For some country artists, having a hit single is a dream come true and the start of a long and promising career. But for some, whether it’s circumstances, record label issues, personal problems, or something else, their success doesn’t mean a permanent spot in country music.
Videos by American Songwriter
These four country artists all released massive hits and then seemed to disappear.
Bryan White
Bryan White‘s eponymous debut album came out in 1994. The record includes “Someone Else’s Star” and “Rebecca Lynn”, both No. 1 hits for White. He followed that project with three more albums on a major record label and had a few more hit singles before fading from the spotlight.
White may not have new songs on the radio anymore, but he is still performing, with several shows on his tour calendar in 2026.
“I just want [the audience] to get to know me,” White says (via Yahoo! Entertainment), speaking of his decision to still perform. “I know that a lot of people come to hear my shows because it’s nostalgic for them. It brings them back to a time that was a little more innocent
Kellie Coffey
Kellie Coffey’s career got off to an incredible start. In 2001, she released her debut single, “When You Lie Next To Me”. The song is the title track of her freshman album and became a Top 10 single. She followed that with “At The End Of The Day”, which would sadly be her final Top 20 single of her career.
Coffey earned a coveted touring spot, opening for George Strait. In 2004, Coffey was dropped by her record label. She has released some songs on her own since then, but as of now, she does not have any touring dates scheduled on her website.
Chris Cagle
Chris Cagle’s debut Play It Loud record came out in 2000. For several years, Cagle had a series of hits on the radio, including “I Breathe In, I Breathe Out”, his first No. 1 single.
Cagle’s last Top 10 hit came in 2007, with “What Kinda Gone”. In 2012, he released his Back In The Saddle album and seemed poised for a comeback. But in 2015, Cagle announced his plans to walk away from his country music career.
“I would like to thank everyone for 15 years of a great time,” he said (via Saving Country Music). “From [Brooks & Dunn] to [Rascal] Flatts and fans!! I’m gonna miss my band and everyone!!
All this means… I’m going home. I’m going to be a father and a GREAT husband, and enjoy my life. I thank you ALL for everything. I’ve had a great run and would just like to go home with my dignity.”
Cagle has, fortunately, returned to performing.
Andy Griggs
In 1999, Andy Griggs released his freshman You Won’t Ever Be Lonely record. Griggs had a hit single with the album’s title track, and had other successes at radio, with songs like “Tonight I Wanna Be Your Man”, “She Thinks She Needs Me”, and “If Heaven”. Out in 2004, “If Heaven” became Griggs’ final hit single at radio.
Although he didn’t release music for several years, Griggs did perform. His new music hiatus might be over. In May, Griggs released a new song, “I Pulled A Hank Last Night”.
Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.