The 1970s and 1980s were a golden era for country music, and some of the genre’s most iconic male singers emerged.
This period saw a blend of traditional country sounds with new influences, creating a rich and diverse musical landscape.
These artists captured the hearts of millions with their soulful voices and heartfelt lyrics and left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire musicians today.
From honky-tonk hits to ballads that tug at the heartstrings, these singers defined an era and set the stage for future generations.
Below, we highlight 30 male country singers from the 70s and 80s, showcasing their most famous songs, awards, and years active.
Male Country Singers of The 70s and 80s
1. Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson is a legendary figure in country music known for his distinctive voice and pioneering contributions to the outlaw country subgenre.
With a career spanning several decades, Nelson’s music often explores themes of love, loss, and life’s hardships, resonating deeply with fans around the world.
- Famous songs: “On the Road Again,” “Always on My Mind,” “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards
- Years Active: 1956–present
2. Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash, also known as “The Man in Black,” is a towering figure in country music, celebrated for his deep, calm voice and the profound storytelling in his songs.
His music often features themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption, which resonate with a wide audience.
- Famous songs: “Ring of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I Walk the Line”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee
- Years Active: 1954–2003
3. Merle Haggard
Merle Haggard, a pioneer of the Bakersfield sound, is renowned for his hard-edged, honky-tonk style and deeply personal songwriting.
His music often reflects his struggles and the lives of the working class, making him a beloved figure in country music.
- Famous songs: “Okie from Muskogee,” “Mama Tried,” “The Fightin’ Side of Me”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, Country Music Hall of Fame inductee
- Years Active: 1963–2016
4. George Jones
George Jones is widely regarded as one of the greatest country singers of all time.
He is known for his emotive voice and ability to convey deep emotion in his music.
His career, marked by incredible success and personal struggles, left an indelible mark on country music.
- Famous songs: “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” “The Grand Tour,” “White Lightning”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, Country Music Hall of Fame inductee
- Years Active: 1953–2013
5. Waylon Jennings
Waylon Jennings was a key figure in the outlaw country movement, known for his rebellious image and distinctive baritone voice.
His music, characterized by its raw, rock-influenced sound, challenged the conventions of Nashville’s mainstream country scene.
- Famous songs: “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love),” “Good Hearted Woman,” “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, Country Music Hall of Fame inductee
- Years Active: 1958–2002
6. Kenny Rogers
Kenny Rogers, a smooth-voiced crossover artist, achieved immense popularity in both country and pop music.
Known for his storytelling ability, Rogers’ songs often depict relatable life experiences, making him a beloved artist across multiple genres.
- Famous songs: “The Gambler,” “Lucille,” “Islands in the Stream”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, American Music Awards
- Years Active: 1957–2017
7. Conway Twitty
Conway Twitty, originally a rock and roll artist, found great success in country music with his smooth baritone voice and romantic ballads.
His prolific career is marked by numerous hits that have become country classics.
- Famous songs: “Hello Darlin’,” “It’s Only Make Believe,” “Tight Fittin’ Jeans”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, Country Music Hall of Fame inductee
- Years Active: 1955–1993
8. George Strait
George Strait, known as the “King of Country,” is celebrated for his traditional country sound and impressive string of hits.
With a career spanning several decades, Strait’s music has defined the genre and earned him a loyal fanbase.
- Famous songs: “Amarillo by Morning,” “All My Ex’s Live in Texas,” “The Chair”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards
- Years Active: 1976–present
9. Randy Travis
Randy Travis is credited with helping to revive traditional country music in the 1980s with his deep, resonant voice and heartfelt songs.
His influence on the genre is profound, and his music continues to be celebrated by fans, old and new.
- Famous songs: “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “Deeper Than the Holler,” “On the Other Hand”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards
- Years Active: 1978–present
10. Hank Williams Jr.
Hank Williams Jr., son of the legendary Hank Williams, carved out his successful career with a distinctive blend of Southern rock and country.
Known for his rowdy style and powerful voice, Williams Jr. has become a staple in the genre.
- Famous songs: “A Country Boy Can Survive,” “Family Tradition,” “All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards
- Years Active: 1957–present
11. Charley Pride
Charley Pride was one of the first African-American country music stars and became a trailblazer with his rich baritone voice and a string of hit songs.
His success helped to break down racial barriers in the genre.
- Famous songs: “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’,” “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone,” “Mountain of Love”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, Country Music Hall of Fame inductee
- Years Active: 1958–2020
12. Glen Campbell
Glen Campbell, known for his smooth voice and guitar skills, enjoyed a successful country and pop music career.
His television show, “The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour,” further cemented his place in American entertainment.
- Famous songs: “Rhinestone Cowboy,” “Gentle on My Mind,” “By the Time I Get to Phoenix”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, Country Music Hall of Fame inductee
- Years Active: 1958–2012
13. Ronnie Milsap
Ronnie Milsap’s blend of country and pop influences made him a standout artist in the 1970s and 1980s.
His dynamic voice and versatility across genres earned him a broad fan base.
- Famous songs: “Smoky Mountain Rain,” “It Was Almost Like a Song,” “Stranger in My House”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards
- Years Active: 1963–present
14. Don Williams
Don Williams, known as the “Gentle Giant,” captivated audiences with his smooth, easy-going style and baritone voice.
His music often conveyed simple, heartfelt messages that resonated with fans.
- Famous songs: “Tulsa Time,” “Amanda,” “I Believe in You”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards
- Years Active: 1964–2017
15. John Denver
Though primarily known for his folk music, John Denver made significant contributions to country music with his gentle voice and heartfelt lyrics.
His songs often celebrated nature and the beauty of the American landscape.
- Famous songs: “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Rocky Mountain High,” “Annie’s Song”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, American Music Awards
- Years Active: 1962–1997
16. Marty Robbins
Marty Robbins was a versatile artist who contributed to country and pop music.
His narrative style and distinctive voice made him a beloved figure in country music.
- Famous songs: “El Paso,” “A White Sport Coat,” “Big Iron”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards
- Years Active: 1948–1982
17. Jerry Reed
Jerry Reed was a multi-talented musician, songwriter, and actor known for his energetic style and guitar prowess.
His playful and often humorous songs mark his contributions to country music.
- Famous songs: “Amos Moses,” “East Bound and Down,” “When You’re Hot, You’re Hot”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards
- Years Active: 1955–2008
18. Roger Miller
Roger Miller was a prolific singer-songwriter known for his witty and whimsical lyrics.
His music often featured clever wordplay and a unique blend of country and pop elements.
- Famous songs: “King of the Road,” “Dang Me,” and “Chug-a-Lug.”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards
- Years Active: 1957–1992
19. Ray Price
Ray Price was a key figure in developing the Nashville sound, known for his smooth vocals and lush orchestration.
His career spanned several decades, leaving a lasting impact on country music.
- Famous songs: “For the Good Times,” “Crazy Arms,” “Heartaches by the Number”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, Country Music Hall of Fame inductee
- Years Active: 1948–2013
20. Mel Tillis
Mel Tillis, known for his distinctive stutter and prolific songwriting, significantly impacted country music as a performer and a songwriter.
His charismatic personality endeared him to fans worldwide.
- Famous songs: “Coca-Cola Cowboy,” “Good Woman Blues,” “Southern Rains”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee
- Years Active: 1958–2017
21. John Anderson
John Anderson’s deep voice and traditional country style brought him significant success in the late 1970s and 1980s.
His music often celebrated rural life and traditional values.
- Famous songs: “Swingin’,” “Straight Tequila Night,” “Seminole Wind”
- Awards: Country Music Association Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards
- Years Active: 1974–present
22. Mickey Gilley
Mickey Gilley, a cousin of Jerry Lee Lewis, influenced his country music with rock and roll and achieved major success in the 1970s and 1980s.
He also owned the famous honky-tonk club Gilley’s, which was featured in Urban Cowboy.
- Famous songs: “Stand by Me,” “Room Full of Roses,” “City Lights”
- Awards: Academy of Country Music Awards
- Years Active: 1957–2022
23. Vern Gosdin
Vern Gosdin, known as “The Voice,” was celebrated for his smooth vocals and passionate delivery.
His music often dealt with themes of love and heartbreak, resonating deeply with country audiences.
- Famous songs: “Chiseled in Stone,” “Set ‘Em Up Joe,” “I’m Still Crazy”
- Awards: Country Music Association Awards
- Years Active: 1967–2009
24. Earl Thomas Conley
Earl Thomas Conley was known for his string of number-one hits in the 1980s, blending traditional country with contemporary sounds.
His expressive voice and heartfelt lyrics made him a favorite among country fans.
- Famous songs: “Holding Her and Loving You,” “What I’d Say,” “Once in a Blue Moon”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards
- Years Active: 1968–2019
25. Gary Stewart
Gary Stewart was known for his raw, honky-tonk style and soulful voice.
His music often depicted themes of heartache and life’s struggles, making him a unique voice in country music.
- Famous songs: “She’s Actin’ Single (I’m Drinkin’ Doubles),” “Out of Hand,” “Drinkin’ Thing”
- Awards: Academy of Country Music Awards
- Years Active: 1968–2003
26. Ricky Skaggs
Ricky Skaggs, a virtuoso musician and singer, played a pivotal role in bringing traditional bluegrass and country music to new audiences in the 1980s.
His innovative style and musical prowess earned him widespread acclaim.
- Famous songs: “Highway 40 Blues,” “Country Boy,” “Crying My Heart Out Over You”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards
- Years Active: 1961–present
27. David Allan Coe
David Allan Coe, known for his outlaw image and controversial lyrics, brought a rebellious spirit to country music.
His diverse musical style and raw storytelling made him a distinctive figure in the genre.
- Famous songs: “You Never Even Called Me by My Name,” “The Ride,” “Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile”
- Awards: N/A (not widely awarded despite popularity)
- Years Active: 1956–present
28. Keith Whitley
Keith Whitley’s deep, emotive voice and traditional country style earned him a loyal following in the 1980s.
Despite his career being cut short by his untimely death, his music continues to be celebrated by fans and peers alike.
- Famous songs: “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” “When You Say Nothing at All,” “I’m No Stranger to the Rain”
- Awards: Country Music Association Awards
- Years Active: 1981–1989
29. Steve Wariner
Steve Wariner is known for his smooth voice and exceptional guitar skills.
His music in the 1980s blended traditional country with contemporary influences, earning him numerous hits and awards.
- Famous songs: “All Roads Lead to You,” “Some Fools Never Learn,” “What I Didn’t Do”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards
- Years Active: 1973–present
30. Hank Snow
Hank Snow, a Canadian country music legend, enjoyed a successful career in the United States with his distinctive voice and storytelling songs.
His music often featured themes of travel and life on the road.
- Famous songs: “I’m Moving On,” “I’ve Been Everywhere,” “Hello Love”
- Awards: Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, Country Music Hall of Fame inductee
- Years Active: 1936–1996
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the 1970s and 1980s were a transformative period for country music, marked by the emergence of numerous male artists who left an indelible mark on every genre.
These singers blended traditional and innovative sounds, reflecting their times’ diverse experiences and emotions.
Their contributions continue to resonate today, influencing new generations of musicians and fans alike.
The legacy of these 30 male country singers is a testament to their talent and the power of their music.
It reminds us of the timelessness of country music and its ability to tell compelling stories that touch the heart and soul.
