Have you listened to any country music performer lately? You are shaking your head viciously, but you obviously haven’t listened lately.
The sound of today’s country music is heavily influenced by good old rock and roll. It sounds so good, you might be hearing it on the radio and not even recognize it is classified as country music. Here are a few examples.
Last year, Bon Jovi, one of the greatest bands of all time, teamed up with the country superstar Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland. Jon Bon Jovi and Jennifer sang a duet titled, “(Who Says) You Can’t Go Home” which made it to the top of the country and the rock charts. It was one of the most requested songs for 2006. Bon Jovi liked working on the “country” side and is working on more hits for future release.
Kid Rock has recently crossed the rock only line and teamed up with superstar Gretchen Wilson on numerous occasions, not just in song but also in her videos. Granted, Gretchen Wilson has a love for Jack Daniels and drinking and partying, which is apparent in her fun videos, which could be why Kid Rock was so attracted in the first place. But he also has a “country” album that will be out in 2008.
Kid Rock has always stated his musical influences were heavily based from the country music legends such as Charlie Daniels and Hank Williams Jr. Kid Rock has also worked with both of those musicians on songs and appeared in their videos.
Cheryl Crow is another superstar rocker who has crossed to the country side. She sang on a duet with Brooks and Dunn in 2006 that hits the top of the country charts and climbed on the pop charts as well. She has collaborated with another great, Willie Nelson, and appeared in a duet on one of his albums. She is recording her own country music tracks now.
Other huge superstars from the rock and roll or pop genre that have crossed over to work in the country music scene include Olivia Newton John, Linda Ronstadt, Jimmy Buffet, Uncle cracker, John Mellencamp, Brett Michaels and Michelle Branch. Some were only one-time deals, but others have found a welcoming home in a new genre.
