Top 10 Arkansas Singers

This week’s co-host, Justin Moore, is extremely proud of his Arkansas heritage.  He sings about it in his biggest hit, “Small Town USA.”  But there are many other country stars who share Justin’s native state.  Not all were born there.  Not all spent a majority of their lives there.  But here’s our Top 10 list of country stars who came from Arkansas:

10: Ed Bruce- Best known for writing “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys.”

9: Floyd Cramer- Part of Nashville’s “A Team,” he played piano on many of country’s greatest hits of the 50s, 60s, and 70s.

8: Charlie Rich- Born in Colt, he grew up in Benton Arkansas.   He became one of the most popular stars of the 70s, with “Behind Closed Doors.”

7: Lefty Frizzell-Born in Texas, but moved to El Dorado AR when he was young.  He is best known for “If You’ve Got the Money, I’ve Got The Time” and “Long Black Veil.”

6: Joe Nichols- This Rogers AR native will celebrate his 10th year as a country star next year.  He’s had hits with “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Come Off” and “Brokenheartsville.”

5: Collin Raye- He was born and raised in DeQueen AR, and had hits with songs like “Love Me” and “Little Rock.”

4: Tracy Lawrence- Born in Texas but lived most of his childhood in Foreman AR, where he holds an annual benefit.   This year marks his 20th anniversary as a country star, with hits like “Time Marches On,” Alibis,” and the recent “Find Out Who Your Friends Are.”

3: Glen Campbell- Born & raised in Delight AR.  Moved to LA, where he became an in-demand session musician.  He played guitar on numerous hits in the 60s before going solo.  Biggest hits were “Wichita Lineman” and “Rhinestone Cowboy.”

2: Conway Twitty- Born in Mississippi, but raised in Helena AR.  Until recently, he held the record for most #1 hits with 55.   Best known for hits like “Hello Darlin,'” “After The Fire is Gone,” and a series of duets with Loretta Lynn.

1: Johnny Cash- Born in Kingsland AR.  What can you say about The Man in Black that hasn’t already been said?  He has to top the list, with hits like “I Walk The Line,” Folsom Prison Blues,” and “Ring Of Fire.”

Other notable Arkansan country stars: Jim Ed Brown, Buddy Jewell, and KT Oslin.

Tags: Top 10

Category: Top 10