You've heard me talk a lot about the 1990's here. And you've read the articles I've written about three pivotal years that led to the big 90's boom in Country, 1981, 1986, and 1989, (Click those to get caught up)
But why were the 1990's so big for country? I always felt the main reason was the absolute depth of talent we had in those wonderful years. Every era has its superstars that carry the freight as did the 1990's. Garth, Clint, Alan, George, Brooks And Dunn, Shania, McGraw, Faith, Vince, and Martina were the giants of the time. But you can't just play those stars, there have to be others that help drive the charts, playlists and ultimately the popularity.
There was also a definite, unspoken commitment from all artists that they wanted to be country singers first and foremost - and fans knew it and loved it. We also decided to put more thought into the quality of albums as opposed to two hit songs and eight filler songs that had kind of been the formula for many for decades. The music video did country a lot of good as it did for other formats earlier. And there was the advent of future stars getting thier starts - and other 80's superstars finishing up, it was a GREAT mix.
The 1990's were loaded with the absolute best stars just outside of superstar status, maybe ever. They recorded superstar style songs, and that meant for us was there was always - always, a great song on the air. That was the real strength of the 1990's. Let's look at these remarkable stars who deserve a whole lot of the credit. In many cases I've featured them already and I'll link you back to my original article on them. No order, no ranking - This will be a three part series and this is part one. Again, these are the stars just outside of the superstars of the decade that really helped make us great!
Mark Chesnutt - In many other era's, without the sheer amount of gigantic stars we had, he may have been the dominant star of the format. As it was, he still was a major player that really helped define the decade with eight number ones and a long line of very big hits.
Fantastic Debut Song
Terri Clark - She was so incredibly different than the rest of the women on the charts in the 1990's. She was refreshingly unique - a woman "Hat Act." I loved her image, very believable - Loved her music that included five number one songs. She was very good for us in many ways.
Terri Clark Is A Great Brand
Doug Stone - I will write an article on him soon, as he was an underrated star for most of the decade. He had a ton of big songs, including eight number ones, and some other really big hits. Some health issues slowed him down, but he was a great singer, great talent.
One Of The Most Powerful Songs Of The 1990's
Pam Tillis - I loved every hit song she had. An incredibly passionate voice and fantastic song choices, with 33 singles, most going top ten and she sold millions of albums. I worked with her a few times, and I loved seeing her perform. What a voice, she commanded a song.
You Always Knew Pam Tillis Was Singing
John Micheal Montgomery - Again in many eras, he may have been the number one act in country. 36 singles and seven number ones. A great balladeer and singer. There were a few years he couldn't do anything wrong musically.
Big, Big Song
Patty Loveless - She broke through in the 1980's, but in the 1990's she really hit her stride as a big time hit maker. She was universally loved in and out of country with her talent and song choices. 40 singles and 5 number ones.
What A Hit!
A YOUNG Kenny Chesney - Even though Chesney's run is still underway with his most recent number one (#34) of them now, he broke through in 1995. He built a great young following that has grown up with him and is still with him today.
There Was A Time When He Was An Up And Comer
Alabama - They were still making big songs well into the 1990's, even though they are generally remembered in the 1980's. They had a ton of hits in the 90's including six number ones.
Big Song 1990
Next week, part two of this series! Thanks for reading!
