Like the rest of the world, we here at MinnesotaCountry.com still can’t stop watching the Chris Stapleton and Justin Timberlake performance that happened at the CMA Awards last week! It was definitely one for the award show history books. So, for all the new and old Chris Stapleton fans we thought we’d put together a list of some other similar artists for you to check out. We promise they are just as amazing!
Sturgill Simpson
His sound has been compared to that of Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard has been quoted saying Sturgill is “about the only one that I can tell you I’m excited about”. Sturgill has caught the attention of big name country stars and fans for his big voice and a sound that is quite different than what you hear on country radio these days. His newest album, Metamodern Sounds In Country Music, has earned him much deserved praise from not only his fans, but the music community as well. Check out Metamodern Sounds and his debut album High Top Mountain available on iTunes and his website.
Jason Isbell
A former member of the Drive-By Truckers, Jason Isbell may have a tumultuous past, but he used it to make some phenomenal music. His 2013 album, Southeastern has been praised by some of the greats! Bruce Springsteen and John Prine are both fans of Isbell’s unique sound and his ability write songs that all different people can relate to. His newest album, Something More Than Free, is full of raw, honest stories and definitely worth a listen! If you want to catch a live show, he’s performing at Northrop Auditorium on Monday, February 22nd. For tickets and other tour dates check out his website.
Corb Lund
Canadian country star Corb Lund reminded us of Chris Stapleton the first time we heard his music. A unique sound that’s more old school than current top 40 country, Corb’s newest album Things That Can’t Be Undone was produced by Dave Cobb who coincidentally also produced Simpson’s, Isbell’s and Stapleton’s albums. Besides being a very talented singer and songwriter Corb’s live shows are a honky tonk party; show casing his singing talent and also his humorous side. For more on Corb check out our interview with him from back in October and give his album a listen.
Hayes Carll
Hayes Carll, like Chris Stapleton, is known for his song writing talents. His music has also crossed genres landing him gigs in honky tonks, rock clubs, at Bonnaroo and Stones Fest. You might even recognize his song, “Hard Out Here” from the movie Country Strong. He, like the others on this list, has a different and unique sound that is immediately recognizable as his own. This coupled with his song writing talent make his albums, especially his latest release KMAG YOYO worth a listen.
Jamey Johnson
Jamey Johnson’s deep soulful voice is similar to Stapleton’s, but also very different. Johnson’s isn’t as booming, but rather softer and soothing in a different way. His songs have a way of hitting you and demanding that you feel them. Some of his hits include, “The Dollar” and “In Color”. In 2012 he put out Livin’ for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran, which featured a string of legendary artists including Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, Merle Haggard, Leon Russell, and Kris Kristofferson. In 2014, Johnson put out a holiday EP, and with the holidays right around the corner now is the perfect time to give The Christmas Song a listen!
Written by: Jackie Ebnet for MinnesotaCountry.com