The 21 most successful and influential groups in country music history
When it comes to country music, there are a few groups that have stood out as the most successful and influential in the genre’s history. These groups have shaped the sound of country music and have left a lasting impact on the industry as a whole. From iconic acts like The Dixie Chicks to legendary bands like Alabama, these groups have helped shape and define the country music landscape.
One of the most successful and influential groups in country music history is The Dixie Chicks. Formed in 1989 in Dallas, Texas, the trio quickly rose to fame with their blend of bluegrass, country, and pop music. The Dixie Chicks have won numerous awards, including 13 Grammy Awards, and have sold over 30 million albums worldwide. With hits like “Wide Open Spaces” and “Not Ready to Make Nice,” The Dixie Chicks have solidified their place as one of the most successful groups in country music history.
Another iconic group in country music history is Alabama. Formed in 1969 in Fort Payne, Alabama, the band quickly became one of the most successful country acts of all time. Alabama has sold over 75 million records worldwide and has won numerous awards, including 2 Grammy Awards and 9 Country Music Association Awards. With hits like “Mountain Music” and “Song of the South,” Alabama has left a lasting impact on the country music industry.
The Judds are another influential group in country music history. Formed in 1983 in Ashland, Kentucky, the mother-daughter duo quickly rose to fame with their harmonious vocals and heartfelt lyrics. The Judds have won 5 Grammy Awards and 9 Country Music Association Awards, and have sold over 20 million albums worldwide. With hits like “Mama He’s Crazy” and “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days),” The Judds have cemented their place as one of the most successful and influential groups in country music history.
Brooks & Dunn are yet another powerhouse duo in country music history. Formed in 1990 in Nashville, Tennessee, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn quickly became one of the most successful country duos of all time. Brooks & Dunn have won 2 Grammy Awards and 27 Academy of Country Music Awards, and have sold over 30 million albums worldwide. With hits like “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” and “Neon Moon,” Brooks & Dunn have left a lasting impact on the country music industry.
The Oak Ridge Boys are a legendary group in country music history. Formed in 1943 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the quartet has been making music for over 75 years. The Oak Ridge Boys have won 5 Grammy Awards and 9 Country Music Association Awards, and have sold over 30 million albums worldwide. With hits like “Elvira” and “Bobbie Sue,” The Oak Ridge Boys have solidified their place as one of the most successful and influential groups in country music history.
Rascal Flatts is another hugely successful group in country music history. Formed in 1999 in Columbus, Ohio, the trio quickly rose to fame with their blend of country and pop music. Rascal Flatts have won 3 Grammy Awards and 10 Country Music Association Awards, and have sold over 23 million albums worldwide. With hits like “Bless the Broken Road” and “What Hurts the Most,” Rascal Flatts have made a lasting impact on the country music industry.
Little Big Town is a contemporary group that has made a big impact on country music history. Formed in 1998 in Nashville, Tennessee, the quartet has won 4 Grammy Awards and 9 Country Music Association Awards. With hits like “Girl Crush” and “The Daughters,” Little Big Town has solidified their place as one of the most successful and influential groups in country music today.
The Highwaymen were a supergroup formed in 1985 that consisted of country music legends Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson. The Highwaymen released three albums together and won a Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for their hit “Highwayman.” The group’s blend of outlaw country and traditional country music made them a force to be reckoned with in the country music industry.
Another influential group in country music history is The Statler Brothers. Formed in 1955 in Staunton, Virginia, the quartet quickly became one of the most successful country acts of the 1970s and 1980s. The Statler Brothers have won 3 Grammy Awards and 9 Country Music Association Awards, and have sold over 40 million albums worldwide. With hits like “Flowers on the Wall” and “Bed of Rose’s,” The Statler Brothers have left a lasting impact on the country music industry.
The Bellamy Brothers are another influential duo in country music history. Formed in 1968 in Darby, Florida, David and Howard Bellamy quickly rose to fame with their blend of country and pop music. The Bellamy Brothers have won a Grammy Award and 7 Academy of Country Music Awards, and have sold over 20 million albums worldwide. With hits like “Let Your Love Flow” and “Redneck Girl,” The Bellamy Brothers have made a lasting impact on the country music industry.
Sugarland is a contemporary duo that has made a big impact on country music history. Formed in 2002 in Atlanta, Georgia, Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush quickly rose to fame with their blend of country, pop, and rock music. Sugarland has won 2 Grammy Awards and 6 Country Music Association Awards, and have sold over 14 million albums worldwide. With hits like “Stay” and “Stuck Like Glue,” Sugarland has solidified their place as one of the most successful and influential groups in country music today.
Zac Brown Band is another contemporary group that has made a big impact on country music history. Formed in 2002 in Atlanta, Georgia, Zac Brown Band quickly rose to fame with their blend of country, bluegrass, and reggae music. The band has won 3 Grammy Awards and 3 Academy of Country Music Awards, and have sold over 8 million albums worldwide. With hits like “Chicken Fried” and “Colder Weather,” Zac Brown Band has solidified their place as one of the most successful and influential groups in country music today.
The Mavericks are a unique group in country music history that blends country, rock, and Latin music. Formed in 1989 in Miami, Florida, The Mavericks quickly became one of the most successful and influential acts in the 1990s. The band has won a Grammy Award and 2 Academy of Country Music Awards, and have sold over 6 million albums worldwide. With hits like “Dance the Night Away” and “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down,” The Mavericks have left a lasting impact on the country music industry.
Lonestar is another successful group in country music history. Formed in 1992 in Nashville, Tennessee, Lonestar quickly rose to fame with their blend of country and pop music. The band has won a Grammy Award and 2 Country Music Association Awards, and have sold over 10 million albums worldwide. With hits like “Amazed” and “I’m Already There,” Lonestar has made a lasting impact on the country music industry.
Diamond Rio is a contemporary group that has made a big impact on country music history. Formed in 1989 in Nashville, Tennessee, Diamond Rio quickly rose to fame with their harmonious vocals and infectious melodies. The band has won a Grammy Award and 6 Academy of Country Music Awards, and have sold over 10 million albums worldwide. With hits like “Meet in the Middle” and “One More Day,” Diamond Rio has solidified their place as one of the most successful and influential groups in country music today.
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is a legendary group in country music history that has been making music for over 50 years. Formed in 1966 in Long Beach, California, the band quickly became one of the most successful country acts of the 1970s and 1980s. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has won a Grammy Award and 6 Country Music Association Awards, and have sold over 15 million albums worldwide. With hits like “Mr. Bojangles” and “Fishin’ in the Dark,” The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has left a lasting impact on the country music industry.
Restless Heart is another influential group in country music history. Formed in 1984 in Nashville, Tennessee, Restless Heart quickly rose to fame with their blend of country and pop music. The band has won a Grammy Award and 2 Academy of Country Music Awards, and have sold over 5 million albums worldwide. With hits like “I’ll Still Be Loving You” and “The Bluest Eyes in Texas,” Restless Heart has made a lasting impact on the country music industry.
Emmylou Harris & The Hot Band were a groundbreaking group in country music history. Formed in the 1970s, Emmylou Harris and her band quickly became one of the most influential acts in the genre. The group won over a dozen Grammy Awards and released numerous critically acclaimed albums. With hits like “Boulder to Birmingham” and “Sweet Dreams,” Emmylou Harris & The Hot Band have left a lasting impact on the country music industry.
In conclusion, these 21 groups have made a significant impact on country music history with their unique sound and lasting influence. From iconic acts like The Dixie Chicks to legendary bands like Alabama, these groups have helped shape and define the country music landscape. Their contributions to the genre will be remembered for years to come, as they have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Throughout its history, country music has produced some truly stunning musical collaborations. Whether in duos, trios, or larger groups, the essential bands of country music traverse a wide range of musical influences, styles, and sounds.
Flip through the gallery below for a look at 21 of the genre’s most successful — and influential — groups, ranging from record-shattering duo Brooks & Dunn to more classic collaborators like The Carter Family and The Highwaymen.
