Country is one of the few genres that has seen stars hit the big time at a wide range of ages. Some of the genre’s biggest names didn’t find success until much later in life. Conversely, several artists earned their spot at the top of the country heap when they were just teenagers or younger. Check out three of the youngest stars to ever make it big in country, below.
Videos by American Songwriter
Mason Ramsey (11 years old)
First up on our list of young country artists, we have Mason Ramsey. Ramsey first hit the public consciousness after someone filmed him delivering an uncanny rendition of Hank Williams’ “Lovesick Blues.” Back then, he was just a mere eleven years old–albeit with a voice of someone much less green. He capitalized off that viral video by building a career that has long outlasted his 15 minutes. Now, at eighteen years old, Ramsey has an impressive catalog at his disposal.
There was a time, there was magic in the air
In my mind, there are memories everywhere of you and me together
I thought it would last forever
There was a time, oh, there was a time
Taylor Swift (16 years old)
Before she took the world by sheer pop force, Taylor Swift was a fledgling country artist Though she signed her first deal at 14 years old, she became a full-blown star just a few years later. Needless to say, the foundation she built when she was just a teenager has blossomed into something far greater than anyone likely expected.
I was ridin’ shotgun with my hair undone
In the front seat of his car
He’s got a one-hand feel on the steering wheel
The other on my heart
I look around, turn the radio down
He says, “Baby, is something wrong?”
I say, “Nothing, I was just thinkin’ how we don’t have a song”
Tanya Tucker (13 years old)
Lastly, on our list of young country artists, we have Tanya Tucker. Tucker’s vocal chops are deeply impressive on “Delta Dawn.” They become even more impressive when you realize she was just 13 when she recorded it. Her sweeping low notes were enough to earn Tucker an enduring career as a country great.
She’s forty-one, and her daddy still calls her baby
All the folks around Brownsville say she’s crazy
‘Cause she walks downtown with her suitcase in her hand
Looking for a mysterious dark-haired man
In her younger days, they called her Delta Dawn
Prettiest woman you ever laid eyes on
Then a man of low degree stood by her side
Promised her he’d take her for his bride
Photo by Krisa Johnson
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.