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

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

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. 👍🏻

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

You missed one artist that defines country that is Alan Jackson

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

"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.

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

You could also reference Luckenbach Texas by Wyalon

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.

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

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

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

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.”

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

“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”!

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

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

Luckenbach, Texas, man

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.

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!

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

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

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.

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

Godbless you for mentioning Upchurch

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

"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

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.

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

Still waiting for a Chris LeDoux mention LOL

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.

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.

Grady always keeps it unbiased and real. Respect

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

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."

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.

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

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

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.)

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

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.

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

No Cash? No Hank Jr? Please turn in your country card on the way out the door...and don't EVER come back!

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Great list Grady!

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!

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

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

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.

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!!

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

Merle Haggard had 38 number one hits.

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

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

I LIVE for Randy Rogers Band.

Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn are also essential for showing your country credibility.

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.

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.

Hell yeah upchurch 🤘🏼🤘🏼🇺🇸

My favorite new one is Drinking Problem by Midland.

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.

this is actually really useful, thanks man

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

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

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!

Great choices. Awesome video.

How about Brooks and Dunn? Where would they fall?

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

Grady if you don’t know enough Waylon let me hook you up. Listen to ALL of the Dreaming my Dreams album, and look up this album called “New Stuff.” It came out in 2013. The story is that his son, Shooter, was rooting through Waylon’s old desk when he stumbled across a tape simply called “new stuff.” Shooter listened to it and it blew him away. It’s extremely raw and hard to find, but research it man it’s awesome

Great list! Such legendary songs and artists!!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Really like your videos!

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

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

Is this a RU-vid video version of Luke Bryan "What Makes You Country"?

I liked how you were obviously NOT trying to impress anyone with you list. Putting Dixie Chicks made it obvious that you were not looking for cred. I'm not insulting they or you... it's just a controversial choice. I respect it.

If somebody questions my country music "street cred" then they don't know me there for I don't care what they have to say. Keep doing you Grady.