Some country artists start their career with a hit and ride the momentum for decades. Other artists get into the industry, make a few hits, and seemingly vanish. Today, we’ll be looking back at country artists from the 1970s that fall into the second category—the ones that disappeared.
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These country artists from the 1970s created some memorable music and inspired future artists. However, they didn’t have long careers. Instead, they faded from the limelight for one reason or another. Despite being largely inactive today, genre fans are still familiar with the songs they recorded even if they’re not aware of it.
[RELATED: Forgotten 1970s Country Music Stars That Deserve to Be Rediscovered]
1. Bobbie Gentry
Bobbie Gentry was more than a memorable singer/songwriter, she was a trailblazer. She was one of the first female country artists to write and record her own songs and did so throughout the late ’60s and early ’70s. She made a name for herself in 1967 with “Ode to Billie Joe.” In 1970, she released the album Fancy. The song’s title track would go on to be one of Reba McEntire’s signature songs.
Gentry made her final public appearance at the 1982 Academy of Country Music Awards. She has lived a largely private life since then, electing not to record, perform, or do interviews with the press.
2. Barbara Mandrell
Barbara Mandrell was one of the most successful country artists of the late ’70s and early ’80s. Best remembered for hits like “Sleeping Single in a Double Bed,” “(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want to Be Right,” and “Years,” Mandrell launched dozens of singles to the upper reaches of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Additionally, she made a name for herself as an actress and hosted a prime time television show.
After a long and successful career, Mandrell officially announced her retirement in 1997. She performed for the final time that year at the Grand Ole Opry house. After walking away from music, she focused on her acting career, appearing in TV shows and made-for-TV movies. Her final role was Nicole Foley in Walker, Texas Ranger in 2000.
3. Johnny Rodriguez
Johnny Rodriguez was one of the biggest country artists of the ’70s. His blend of Tejano music and traditional country led him to be one of the first Mexican-American artists to find mainstream success. Hits like “That’s the Way Love Goes,” “Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico,” and “Pass Me By (If You’re Just Passing Through)” make him a favorite among fans of classic country music.
Rodriguez released his final album Live from Texas in 2012. He is technically still active, playing a handful of shows every year in small venues to dedicated fans. However, he has been largely absent from the spotlight for decades.
4. Wynn Stewart
Wynn Stewart didn’t see massive chart success. However, he was a massively influential country artist in the ’70s. He influenced artists like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard and helped bring about the legendary Bakersfield Sound. Today, fans remember Stewart for songs like “Open Up My Heart,” ”Above and Beyond (The Call of Love),” and “It’s Such a Pretty World Today.”
Stewart released his final album, After the Storm in 1976. After that, he faded from the spotlight before dying of a heart attack a decade later.
Featured Image by Paul S. Howell/Getty Images
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