List of alternative country musicians explained

This is a listing of bands and musicians in the alternative country genre.

0–9

• 16 Horsepower^[1]

A

• Ryan Adams^[2]
• Jill Andrews^[3]
• The Autumn Defense^[4]

B

• Backyard Tire Fire^[5]
• Del Barber^[6]
• Eef Barzelay^[7]
• Bear's Den^[8]
• Rico Bell^[9]
• Ryan Bingham^{[10] [11] [12]}
• Blitzen Trapper^[13]
• Blue Rodeo^[14]
• Bosque Brown^[15]
• The Bottle Rockets^[16]
• BR549^{[17] [18]}
• Jim Bryson^[19]
• Richard Buckner^[20]

C

• Caitlin Cary^[21]
• Neko Case^[22]
• Rosanne Cash^[23]
• Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen^[24]
• Cross Canadian Ragweed^[25]

D

• Jesse Dayton^[26]
• The Deep Dark Woods^[27]
• The Devil Makes Three^[28]
• Tanya Donelly^[29]
• Drive-By Truckers^[30]

E

• Steve Earle^[31]
• Tim Easton^[32]
• Carrie Elkin^[33]
• Elliott Brood^[34]
• Alejandro Escovedo^[35]

F

• Jay Farrar^[36]
• Fifth on the Floor^[37]
• Rosie Flores^[38]
• Paula Frazer^[39]
• Freakwater^[40]
• Kinky Friedman^[41]
• Robbie Fulks^[42]

G

• Mary Gauthier^[43]
• Giant Sand^[44]
• Golden Smog
• The Gourds^[45]
• Green on Red^[46]
• Grievous Angels^[47]
• Patty Griffin^[48]
• Nancy Griffith^[49]
• The Guthries
• Sarah Lee Guthrie^[50]

H

• Hacienda Brothers^[51]
• Wayne Hancock^[52]
• The Handsome Family^[53]
• Thomas Hansen (aka Saint Thomas)^[54]
• Hazeldine^[55]
• Patterson Hood^[56]

I

• I See Hawks In L.A.^[57]
• Jason Isbell^[58]

J

• The Jayhawks^[59]
• Jolene^[60]

L

• Legendary Shack Shakers^[61]
• Jenny Lewis^{[62] [63]}
• Graham Lindsey^[64]
• The Little Willies
• Lucero^[65]
• Lydia Loveless^[66]
• Lyle Lovett^[67]

M

• Carolyn Mark^[68]
• The Mastersons^[69]
• The Mavericks^[70]
• Chris Mills
• Milton Mapes^[71]
• Elizabeth Mitchell^[72]
• John Moreland^[73]
• James McMurtry^[74]

N

• Nick 13^[75]

O

• Old 97's^[76]
• Old Crow Medicine Show^[77]
• Mark Olson^[78]
• Lindi Ortega^[79]

P

• Gram Parsons^[80]
• Joe Pernice^[81]

R

• Richmond Fontaine^[82]
• Jason Ringenberg^[83]
• Bruce Robison^[84]
• Carrie Rodriguez^[85]
• Roman Candle^[86]
• Justin Rutledge^[87]
• Matthew Ryan^[88]

S

• Scud Mountain Boys^[89]
• Son Volt^[90]
• Souled American^[91]
• Split Lip Rayfield^[92]
• Jesse Sykes^[93]
• Jesse Sykes & the Sweet Hereafter^[94]

T

• Tarnation^[95]
• Tim Gerard^[96]
• Billy Bob Thornton^[97]
• Three O'Clock Train^[98]
• Tres Chicas^[99]
• Jeff Tweedy^[100]
• Two Cow Garage^[101]

U

• Ugly Casanova
• Uncle Tupelo^[102]
• Suzie Ungerleider (aka Oh Susanna)^[103]

V

• Townes Van Zandt^[104]

W

• The Waco Brothers^[105]
• Water Liars^[106]
• Gillian Welch^[107]
• Whiskeytown^[108]
• Whispertown 2000^{[109] [110]}
• Wilco^{[111] [112]}
• Lucinda Williams^[113]
• Kelly Willis^[114]

Y

• Dwight Yoakam^[115]

References

Bibliography

• Book: Colin. Larkin. Colin Larkin (writer). 2006. Encyclopedia of Popular Music. 4th. Oxford University Press. 978-0-1953-1373-4.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Stephen Thomas . Erlewine . Stephen Thomas Erlewine . 16 Horsepower – Artist Biography . . 3 September 2016 .
2. Web site: Mark . Deming . Ryan Adams – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
3. Web site: Jill Andrews . Music City Roots . 2011 . 5 October 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171001171226/http://musiccityroots.com/2011/jill-andrews . 1 October 2017 . dead.
4. Web site: Lisa M. . Smith . The Autumn Defense – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
5. Web site: Steve . Leggett . Backyard Tire Fire – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
6. Dylan S. . Keating . Del Barber . . 6 May 2014 . 5 December 2016 .
7. Web site: Kenyon . Hopkin . Eef Barzelay – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
8. Web site: James Christopher . Monger . Bear's Den – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
9. Web site: Steve . Huey . Rico Bell – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
10. Web site: Zuel . Bernard . Ryan Bingham makes country music you can still feel . Sydney Morning Herald . 27 April 2023.
11. Web site: Schwartz . Greg M. . Ryan Bingham: Tomorrowland . PopMatters . 27 April 2023.
12. Web site: Guerra . Joey . Getting to the point with alt-country's Ryan Bingham . Chron..
13. Web site: Kenyon . Hopkin . Blitzen Trapper – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
14. Web site: Steve . Huey . Blue Rodeo – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
15. Web site: Steve . Leggett . Bosque Brown – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
16. Web site: Jason . Ankeny . The Bottle Rockets – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
17. Web site: Steve . Huey . BR5-49 – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
18. Web site: BR549 . Trouser Press . 2022-11-09.
19. Web site: Mark . Deming . Jim Bryson – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
20. Web site: Fred . Thomas . Richard Buckner – Surrounded . AllMusic . 26 January 2017 .
21. Web site: Erik . Hage . Caitlin Cary – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
22. Web site: Steve . Huey . Neko Case – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
23. Web site: Chilton . Martin . Best Alt.Country Musicians: 9 Essential Artists . 20 June 2024 .
24. News: George Frayne, a.k.a. Commander Cody, Alt-Country Pioneer, Dies at 77 . . Clay . Risen . September 30, 2021 . October 2, 2021. 0362-4331.
25. Web site: Jason . Birchmeier . Cross Canadian Ragweed – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
26. Web site: Local Rotation . Wood . Roger . September 23, 1999 . Houston Press . 2023-07-19.
27. Web site: Steve . Leggett . The Deep Dark Woods – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
28. Web site: Rick . Anderson . The Devil Makes Three – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
29. News: Grow . Kory . Abridged Too Far Reviews in Brief . October 2006 . 27 April 2023 . CMJ New Music Monthly.
30. Web site: Ronnie D. Jr. . Lankford . Drive-By Truckers . Contemporary Musicians . . 2 May 2022 .
31. Web site: Chilton . Martin . Best Alt.Country Musicians: 9 Essential Artists . 20 June 2024 .
32. Web site: Zac . Johnson . Tim Easton – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
33. Web site: Jon . O'Brien . Carrie Elkin – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
34. Web site: Timothy . Monger . Elliott Brood – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
35. Web site: John . Bush . Alejandro Escovedo – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
36. Web site: Mark . Deming . Jay Farrar – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
37. Web site: Steve . Leggett . Fifth on the Floor – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
38. Web site: James . Manheim . Rosie Flores – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
39. Web site: Ned . Raggett . Paula Frazer Biography . AllMusic . 2023-07-19. Moody alt-country singer/songwriter.
40. Web site: Steve . Huey . Freakwater – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
41. Web site: A little traveling music, if you please . Staff . Sarasota Herald-Tribune. 2023-07-19.
42. Web site: Steve . Huey . Robbie Fulks – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
43. Web site: Kim Reick . Kunoff . Mary Gauthier – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
44. Web site: Jason . Ankeny . Giant Sand – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
45. Web site: Joslyn . Layne . Grievous Angels – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
46. Web site: Sullivan . Denise . Green on Red-Artist Biography . Allmusic . Netaktion LLC . 20 September 2022.
47. Web site: Brian . Wahlert . Grievous Angels – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
48. Web site: Chilton . Martin . Best Alt.Country Musicians: 9 Essential Artists . 20 June 2024 .
49. Web site: Chilton . Martin . Best Alt.Country Musicians: 9 Essential Artists . 20 June 2024 .
50. Web site: Erik . Hage . Sarah Lee Guthrie – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
51. Web site: Mark . Deming . Hacienda Brothers – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
52. Web site: Steve . Huey . Wayne Hancock – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
53. News: Fiona . Sturges . The Handsome Family: A marriage made in gothic . . 3 May 2014 . 19 August 2017 .
54. Web site: Mark . Deming . St. Thomas – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
55. Web site: Garth . Cartwright . Hazeldine – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
56. Web site: Mark . Deming . Patterson Hood – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
57. Web site: Steve . Leggett . I See Hawks in L.A. – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
58. Web site: Brett . Milano . Fuse Music Review: Jason Isbell, Laid-Back — More Country Than Country-Rock . . 29 February 2016 . 21 November 2016 .
59. Web site: Jason . Ankeny . The Jayhawks – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
60. Web site: Jason . Ankeny . Jolene – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
61. Shane . Vahle . Interview: Mark Robertson . . 20 October 2011 . 1 May 2022 .
62. Web site: Scott . Clara . Jenny Lewis puts her whole heart 'On the Line' . The Michigan Daily . 27 April 2023.
63. Web site: Jenny Lewis – On The Line . Clash . 27 April 2023.
64. Web site: Erik . Hage . Graham Lindsey – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
65. News: S. Nicole . Lane . Alt-country band Lucero are still undoubtedly rock 'n' roll . . 17 September 2019 . 2 May 2022 .
66. Web site: Mark . Deming . Lydia Loveless – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
67. Web site: Lyle Lovett Biography . Erlewine . Stephen Thomas . . 2023-07-19.
68. Web site: Jason . Ankeny . Carolyn Mark – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
69. Web site: Steve . Leggett . The Mastersons – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
70. Web site: RAUL MALO: 'I'M NOT IN THE MAINSTREAM COUNTRY MUSIC GAME ANY MORE' . Staff . December 3, 2010 . OC Weekly . 2023-07-25 . the Grammy Award-winning alt-country Mavericks. .
71. Web site: Katherine . Fulton . Milton Mapes – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
72. Web site: Stewart . Mason . Elizabeth Mitchell – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
73. Web site: Matt . Collar . John Moreland – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
74. Web site: Steve . Huey . James McMurtry – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
75. Web site: NICK 13 – S/T . Edmund. Matt . August 15, 2011 . Verbicide Magazine . 2023-08-10 . Mark my words, Nick 13 will become a heavy hitter in the alternative country arena if he continues down this solo path..
76. Web site: Andrew . Leahey . Old 97's – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
77. Web site: James Christopher . Monger . Old Crow Medicine Show – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
78. Web site: Zac . Johnson . Mark Olson – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
79. Web site: Mark . Deming . Lindi Ortega – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
80. Web site: Gram Parsons – A Fallen Angel . Guitar . 2012 . 12 December 2016 .
81. Web site: Mark . Deming . Joe Pernice – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
82. Web site: Mark . Deming . Richmond Fontaine – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
83. Web site: Thom . Jurek . Jason Ringenberg – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
84. Web site: Jason . Ankeny . Bruce Robison – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
85. Web site: Jason . Birchmeier . Carrie Rodriguez – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
86. Web site: Marisa . Brown . Roman Candle – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
87. Web site: Chris . True . Justin Rutledge – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
88. Web site: MacKenzie . Wilson . Matthew Ryan – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
89. Web site: Kurt . Wolff . Scud Mountain Boys – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
90. Web site: Deming . Mark . Son Volt - Artist Biography . Allmusic . Netaktion LLC . 20 September 2022.
91. Web site: Jason . Ankeny . Souled American – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
92. Web site: Jason . Ankeny . Split Lip Rayfield – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
93. Web site: Jason . MacNeil . Uncle Tupelo – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
94. Web site: Jason . MacNeil . Jesse Sykes & the Sweet Hereafter – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
95. Web site: Jason . Ankeny . Tarnation – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
96. https://www.nashville.com/listen-tim-gerards-waterloo/
97. Web site: BILLY BOB THORNTON: PRIVATE RADIO . Staff . September 24, 2001 . . 2023-07-19 . The most appropriate description of Thornton’s music is probably “alternative country”.
98. Sarah . Murphy . Ford Madox Ford and Three O'Clock Train Team Up for Canadian Tour . . 29 June 2016 . 31 March 2017 .
99. Web site: Corey . Apar . Tres Chicas – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
100. Web site: Erik . Hage . Jeff Tweedy – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
101. Web site: Mark . Deming . Two Cow Garage – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
102. Web site: Jason . Ankeny . Uncle Tupelo – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
103. Web site: Steve . Huey . Oh Susanna – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
104. Web site: Kurt . Wolff . Townes Van Zandt – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
105. Web site: Mark . Deming . Waco Brothers – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
106. Web site: Fred . Thomas . Water Liars – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
107. Web site: Chilton . Martin . Best Alt.Country Musicians: 9 Essential Artists . 20 June 2024 .
108. Web site: Steve . Huey . Whiskeytown – Artist Biography . AllMusic . 3 September 2016 .
109. Web site: Hodgson . Jaimie . Whispertown 2000 – Jenny Lewis' Favourite Alt-Country Balladeers . NME . 27 April 2023.
110. Web site: Ericson . Colleen A . The Whispertown 2000's harmony and rough edges from a spectrum of sources . Michigan Live . 27 April 2023.
111. https://www.popmatters.com/wilco-schmilco-2495416535.html
112. News: Darryl . Myers . The 10 Greatest Alt-Country Bands Ever . . 17 April 2013 . 6 March 2018 .
113. Web site: Chilton . Martin . Best Alt.Country Musicians: 9 Essential Artists . 20 June 2024 .
114. Web site: Elisabeth . Woronzoff . 'Back Being Blue' Is Alt-Country Singer Kelly Willis' Welcomed Return to Solo Music . . 12 June 2018 . 16 November 2019 .
115. Web site: Dwight Yoakam . Elder . Bruce . October 21, 2006 . The Syndney Morning Herald . 2023-07-19.