The last two weeks I have written about our boom in the 1990's. I hope you've also 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 to get caught up)  And Part 1 of this series last week,  And Part 2 as well.

The depth of talent we had in those years was enviable.  Every era has its superstars that lead the way, 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 there have to be others that help drive the popularity. 

There was also a very gentle mix in the 1990's that has been tough to duplicate.  Yes, early in the decade the traditionalists were here and they still were at decades end.  But there was also a subtle flow in some rivers and tributaries in our format that did branch off and were a bit more pop country.  But I feel some lessons for the most part had been learned from Urban Cowboy, that too far away from country -  was too far.  So for the most part even late 1990's pop country albums and artists were not overly alienating to our core fans.  Many times we are at our best overall when we have a nice gentle mix and are not too far off shore one way or the other.

The 1990's were loaded with the best stars just outside of superstar status, maybe ever.  Let's look at some more 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 is three part series and this is the final part. 

Again, these are the stars just outside of the superstars of the decade that really helped make us great!

Lonestar - They had a red hot run that in the grand scheme of things was short, but impactful. True, they are still around today in some fashion, but in the mid and late 90's they were gigantic.  They also developed a very loyal fan base that is still with them even though there have been a bunch of changes with them. Key member departures like John Rich, and Richie McDonald proved to be too much to overcome in the long run. Amazed was an insanely big song, as was I'm Already There, and they became signature songs that found their way to various charts in addition to country.  In all they had nine number one hits in their run that began in 1995, and sold about 11 million albums.

Songs Don't Get Much Bigger Than This -

Deana Carter -  She was completely synonymous with the late 1990's with one of the biggest albums we've ever had. Deana's Did I Shave My Legs For This album sold a ridiculous amount of copies, she won awards with Strawberry Wine, both are generational memories for a huge swath of fans still.  That album is a true work of art for our format and she was the exact stylist for it.  Her vocal performances on that album are flawless and her image was sensational. We loved that carefree spirit this album, and she gave to us.  This album was a big deal as it sold millions and brought us a huge amount of new fans, while not costing us any.

Huge Hit, Huge Album - A Generational Song

Blackhawk - Here is a very interesting story. This band never had a number one and was really only a factor on the actual charts for a few years, but they had a very strong following.  Their first two albums were very successful selling millions. There has seldom been a group that had the mild chart success they had and been so popular.  Goodbye Says It All may be the most popular #11 song of the decade. Their music sounded good on the air, and with the fans. Still around today, although members have come and gone, and some passed away.

Still A Big Favorite Song

The Dixie Chicks  -  As polarizing as they became and still are with many, they have reinvented themselves as simply The Chicks.  Their popularity for a very short time in country is undeniable.  They sold millions of albums initially and were nominated and won about every award you can. Their sound was new, and old at the same time, and they were extremely talented.  In the 1990's they did something very difficult to do. They found a new sound, one that was theirs alone that made them cut through the rest of the very formidable competition.  Wide Open Spaces was one of the most popular albums of the decade.

At The Beginning

Neal McCoy - Here's a guy that wasn't going to be denied.  McCoy had been around for a number of years releasing songs with no real success. (His first song peaked at #85).  Then in 1994, he hit with No Doubt About It, and went on a run of very popular songs as he sold a few million albums.  He also became known for his powerful stage shows no matter how small or large the venue. Also, his demeanor and extreme likability became a real calling card, as did his actions outside of the music with his his support of the military. Fans loved his music and they loved who he was, and still do.

This Song, This Album Broke Him Through At Last

John Anderson STILL -  I know, the vast majority of his hits were pre-90's where he was very popular and an important inspiration for many future stars with this fantastic traditional style. And then after a downturn in his career, he came back and did it all over again. His Seminole Wind album in 1992 was immensely popular, sold millions and restarted his career. Straight Tequila Night to me, is the greatest comeback song in country history.  After Seminole Wind, there was new success for a few years on the charts, and he was as popular as ever.  Fans loved John Anderson. He was a big part of the initial movement in country in 1981 that dared to be different.  Seminole Wind is one of the most popular, most important, and best country albums of the 1990's as well.  I loved seeing him have great success alongside many of the younger stars he absolutely influenced years earlier.

What A GREAT Comeback Song!

Many different styles, many different kinds of stars.