Â鶹APP

15 Best Country Singers From The 80s   

Country music is the heart and soul of America, capturing tales of love, loss, and the simple joys of life. For this beloved genre, the 80s stood as a remarkable decade, giving birth to an extraordinary wave of talent that left an indelible mark on the country music landscape.  

As the curtains opened on this new era, so did artists emerge, whose voices and talent turned heartfelt stories into timeless melodies. From chart-topping legends to captivating newcomers, the ’80s showcased an era of boundless creativity and unrivaled passion.  

These iconic musicians with amazing voices have captured our hearts, uplifted our spirits, and provided a soundtrack for all the moments and seasons in our lives. Here are the 15 best country singers from the 80s.  

1. George Strait 

, , via Wikimedia Commons

George Strait is an award-winning and highly acclaimed American country music singer, who was born in 1952 in Poteet, Texas. He has been active for many years but it’s the 80s that marked his beginning. 9 of his 30 albums were released in the 80s decade and his songs were hits that topped the charts in that decade. 

Fool Hearted Memory, All My Ex’s Live in Texas, and Amarillo by Morning were some of his 80s songs. 

2. Reba McEntire 

Reba Nell McEntire is an American country music singer who was born in 1955 in McAlester, Oklahoma, in a musical family. Known as the queen of country music, 13 of her over 30 studio albums were released in the 80s. Her powerful voice and heartfelt performances solidified her status as one of country music’s most respected and beloved artists. 

She has won many awards over the years and has been honored severally. Reba is a vocal advocate for various causes that affect women, including breast cancer. Fancy, Whoever’s in New England, and Is There Life Out There are some of her songs. 

She is one of the most talented female country singers of all time.

3. Willie Nelson

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Willie Hugh Nelson is an American country music singer who was born in 1933 in Abbott, Texas. He is one of the most recognized country and Americana music artists. Willie has been active for many decades, but the 80s were among his best years. 13 of the 70-plus albums in his name were released in the 80s. 

He has written memorable songs and he remains active as a touring musician and recording artist to this day.   

4. Johnny Cash 

Video Courtesy Of

John R. Cash was an American country music singer who released 13 of his close to 70 albums in the 1980s. He was born in 1932 in Kingsland, Arkansas and he had a unique deep voice. The Baron, Highwayman, The Big Light, and Goin’ by the Book are some of his 80s songs. 

Cash won many awards and honors throughout his career. He passed on in 2003 in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 71 years. His influence and legacy as an iconic figure in the realm of country music remain significant to this day. His daughter is a country music singer too. 

Read facts about Johnny Cash here.

5. Rosanne Cash   

Video Courtesy Of

Rosanne Cash, Johnny Cash’s eldest daughter, is an award-winning country music singer just like her dad. She was born in 1955 in Memphis, Tennessee when her dad was in his early 20s. She started singing in the 70s as her dad’s background vocalist. 

In the 1980s, Rosanne Cash released 5 successful albums and scored a string of hit singles. Her music during this decade showcased her versatility as an artist, fusing elements of country and other genres.  

Seven Year Ache, The Way We Make a Broken Heart, Tennessee Flat Top Box, and I Don’t Know Why You Don’t Want Me are some of her songs. 

6. Waylon Jennings 

Waylon Jennings was a legendary award-winning figure in country music, who was born in Texas in 1937. He was active for many decades, but the 80s were among his best years, releasing 11 albums. Known for his distinctive voice, outlaw image, and innovative blend of country and rock, Jennings made an impact on the music scene, thanks to his authenticity, storytelling ability, and distinctive voice. 

I Ain’t Living Long Like This, America, and Rose in Paradise are some of his songs from that decade. Jennings remained a respected and influential singer until his passing in 2002 at the age of 64 years. 

7. Tanya Tucker 

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Tanya Denise Tucker is an American country music singer who was born in 1958 in Seminole, Texas. Tanya started her career when she was young and has 26 studio albums and many hit singles. She released 6 albums in the 80s and has won several awards over the years.  

As one of the genre’s most talented artists, Tanya is known for her distinctive voice and rebellious image and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame recently. 

8. Dottie West 

With 5 albums in the 80s, Dottie West – a country music singer born in 1932 in Nashville, Tennessee – had a successful career for several decades, and was known for her powerful vocals and heartfelt performances. West released several notable songs during this period, including A Lesson in Leavin, Are You Happy Baby? and It’s High Time.  

Her ability to convey emotion and connect with listeners through her powerful vocals solidified her place in country music. She rested in 1991 at the age of 58yrs. 

9. Patty Loveless 

Video Courtesy Of .

Patricia Lee Ramey, professionally known as Patty Loveless, is an American country music singer who was born in 1957 in Pikeville, Kentucky. She has a powerful and beautiful voice and she began her career in the mid-80s. She released 3 albums later that decade and continued to release music in the next decades.  

She has won multiple awards over the years, including several Grammy Awards and Country Music Association (CMA) Awards. Her talent and contributions to the country music genre are appreciated by fans and critics alike. 

10. Juice Newton  

Born in 1952 in Lakehurst, New Jersey, Juice Newton is another talented country singer who had a successful career in the 80s. She released 7 successful albums, and some of her 80s hit songs include Hurt, Angel of the Morning, Queen of Hearts, A Little Love, and First Time Caller. 

Juice is an award-winning singer whose unique blend of country and pop music has helped her carve out a niche for herself in the music industry. 

11. John Berry 

, , via Wikimedia Commons

John Edward Berry is an American country music singer who was born in 1959 in Aiken, South Carolina. He has a rich and remarkable baritone voice and his music blends elements of traditional country and contemporary.  

Berry began his musical career in the 1980s, performing in clubs and honing his craft as a singer. He produced his music and released 5 albums in the 80s. 

12. Crystal Gayle 

Video Courtesy Of

Born in 1951 in Paintsville, Kentucky, Crystal Gayle is an American country music singer who was successful in the 80s, releasing 9 studio albums. The Sound of Goodbye, If You Ever Change Your Mind, and You and I are some of her songs from that decade. 

With her smooth voice and the ability to convey emotions through her music, Crystal released heartfelt ballads that were well received. 

13. Conway Twitty 

Born in 1933 in Friars Point, Mississippi, Conway Twitty was a legendary American country music singer who enjoyed a successful career that spanned several decades. His unique blend of traditional country sounds with contemporary elements, along with his smooth voice and charismatic stage presence, made him one of the most popular and enduring figures in country music.  

Conway sang both heartfelt ballads and energetic tunes and went on to release 14 studio albums in the 80s. Slow Hand, Lost in the Feeling, Don’t Call Him a Cowboy, and Julia are some of his songs from that decade. He sadly rested in 1993, less than 3 months before his 60th birthday. 

14. Randy Travis 

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Randy Travis is an American country music singer who was born in 1959 in Marshville, North Carolina. With over 20 albums to his name, this guy is known for his distinctive baritone voice plus traditional country sound, and is considered one of the most influential figures in country music. 5 of his albums were released in the 80s and some of his songs include Forever and Ever, Amen, On the Other Hand, and Diggin’ Up Bones. 

15. Kenny Rogers 

Video Courtesy Of .

With 13 of his close to 30 albums released in the 80s, Kenny Rogers was an iconic American singer who had a remarkable career. He was born in 1938 in Houston, Texas, and had a smooth distinct voice. Rogers could deliver heartfelt lyrics and captivating storytelling, which made his music appealing to a wide audience. 

Christmas in America, Lady, Through the Years, Coward of the County, Love Will Turn You Around, and We’ve Got Tonight are some of his 80s songs. He died of Cancer in 2020 at the age of 81 years. 

Those are the 15 best country singers from the 80s. They have gifted us with something priceless, a connection that transcends time and reminds us of the enduring power of authentic storytelling. Country music truly is a reflection of the soul, a lyrical journey through heartbreak, joy, and the timeless tales of everyday life. 

Check out new country singers to listen to in 2023 and also see the most popular country songs of all time here.