When you think of the GOAT of country music, who do you think of? Alan Jackson? Hank Williams Jr? Someone else? If it’s someone else, we’re going need you to step aside as we educate you about why you are very, very wrong. We’ll come pick you up at the kid’s table with Morgan Wallen and Luke Bryan after the grownups are done talking about who the actual GOAT of country music is.
For “old” country music, you probably think of Hank Williams. Whether it be Sr. or Jr., both have influence, aura, toughness, and are the true outlaws of country music. A fact that will never waver or be forgotten. Hank Williams Sr. is one of the pioneers of country music, and without him, the whole genre would still just be a man in a suit sitting on a stage. Hank added persona, ruggedness, and charisma to country music. Without the Williams family, country music couldn’t be what it is today; and without Hank, Alan Jackson’s career would’ve never flourished. A second-generation Country Music Hall of Famer, Bocephus (William’s nickname, for you kids’ table folks) has been the biggest, and best in the business for over half a century. I mean, how can he not be the best? The man fell off Ajax Mountain, a 500-Foot cliff, and survived.
Hank Williams JR. – Concord
In an interview with Alyssa Keller, a Harrison senior and a country music connoisseur, she stated, “I believe Hank Williams Jr.’s music was far more influential. People still are chasing the sound he created, and he’s still going on tour, even at 76!” The fact alone is a pretty good factor to consider when determining influence. He is still making music and in drawing crowds, even though he’s almost 80. She also stated, “I listen to and prefer Hank’s music more, I’ve always preferred his music over Alan Jackson, and I’ve been exposed to Hank more, which could show he is more popular too.” Hank has a presence that won’t go away, his music will live on long after he is gone. Alyssa also stated, “Hanks’ music was popular as soon as it came out and is still popular and he is still making songs today.” That’s over half a century of being one of the biggest stars in Nashville. He has 10 Billboard number 1 singles, 13 billboard number 1 albums, 6 platinum albums, 20 gold albums, and has sold over 70 million albums. For this he is without a doubt, the best in the business, and the greatest country music artist of all time.
On the other hand, when it comes to 90’s country music, the first name it your mind is probably Alan Jackson. Whether it’s the mullet or just the charisma and aura of Alan Jackson has been an undoubtable influence on country music. People are still listening to his music 30 years later. Without Alan Jackson, country music wouldn’t be what it is today. Jack Stroud, a country music fan and senior at Harrison said, “The fact that Alan Jackson’s music is still listened too so much today is proof that he is the greatest of all time in country music, and that his legacy will live on.”
Alan Jackson is a staple of traditional country music, and his music will live on for generations. Jack Stroud also said, “I think Alan Jackson’s music is more influential because even today artists like Zach Top who looks and sounds like him”. Alan Jackson’s influence has made him a living legend. I mean how could he not be seen as the greatest country artist of all time when his accomplishments include winning Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year three times and a Grand Ole Opry member since 1991. He has sold more than sixty million albums worldwide and released twenty-six Billboard #1 country singles, most of which he wrote or co-wrote. He has had such an illustrious career and is the single greatest country music artist of all time.
So whichever of these musicians you think is the greatest, you’re right. They are both legends, and without each of the them, country music wouldn’t be what it is today.
