusiclover1127 its KZbin not your college essay, it's not important what Words I Choose To Capitalize

[@chaseharrison5469]

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.

[@Baseballboss234]

Agreed @Gradysmith you need to check Josh Ward out and do another review on Randall King.

[@crusincamry]

Grady, thanks for bringing Texas Country to your channel with it's own episode!! Ditched the polished pop country crap from Nashville a decade ago and have been listening to Texas Country ever since. It just gets better all the time!. Watch the show Texas Music Scene and you'll see a great cross section of the music out of Texas!

[@ElKuballo]

Jake Worthington is also worth mentioning here. A very underrated player in the Texas scene.

[@KyleRichard_onYouTube]

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

[@justinclewis86]

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

[@jaimehernandez3104]

What a wonderful list!

[@canaluludorel5838]

Creed fucking Fisher

[@turnertruckandtractor]

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.

[@emmaf3855]

As a Texan I already love this ☺️

[@wadeledbetter4551]

I think you hit it right on the nail that Texas Country is centered around the live scene and I honestly think it’s what sets it apart from the general country scene as a whole that relies on radio AirPlay. If you’re ever down here in DFW let us know and I guarantee you’ll have some friends to take you to Billy Bob’s 🤘🏼

[@ja2022]

Triston Marez, Jacob Stelly, Josh Ward, Pecos and the Rooftops, Cody Jinks, Kody West, and Jon Wolfe.

[@kodiismith1167]

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.

[@benjaminarellano9188]

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.

[@colbyericson6309]

I've been hosting the 35 South radio show in Kansas for 9 years, you hit the nail right on the head Grady. Check out Matt Castillo, Clay Hollis, Jon Stork, Sam Riggs, George Navarro, the Powell Brothers, Mountain Deer Revival (from Kansas), the Chad Cooke Band. I could go on! Keep up the great work.

[@djc1013]

Cleto Cordero and Kaitlin Butts, Country Music’s REAL power couple.

[@jeffrey.a.hanson]

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.

[@brandonmccutchen752]

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!

[@labornotinvain]

Texas country musicians have amazing stage presence and a flair for live performances because so much of their experience is playing those live shows. My top concerts that I have been to are Texas stars.

[@SarahSwingsSlowpitch]

Texas Country Music Fan Base: WHY DIDN’T YOU MENTION *insert random tx artist*. THATS SO DISRESPECTFUL.

[@bryan502004]

Just a testament to the amount of talent in the scene.

[@512undertaker]

you explained this incredible music scene so well once you like one song no matter from what artist your going to want to hear more

[@Nomorehandlenames9230]

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.

[@shooterjam]

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!

[@robing6977]

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.

[@sweettarrt]

i’ve never heard you mention Stoney LaRue. He’s definitely one of my favs

[@TaylorMarie342]

Perhaps a deliberate dig at Oklahomans and Red Dirt music, which I prefer over Texas country. 😆

[@RandyBadour]

Cody Johnson is one of my personal favorite artists all genres...not just "Texas" or "Country" etc. He is one of few artists there is no bad time for me to put on a record and run the whole album! Huge fan.

[@michaelhuberty4854]

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.

[@robscroggins4685]

Awesome video, I have been listening to Aaron Watson for several years but heard of so many more on this video. I was just in Texas, Again, and was talking to a cowboy about where I was from. I told him Kentucky, but was stationed in texas several times in the Army. he grinned and said "Then you're a Texan, Welcome home". I liked that, A lot.

[@eagloo9929]

William Clark Green >>>>> Didn’t know how blessed I was to be Texan until now

[@danielstickel361]

Thank you. It’s about time Texas Country gets its recognition it deserves

[@czsmindhole3507]

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.

[@henrymascaux1962]

Couldn’t agree more! Joshua Ray Walker.... incredible! His yodel is on an other level!

[@SCLSUMudDogs1]

Crockett has caught my ear. Gonna dive deeper soon.

[@Texaspotato]

i went to the koe wetzel concert in lubbock this past weekend. good ass concert. kolby cooper opened for him and after seeing him live i know he’s gonna be a big star

[@sanctusre4l]

Zane Williams has some insane songwriting skills, and I feel like he doesn't get all the credit he deserves!

[@hannahhelton3789]

Zane Williams is such a great songwriter! And he’s got such a rich old school sound to his voice!

[@billwilson9706]

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

[@iannolan2979]

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😂

[@colourblind021]

I first heard Cody Johnson and Aaron Watson in the Fall of 2017 when I was in college. It was With You I Am from Cody and Outta Style by Aaron. I love those songs. I also really love Wasn't That Drunk by Josh Abbot Band, first heard that at that same time. That was my intro to Carley Pearce as well on that song, right before she first came on radio with Every Little Thing.

[@JetsfanMrT]

Okay, but can you do one of these on our country scene up here in Canada? Because that would be fun

[@GradySmith]

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!)

[@menshap]

@@GradySmith it's still in the video, at least the part where you said someone should do that.

[@AsylumRiot]

Grady! Please give some attention to Curtis grimes! He is popular but over looked. Think you would enjoy

[@erinmoulding]

Grady Smith you could do a first listen video! Listen to Dean Brody and tell us what you think.

[@lucritiaibarra7630]

Thank you for this video! We Texans have so much pride in our country music scene!

[@benaustin6132]

Shane Smith and the Saints embody Texas Country songwriting in every way possible. Incredible group out of Austin

[@touristsoul2750]

Yes!!!!!! Pure gold!

[@katelendley128]

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.

[@Shadow-ns6gz]

"If you want to play in Texas you gotta have a fiddle in the band "

[@xFRANKTHEFOXXXx]

DAMN straight like George strait

[@douglasfuqua7082]

Nailed it !!! --- Doug ("Crossbow"), BMI, songwriter & composer, producer/engineer, former touring, multi-instrument (& Native Texan - Abilene). Good job on vid !!!

[@txzebra]

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!

[@PatrickBowmanRuns]

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!

[@FatherZacky]

Listen to Josh Ward and Triston Marez. You won’t be disappointed

[@leighannabridwell2607]

YES YES YES

[@TheSethGrahamJones]

I’m proud to be making music from my beloved state of Texas. I love fiddle and steel and earnest lyrics. A lot of Texas music RIGHT NOW is a little bit of generic rock but there is still a lot of great, classic country music with heart and depth.

[@drewbreaultmusic]

Can't believe no one has mentioned to check out Jon Wolfe, am I alone on this one? 🤠🤷‍♂️

[@jonathangau9830]

You are not alone. Jon is the epitome of Texas country and will be the face of it for a long time.

[@drewbreaultmusic]

@@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 👌

[@Kujjiman]

Isn’t he from Oklahoma?

[@drewbreaultmusic]

@@Kujjiman Yeah he was born there but made his music career in Texas

[@joshsaldivar8396]

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.

[@itsme-pu8bf]

I think the biggest part for us is they sing about life. Near the end you touched on it saying they don't just say she's my ride or die but actually describe her. We love hearing stories