Drive down the strip on a Thursday night and you can hear an array of red dirt music coming from the bars. Going to college in Stillwater, home of red dirt music, you have to know a little about the history. Here are a few of my favoirte Red Dirt bands.
1. Cross Canadian Ragweed
This was the band that got me hooked on red dirt music in the first place. My two older sisters would jam out to "17", "Carney Man", and "Sick and Tired" at least everyday. My personal favorite of CCR, " If I Was President", but its got to be the live version at Billy Bob's.
2. Turnpike Troubadours
Not only do these members hail from the great state of Oklahoma they attended school right here in Stillwater. You can listen to a lot of references of Stillwater and Southeast Oklahoma where they are from. A fan favorite, "Washington Street" was based on an infamous night on the Strip.
3. Eli Young Band
This band was one that captured the small town feel and ran with it. I would jam to " So Close Now" everyday on my way to school my senior year.
4. Aaron Watson
With songs like "Barded Wire Halo" and "July in Cheyenne" how can you not love Aaron Watson. No matter how many times I see him in concert I always want to return for more.
5. Whiskey Myers
This band is a little different from the rest as they have more of a rock and roll side to them. I think this is one of the reasons why I love them so much. Sometimes you just need a little loud old school rock to jam out to.
6. Cody Johnson
For a little softer side, visit CoJo nation. His voice and melody of his songs will pull you in and keep you coming back for more. He is awesome live, and played one of the best 2016 Calf Fry performances.
7. Randy Rogers Band
Hits like "Kiss Me in the Dark" and "In My Arms Instead" are just scratching the surface for this band. There unique tune and well written lyrics are what make this band one of my favorites.
8. No Justice
The first time I saw this band live I was with my two olders sisters at a music festival in Okeene, Oklahoma when I was about 14. This was one of the first bands from any genre I got to see play. To this day when "The Toast" comes on I still have to belt it out.
9. American Aquarium
This band is a little different from your normal red dirt music but that is what makes them one of my favorites. Their raspy voice and bluegrass twang make them a new comer to the scene.
10. Read Southall
Read Southall is becoming Stillwater's golden boy, and for a good reason. Although he has not produced a lot of music, what he has done is pretty good. His new single "Clean Slate" is sure to be a hit.
11. Charlie Robinson
Although he is a little older, Charlie Robinson is a classic. "Good Times" and "My Hometown" are some of my favorite songs.