Country Music is probably not the genre that comes to mind when you think of the 90s. The decade, however, was quite a unique and influential period for the Country Music genre. First of all, lots of obscure Country Music artists from the previous decade found breakthrough success in the 1990s. This reinvigorated the genre and exposed it to thousands, if not millions, of new fans.
Second, Country Music underwent tremendous change and expansion during the 90s. On the one hand, you had the more traditional Country musicians in the 90s trying to revive the sounds and styles from Country’s Golden Age. And on the other hand, you had the younger generation blurring the lines between Country and Pop Music.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and look at some of the most famous male Country singers of the 1990s, starting with…
11 Most Famous Male Country Singers Of The 1990s
Trace Adkins
Adkins made his debut on the scene in 1996 with the release of his first single, “There’s a Girl in Texas.” Shortly thereafter, he dropped his solo album Dreamin’ Out Loud, which won him a dedicated army of fans.
During the 90s, he released two more hit albums which cemented his status as a Country star. When it comes to living your lyrics, Adkins is one of the front runners. His catalog includes songs about an accident that resulted in his severed finger, his second wife shooting him, as well as his struggle with alcoholism.
One can only applaud his talent for turning the turmoil in his life into wonderful songs. Songs that have won him praise from fans and critics alike.
Sammy Kershaw
Sammy was a teenager in Louisiana when he started performing Country Music in local bars and dance halls. Eventually, he graduated to performing across the state with moderate success. His big break, however, came during the 90s.
His most successful single to date is “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful,” which he released in 1993. The song topped the Country charts in Canada as well as in the US. In total, he released eight albums during the 90s, two of which he released in the same year (1994). Some of his other hits include “Cadillac Style” and “Queen of My Double Wide Trailer.”
In 1997, his life underwent a drastic change. He released his fifth album Labour of Love, which was perhaps not his most successful. But, it included a duet with Country singer Lorrie Morgan, who he would eventually marry in 2001.
Vince Gill
Vincent Grant Gill was born on April 12, 1957, in Norman, Oklahoma. During the 1970s, he achieved relative success as the frontman of the Country Rock band Pure Prairie League. He joined a few bands after that. But, he eventually decided to embark on a solo career that began to bear fruit during the late 80s.
During the 90s, he enjoyed tremendous success with a string of hit albums and songs. Including the beautiful “I Still Believe in You,” which won Song of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards.
With a total of eight albums released…
The 90s is still Vince’s most prolific era. He is married to Christian music star Amy Grant. The two of them met in 1993 when they were both in troublesome marriages. They eventually divorced their spouses and got married in 2000.
Vince has won a total of 22 Grammy awards which is more than any other famous male Country Music artist. He has sold more than 26 million records. So, no doubt, he is one of the most famous male Country singers of the 1990s.
Travis Tritt
It is often said that some men have greatness thrust upon them. This is certainly the case when it comes to Travis Tritt. His introduction to songwriting was based on an emotional need. Tritt’s high school girlfriend had just broken up with him, and Travis was at a loss as to how he should process the ordeal.
He turned to music to help him express his anguish. So, he wrote his first song about the breakup. Soon thereafter, he joined a band and was quickly inspired to pursue a career in music.
Throughout the 80s, he enjoyed some moderate success…
Then, his big break came in 1990. “I’m Gonna Be Somebody,” “Drift Off to Dream,” and “Help Me Hold on” are just a few of Travis Tritt’s smash hits from his debut album, Country Club. He would go on to release a total of five Country Music albums in the 90s. And, even picked up two Grammy awards while he was at it.
Unlike many of his peers who came up at the same time as him, Travis’ music has a very soulful sound due to its strong gospel influence. He has stated in interviews that all of his songs are based on his life experiences. Here is a writer who truly writes what he knows.
John Michael Montgomery
If ever there was a musician who was born with Country Music in his bones, it has to be John Michael Montgomery. His father was a guitar player and started teaching young John when he was still little. Before he knew it, he was playing in a Country band with his brothers.
He enjoyed tremendous success during the 90s and even into the 2000s. His debut album, Life’s a Dance, was a smash hit. Thanks in no small part to the now almost legendary single, “I Love the Way You Love Me.” The song hit #1 on the Country Songs chart. And it even managed to crossover into the mainstream, reaching #60 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song that JMM is probably best known for is “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident).” It’s a super fast song about a man who picks up a woman at an auction. Even hardcore JMM fans will admit that they have a hard time keeping up with the chorus of this brilliant tongue-twister of a tune.
Dwight Yoakam
Dwight David Yoakam was born on 23 October 1956 in Pikeville, Kentucky. He first rose to attention in 1986 with the release of his debut album. Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc, Etc. The 90s, however, was the decade he solidified his reputation as a Country Music star.
He released four albums during this decade, all of which were tremendously successful. Dwight’s 1993 album This Time is probably the most popular Country album from the 90s. That album featured the Grammy-Winning track “Ain’t That Lonely Yet.”
But there’s more to Dwight than just music…
You might be thinking, “I don’t even listen to country music, but this guy looks familiar.” Well, that’s because he is also a pretty decent actor. Sling Blade and David Fincher’s Panic Room are amongst his most popular films.
While the bulk of his film roles consists of psychotic killers, the real Yoakam is a true family man. He married his wife, Emily Joyce, in May 2020. Their first child was born in August of that same year.
George Strait
George Harvey Strait Sr is a man with some serious miles under his belt when it comes to songs. In total, he has had over sixty #1 hits. And he holds the record for the most #1 songs by an artist on all charts in any genre.
As if having seven #1 albums during the 80s was not enough, George decided to tackle the 90s just as hard. In 1990, he released his 10th studio album Livin’ It Up. This album also topped the Country Albums chart.
Two years later, he managed to release an album that was even more successful. Namely, the soundtrack to the film Pure Country, in which he also starred. Indeed, there is no other legendary male Country Music singer who deserves the title of “The King of Country” more than George Strait.
Clint Black
Clint doesn’t just have a cool-sounding name. He also has a fantastic-sounding voice and possesses incredible songwriting skills. By the end of the 80s, Black was by far the most popular Country singer on the airwaves. Of course, this was just before Garth Brooks rolled onto the scene. But that does not mean that Clint Black faded into the background.
During the 90s, he continued to propel himself into stardom with the release of three seminal neo-traditional country records. The first was Put Yourself My Shoes in 1990. That was followed by The Hard Way in 1992. And, finally, 1994’s One Emotion.
These three albums helped to push Country Music back into the mainstream. They also stand as archetypal examples of what is now known as the neo-traditional sound.
Billy Ray Cyrus
Yes, I know what you’re going to say. “Achy Breaky Heart is not a serious Country song.” Depending on your definition of what Country Music is, that might be true. But, one unequivocally true thing is that Billy Ray Cyrus is a true Country Music legend.
His debut album, Some Gave All, was the first debut album to enter the Billboard Top Country Charts at #1. The album also managed to top the Billboard 200, where it stayed for 17 weeks. Some Gave All has been bested by no one except Clint Black.
But Billy Ray is much more than the one-hit wonder folks make him out to be…
During the 90s, he released five albums, including the brilliant Trail of Tears. This album may not have fared well commercially. But, it was a critical success and has since become a favorite of Country Music fans and critics alike. Aside from his brilliant music, he is also known as a fantastic performer and an all-around great guy.
Alan Jackson
Among Allen’s many achievements are two Grammys, over 75 million album sales, and a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame. He will likely be remembered as one of the greatest Country Music singers in history, not just in the 90s.
Alan is known as one of the fathers of neo-traditional Country Music. This style is characterized by traditional Country sounds mixed with Honky-Tonk. When compared to other successful singers of the time, Jackson’s sound is very much what you’d call “old-school.”
Technically, his debut album was released in 1989…
But, it was only in 1990 that the mainstream started paying attention. His second single, “Here in the Real World,” reached #3 on the Hot Country Songs Chart. His other Country Music hits from the 90s include tracks like “She’s Got Rhythm (and I Got the Blues)” and “Right on the Money.”
It’s not hard to see how he came upon his unique sound when you take into account his early influences. Jackson’s love for music started at an early age when he listened to gospel music before eventually moving on to Country. Allen is a Georgia resident who married his high school sweetheart.
Garth Brooks
No list of the most famous male Country singers of the 1990s would be complete without Garth Brooks. He is not only one of the most-loved and most successful male country singers of all time, but he is also one of the biggest music stars ever. His success is measured in the same breath as The Beatles, Michael Jackson, and Elvis Presley.
In 1989…
His debut album came out and heralded his success in the coming decade. The self-titled album features a string of hits. Most notable is probably “The Dance,” which Brooks has often named his favorite song.
He is easily one of the most prolific Country artists of the 90s, having released an album almost every year. His second release, No Fences, features some of the best-known country songs ever. Including “Friends in Low Places” and “The Thunder Rolls.”
Troyal (yes, that is his first name) is the only music artist in history with nine diamond albums. He has 117 American music awards and two Grammys. He’s also one of history’s highest-selling music artists ever, with more than 170 million copies sold worldwide. At the age of 58, he received the Library of Congress Gershwin prize for Popular Songs, making him the youngest recipient of the award in history.
In the Mood for More Incredible Country Music?
If so, check out our thoughts on the Best 90s Country Songs, the Most Famous Female Country Singers Of The 90s, the Top Country Singers with Deep Voices, the Most Famous Male Country Singers Of All Time, the Best Country Love Songs, the Best Country Songs About Fishing, and the Saddest Country Songs about Death for more amazing Country tunes.
Most Famous Male Country Singers Of The 1990s – Final Thoughts
Whether you want to savor the golden oldies, taste the new-age flavor, or just want to hear some brilliant Country Music, the 90s are rife with choices that can provide a feast for the ears of any fan. Is there anyone you feel should have made this list? If so, please let us know your favorites in the comments below.
Until next time, happy listening.
