Why Texas Country Music Is So Special 

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!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

GEORGE STRAIT is the definition of Texas country music.

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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!

Josh Ward and Randall King are underrated Texas Country artists.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

As a Texan I already love this ☺️

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

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.

As a 60 year old born and raised New York City boy I was turned on to Texas music by a young lady when I mentioned I was beginning to like Country music . About 10 years ago , my love for the genre has only grown . Pat Green , Randy Rogers , Jason Boland , Bruce and Charlie Robison , Roger Kreager , Cory Morrow , Wade Bowen , Stoney Larue , Ragweed, and especially , Jack Ingram . And also an even earlier generation of Earle Keen , Kris Kristofferson , Willie Nelson . Great songwriting is the greatest aspect of all of it .

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

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.

I literally love Aaron Watson‼️‼️ One of the best little known country artists.

To be the moon by Aaron Watson makes me cry every time because it makes me think about my grandma who passed about a year ago now. For no particular reason other than it just really reflects her values and her advice she always gave me

As an Oklahoman, it hurts my heart that Texas has absorbed Red Dirt but you’re not wrong. A lot of the red dirt nowadays is coming out of Austin/Stephenville now😂

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

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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!

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!

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

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.

There is nothing more satisfying than driving through Hill Country in the spring with all the bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrush lining the road and living the words of an Aaron Watson song.

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. :)

From texas, some older guys like Pat Green, Lyle Lovett, and Rick Trevino are also really great

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.

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.

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!

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

I’m so glad you mentioned the og Guy Clark

There is literally everything in texas. Every single landscape you see in America is all in texas. The coast and beaches, mountains, hills, woods, desert, lakes, rivers, canyons all of it. One thing I can say is that the heat down here in south Texas summer time and the humidity is insaneeee.

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

Three words....Jack "Freakin' Ingram!!!! He's been on the scene, for 25+ years and most recent albums are career best. Jack became the bridge between the Willies, Jerry Jeff's, Robert Earl's for the Pat Greens, Cory Morrows, Wade Bowens and their spawn. After spending years on the Big 12 bar circuit and flirting briefly with Nashville success, before coming back home to do things his own damn way and sounding great while doing it.

TJ McFarland now goes by the stage name Tennessee Jet. Is a musician and songwriter from Oklahoma as am I. I have been listening and following his musical growth since the days of MySpace. When I first came across him, I was in a deep dive of Bob Dylan, and Tennessee Jets early days had a bit of Dylan in his music. I fell in love with the songs and the sound of his voice. I've had the pleasure of meeting him and his wife. He's kind and grateful to fans that come to his shows. When he goes to Tulsa and play, I'm glad to hear the new country/rock/folk sounds like leak from his voice. His songwriting is remarkable, chilling, and visual. His next album The Country is set to be released September 4th. Stray Dogs the first song on the album is one that sets off a record of the country. The title track gives you that sad feeling of when country radio was that. But don't take my word for it. Several national music magazines have written about him. Here a some. Please give him a listen and maybe let me know your thoughts. www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/tennessee-jet-pancho-and-lefty-cody-jinks-elizabeth-cook-1049325/ theboot.com/tennessee-jet-johnny-listen/ americansongwriter.com/tennessee-jet-shares-explains-stray-dogs-from-forthcoming-album/

Pat Green was Cody Johnson back in the 00's. Gotta give him a lot of props for making Texas country more widespread.

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

Just want to say thank you so much for introducing me to the Texas scene. I came across your channel after you were included in a Rogue Rocket video about country music and it really opened my eyes up to different kinds of country music which I feel as more honest country. Would be interesting to see your take on some Australian country music artists sometime in the future 😊

I'm not from Texas but my friends and I are from the midwest and all our favorite artists are Texas/Red Dirt artists. The rodeo and livestock culture I've grown up around through Livestock Shows and Cattle auctions heavily embraces the Red Dirt scene because many of the artists are rodeo and livestock people as well. Aaron Watson was recently featured on a livestock show podcast called The Show with Cannon Brown, check it out!

You 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.

Being from Texas, I feel that the lyrics have more meaning to me knowing what they are talking about. I also believe that there is more dancing music being caused by the sounds of fiddle and steel which people really like. The way that bigger Texas artists have smaller known artists open up their shows also helps paves their way to fame and its almost like a ladder.

Quite a lot of the standout artists of the last few years for me have been from Texas. Of course there's Vincent Neil Emerson and Charley Crockett, who are both getting huge in the independent scene, but the smaller artists are releasing the best stuff IMO. In San Antonio there's spacey, rock inspired stuff like Garrett T Capps or real punchy, lyrical stuff like James Steinle is doing. Kathryn Legendre is picking up momentum too and Joshua Ray Walker has a real old soul sound. Elaina Kay released one of my top 5 albums last year and Juliet McConkey just released my current album of the year.

As a native Austinite, I really appreciated this. I wish you had included 1 more point about what makes Texas music special--The Rich Rich History. Today's musicians are building off Willie Nelson, Robert Earl Keen, Pat Green, Kevin Fowler, Charlie Robison, etc.. You could even say the PBS show Austin City Limits, which started in the 70's really helped solidify a Texas sound that went out live across the nation. Throw in SXSW & the fact that Austin calls itself the Live Music Capital & it helps explain why Texas musicians believe in the Texas scene. I would recommend checking out Troy Stone as someone to watch.

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.

Texas is the best state. I may be biased because I'm from Texas but... I stand my ground❤️

You should Review Granger smiths newest songs "Country Things" & "Hate You Like I Love You"

As someone who is starting to listen to more and more classic country i realize just how similar Mexican and American cowboys are, also same with the classic country and musica ranchera there is so many similarities between this two cultures.

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.

Personally been listening to a bunch of Cody Johnson (for years now), and have had a blast listening to Parker McCollum and his work. “Limestone Kid” is a damn good album. Kolby Cooper I like too! He has a great voice and a ton of potential in my eyes.

I honestly believe that Cody Johnson is the next George Strait, not Luke Combs or Morgan Wallen (though they’re both great). Cody has something special, he’s an absolute powerhouse, just needs that leg up from Nashville

Flatland Cavalry and Turnpike Troubadours are 2 of the best bands around right now. Evan Felker has a bright future ahead.

Don't know if you have ever heard of Jess Jocoy. Found her yesterday. Haunting voice, not overproduced (on most tunes), and really good lyrics!

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

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

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.

Hey Grady- I've been playing in the TX country scene for a long time now, and I think you represented it fairly and accurately. Very well done, and thanks for spreading the word! -Kris

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

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.

My top 5 Texas country Artists: 1. Robert Earl Keen 2. Ryan Bingham 3. Randy Rogers 4. Max Stalling 5. Paul Cauthen

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

Ooh. Haven’t watched yet- hope you give my man Hayes Carll some love

Dude. Let's do a texas country night on my channel.

I grew up in Colorado and Chris Ledoux was HUGE out there. Along with George Strait. I always saw their albums up front and center in the Country sections of Independent Records. Its wild to see that he was part of the Texas country scene. I mean, I had no idea that Country was stylistically different regionally. At least, back then. I’d like to learn more about other regions and how productions are different within the genre. Very interesting. Florida was a big George Strait state too. I remember when Pure Country hit it was a treated like a huge event! Premiers, massive billboards, album giveaways. Its funny that even though I was more of a Pop and Dance kid Country was always there drawing me in. Chris, George and Reba roped me in and Tim, Shania and Alison kept me going. ❤️

My first year living in Texas, I got to go to Billy Bob's to listen to Billy Currington live, who was the artist of the first country song I ever heard on the radio