3 of 5

Write now Article Tools

Country music as a genre has influenced the world of music for nearly 100 years. The very first country music recordings were referred to as "hillbilly" music, then later, "folk" music. The first country single to sell one million copies was not by the Carter Family or Jimmie Rodgers. It was recorded by a man named Marion Slaughter. His stage name was Vernon Dalhart. The song was "The Prisoner's Song." It was released in the mid-1920's. But, the it was A.P. Carter and the Carter Family along with Jimmie Rodgers that propelled country music to radio airwaves in the early 1930's.

Through the years, country music's evolution has experienced many twists and turns, ups and downs and highs and lows. Currently, the genre is at an all-time low. Today's mainstream country artists, songwriters and producers need to brush the dust off some these classic country albums and learn that if ain't broke, don't fix it!

Here, in this music journalist's opinion, is the most influencial country albums of all time.

1. "When I Stop Dreaming" by The Louvin Brothers...This record was the Louvin's first secular music effort in their recording career. Charlie and Ira began their music career as a Gospel music duo. Capitol Records released this record in the mid-1950's to rave reviews. The Louvins since then have influenced the likes of Gram Parsons, The Byrds, Elvis Presley, Beck, Cake, Jack White, The Beatles, Johnny Cash and so many other legendary artists.

2. "Buck Owens" by Buck Owens...The 1961 debut album from the king of the Bakersfield Sound. Buck influenced the likes of The Beatles and The Beach Boys. His music combined traditional honky tonk music with the seering 1960's rock and roll guitar. The telecaster guitar marked Owens's music and trademarked his legendary sound. In the mid-1980's, Dwight Yoakam ressurected the Buck Owens Bakersfield Sound with his own debut album "Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc, Etc."

3. "It's Such a Pretty World Today" by Wynn Stewart...Released in 1967 on Capitol Records and produced by the genius Ken Nelson was Stewart's 4th album release of his career. This record carried the Bakersfield Sound even further than anything that Buck Owens had ever recorded to this point in the 1960's. Wynn Stewart had the perfect country voice and the songwriting talent to match.

4. "Back To The Barrooms" by Merle Haggard...This 1980 MCA release does not have a bad song on it. Hag's ability to write and choose the perfect songs shines through on this release. While many of today's so-called country artists might have 3 good songs on an album release, this Haggard album shows that yes, an artist can record 10 great songs and leave the fillers out.

5. "Reprise Please Baby: The Warner Brothers Years" by Dwight Yoakam...This 2002 box set release is the definitive Yoakam collection for modern country traditionalists. Yoakam is another artist who has not recorded a bad song...ever!

These are just a sampling of great country albums that have changed country music for the better. And when today's country sound gets to be unbearable on the ears, we can always take these records off the shelf and relish the almost dead real country sound.

Learn more about this author, Timothy Edward Jones.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Most influential country music albums of all time?
We want to hear your view. Write now!