Country music has changed a lot in the last few decades, but there’s nothing quite like the 1970s era of good ol’ traditional country music. Plenty of musicians from that era became legends, from Dolly Parton to Willie Nelson to Waylon Jennings. Unfortunately, there are also quite a few super-talented and somewhat forgotten country artists from the 1970s that flew under the radar. Let’s revisit some of their music!
1. Wynn Stewart
Wynn Stewart wasn’t a substantial charting success, but his talent was definitely recognized. In fact, the likes of Buck Owens and Merle Haggard have claimed him as one of their biggest inspirations.
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Stewart was making music for years before the 1970s came around, but his music from that decade is particularly good listening. The 1976 track “After The Storm” was one of his biggest hits, as was the 1977 song “Sing A Sad Song”. Baby It’s Yours and After The Storm are essential listening.
2. Red Simpson
If you were around in the late 1990s and early 2000s, you likely remember all of the country music from that period that revolved around trucks, truck driving, and tractors. You’ve got Red Simpson to thank for that. When it comes to forgotten country artists from the 1970s, this underrated icon popularized the country music trope of singing about your truck.
Simpson was best known for his 1972 album I’m A Truck (And Other Songs Of The Road), which hit no. 4 on the US Country charts when it was first released.
3. Sunday Sharpe
Sunday Sharpe charted well during her career in the 1970s, namely with the hit country songs “I’m Having Your Baby” and “A Little At A Time”. Despite having a ton of potential, Sharpe only released one album: I’m Having Your Baby in 1975. She had an excellent voice, and it’s a real shame she didn’t make it past the 1970s with her country music career.
4. Dottie West
This country singer/songwriter also worked as an actress for some time. Country traditionalists likely know her name, but she’s been largely ignored by the mainstream country world in the last few decades. It’s really not fair, because she’s quite a distinguished artist in the genre. One could say she encouraged a whole generation of female country singers to pursue their dreams.
West was known for her crossover country-pop hit “Country Sunshine”, which quickly became synonymous with Coca-Cola commercials. She also recorded several albums with Kenny Rogers in the 70s as well.
Photo by David Redfern/Redferns
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