3 Standout Debut Country Albums That Foreshadowed Greatness

Debut albums are an artist’s grand introduction into the music business. Frankly, one could argue that they are single-handedly the most important album of a musician’s career, given that it sets the tempo for at least the next few years of their career.

Videos by American Songwriter

If the album doesn’t perform well, then they might not have an opportunity to make another one. If it does, then they get another shot. This goes for all genres, including country music.

Thanks to the intense importance of a debut album, many artists have gone above and beyond to create the best product. Many have succeeded, and even more have failed. These three standout debut country albums transcended the business altogether and foreshadowed the years of greatness to come.

‘Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar‘ by Johnny Cash

Frankly, the subheading says all you need to know, but we don’t want to short-change you. Released in 1957, Johnny Cash‘s debut album featured staple singles such as “I Walk The Line”, “Folsom Prison Blues”, “I Heard That Lonesome Whistle”, and several others.

Evidently, this album propelled Cash with a fierceness that we would continue to associate with Cash’s name until he passed away in 2003 and in the years that followed. Johnny Cash is arguably the most successful country artist of all time, and that success started with this album.

‘Traveller’ by Chris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton had been present in the Nashville country music scene as a songwriter since the early 2000s. However, in 2015, his talents flew off the page and landed on his debut album, Traveller. “Traveller”, “Tennessee Whiskey”, “Fire Away”, and “Parachute” are only a few hits on this album. Hence, it is no surprise that Chris Stapleton went on to become and still is the most talented and successful country musician of the current day and age.

Following its release, Stapleton’s debut album peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and at No. 1 on the Top Country albums chart. It also went on to win a surplus of awards, including a CMA Award, an ACM Award, and a Grammy Award.

‘Hello, I’m Dolly’ by Dolly Parton

Again, the album title speaks for itself. Dolly Parton is one of the most widely known musicians, not just in country music but also in the world. Her status as an icon extends far beyond the confines of Nashville and the South, and her musical conquest of the world started in 1967 with her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly.

“Dumb Blonde”, “Fuel To The Flame”, and “Your Ole Handy Man” are just a couple of the singles that propelled this album into success. Parton’s debut album peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart following its release in 1967.

Featured Image by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images