In the eighties, a new style of country emerged from the honky-tonk traditions of the Nashville sound. The guitar replaced the fiddle as many bands updated their sound to appeal to a mainstream audience. Artists like Garth Brooks, Billy Ray Cyrus, The Judds and George Strait achieved crossover status and mass appeal. A country music revolution took shape.

Country music continues to experience a revival. The Country Music Awards are a major red carpet extravaganza and Country Music Television’s audience growth is emulating MTV’s popularity surge in the eighties. Back in the saddle again, music from the heartland is attracting legions of new fans.

Performers like Big & Rich, Brooks & Dunn, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw are reviving the glamour of country icons with slick production and flashy packaging as they release hit after hit and appear in celebrity magazines. Rising stars such as Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Blue County and Toby Keith are following in their footsteps and creating country converts along the way.

WHO'S YOUR FAVORITE DRIVING FORCE IN MUSIC          Tim McGraw          Gwen Stefani          David Bowie          Pharrell Williams          Alicia Keys

The rustic roots of country music have not been completely forsaken in the pursuit of mainstream success. Alternative country bands like The Cowboy Junkies, k.d. lang, Ryan Adams, Wilco and Uncle Tupelo have been inspired by country’s diverse heritage ranging from plaintive ballads to Southern rock.