Red Dirt

Musical genres have evolved over time, and Red Dirt is no exception. The genre emerged in Oklahoma in the 1970s, as a hybrid of country, folk, and rock music. The name Red Dirt is thought to have come from the rusty, red soil that is native to Oklahoma. Initially, Red Dirt music did not have a name, but rather was part of a larger, diverse scene of singer-songwriters and bluegrass musicians in Oklahoma. However, the genre gained recognition and popularity in the 1990s and 2000s, as it began to attract a broader audience with its unique sound. One of the earliest and most prominent figures of the Red Dirt genre was Bob Childers. A singer-songwriter and musician based in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Childers was known as the godfather of the Red Dirt movement. He was instrumental in shaping the sound and style of the genre, and he influenced and mentored many up-and-coming musicians. Another iconic figure in Red Dirt music is Jimmy LaFave. LaFave was born in Wills Point, Texas, but spent most of his musical career in Oklahoma. His style blended elements of rock, folk, and blues into a sound that was uniquely his own. He was widely respected in the Red Dirt community and played a significant role in promoting the genre nationally. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Red Dirt music continued to grow and evolve, attracting new artists and fans. The genre's popularity was due in part to a thriving music scene in Stillwater, Oklahoma, which nurtured generations of musicians and provided a platform for them to perform and collaborate. One of the most popular bands in Red Dirt music is Cross Canadian Ragweed. Based in Oklahoma City, the band formed in 1994 and quickly gained a following with their energetic, rock-influenced sound. Over the years, they toured extensively and released a series of successful albums before disbanding in 2010. Other notable Red Dirt musicians include Jason Boland, Stoney LaRue, and Turnpike Troubadours. These artists, along with many others, have helped to shape and define the genre, bringing new ideas and sounds to the mix. Today, Red Dirt music continues to thrive, with a growing number of artists and fans across the country. While the genre has its roots in Oklahoma, it has spread to other regions and continues to evolve and innovate.

Jason Boland: Known for his unique blend of rock and roll and country, Jason Boland has been a prominent figure in the Red Dirt music scene since the 90s. His band, the Stragglers, has released numerous albums that showcase their raw energy and introspective lyrics. Cross Canadian Ragweed: Another band that emerged in the 90s, Cross Canadian Ragweed blended country, rock, and alternative music to create their signature sound. Led by vocalist Cody Canada, the band released several successful albums before disbanding in 2010. Stoney LaRue: Hailing from Oklahoma, Stoney LaRue is a singer/songwriter known for his soulful voice and skillful guitar playing. He has released several albums over the years, including his most recent, 2019's "Onward." Turnpike Troubadours: Formed in 2005, the Turnpike Troubadours quickly gained a following with their high-energy live shows and catchy tunes. Their mix of country and rock resonated with fans, and they released several albums before going on hiatus in 2019. Randy Rogers Band: Based in Texas, the Randy Rogers Band has been making music since the early 2000s. Their brand of country music is characterized by catchy choruses and thoughtful lyrics, as demonstrated on their most recent album, 2019's "Hellbent." Wade Bowen: A singer/songwriter from Texas, Wade Bowen has become known for his heartfelt, introspective music. He has released several albums over the years, including 2018's "Solid Ground." Cody Johnson: Cody Johnson's traditional country sound has earned him a devoted following over the years. The Texas native has released several albums, including his most recent, 2019's "Ain't Nothin' To It." Jamie Lin Wilson: In addition to her work as a solo artist, Jamie Lin Wilson has collaborated with several other Red Dirt musicians, including the Trishas and the Turnpike Troubadours. Her music, which blends country and folk influences, is characterized by her honest lyrics and beautiful voice. Jason Eady: Another Texas native, Jason Eady's music has been described as a blend of country, blues, and Americana. Eady's understated yet powerful voice is a hallmark of his music, as demonstrated on his most recent album, 2018's "I Travel On." Mike McClure: Known for his work with the band The Great Divide, Mike McClure has also made a name for himself as a solo artist and producer. His music blends country, rock, and blues influences, and his powerful vocals and masterful guitar playing are a highlight of his live shows.

1. "Bleed Red" by Ronnie Dunn 2. "Carry On" by Cody Johnson 3. "Guitars and Gasoline" by Cody Jinks 4. "Something About a Woman" by Koe Wetzel 5. "Silverado Saturday Night" by Terry Allen 6. "Sticks and Stones" by Tracy Lawrence 7. "What Could Have Been" by Gone West 8. "Drowning" by Chris Young 9. "13 MWZ" by Granger Smith 10. "Some Girls Do" by Sawyer Brown 11. "Don't Think I Can't Love You" by Jake Owen 12. "The Wind and the Wave" by William Clark Green 13. "Keeper of the Plains" by Mike McClure 14. "Why Lady Why" by Alabama 15. "Before They Were Dead" by Kevin Fowler 16. "Oklahoma Breakdown" by Stoney LaRue 17. "Soulshine" by The Allman Brothers Band 18. "The Blues Come Around" by Pat Green 19. "Letting Go" by Larry Joe Taylor 20. "West Texas Rain" by Wade Bowen 21. "Bluebonnets" by Aaron Watson 22. "Kiss Me Hello" by Cody Canada and the Departed 23. "Bury Me in Blue Jeans" by Granger Smith 24. "Cocaine Blues" by Johnny Cash 25. "Honky Tonk Heroes" by Waylon Jennings

One influential book on the genre is "Red Dirt: Growing Up Okie" by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. The author, herself from a family of Okie migrants, offers a personal account of her experiences growing up in rural Oklahoma during the 1940s and 1950s. Dunbar-Ortiz writes, "Red dirt is a soil unique to the region. It is made up of a combination of iron oxide, decomposed granite, and clay. It stains everything that comes into contact with it, a permanent, deep red color, just like the songs of the people who lived on and from that dust bowl land." Another book that explores the significance of Red Dirt is "The Red Dirt Book: A Full Plate of Essays about Oklahomans and the Foods They Love" by Jimmie Tramel and Tim Stanley. This book examines the way Red Dirt has shaped the state's culinary traditions and its people's relationship with food. As Stanley writes, "Red Dirt is not something that belongs solely to Oklahoma's musical heritage, but it is an inevitable part of our identity. It is both a description of Oklahoma's soil and a way of life." The cultural significance of Red Dirt is also explored in music, with artists such as Cross Canadian Ragweed, Cody Canada, and Randy Rogers Band carrying on the genre's rich legacy. In "Randy Rogers Band's 'Kiss Me In The Dark' Is A True Country Classic," Kaitlin Prest writes, "Red Dirt music is a genre that can only exist in a few places on earth. It's a mix between country, blues, and rock and roll that's soaked in soulful storytelling." Notable quotes about Red Dirt include Jason Boland's description in "Backslider Blues," where he sings, "Red dirt music is in my blood / It's the only way that I know." In "From Oklahoma with Love," author Russ Tallchief writes, "The lyrical depth of Red Dirt music comes from the stories, the blood, sweat, and tears of people who have lived in Oklahoma."

The social context of Red Dirt roots music is primarily rural. The genre originated from the rural areas of Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas, where the exchange of ideas and music among small communities was common. Citizens sought to tell tales of their rural way of life through music at the time. Poverty and limited opportunities for upscaling endeavors were a common phenomenon in these areas. Therefore, the genre was birthed as a form of essential escape for living a monotonous life, offering an outlet for the expression of pent-up emotions surrounding rural life. Red Dirt has enabled musicians to express concerns and issues they face, derive livelihoods, and a prevalent sense of community for its fans. The cultural context of the Red Dirt genre involves a blend of various musical styles rooted in folk, rock, country, and blues. In the 1960s and 1970s, various important social movements, such as the Civil rights movement were taking place. The emergence of the Red Dirt genre was an effort to reconnect with the roots of traditional American folk music due to a growing concern that it was losing its identity. It was viewed as a means to preserve that heritage, which included popular musicians of the era such as Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, and Johnny Cash. Additionally, the rising popularity of the hippie movement in the 1960s emphasized peace, love, and a free spirit, which Red Dirt musicians reflected in their music. The technological context of the Red Dirt genre involves the increasing access to recorded music and distribution mechanisms through various media platforms, such as cassette tapes and CDs, which aided brand promotion. In the 1970s, the emergence of sound reinforcement, amplifiers, and other equipments made it easier for musicians to perform. Additionally, radio stations such as KMOD, owned by Lizer Media Group, broadcasted Red Dirt artists music from the Tulsa area, providing a platform for musicians to reach new fans and record labels. There are plenty of labels that stood out for providing a springboard for emerging artists and promoting the Red Dirt genre in its formative years. They include: Compadre Records - It is a record label based in Austin, Texas. Compadre Records was started in 1998 and is currently owned by Bill Arhos and Ruce Logsdon. The label has signed various Red Dirt artists, such as Cross Canadian Ragweed, Jason Boland, and Stoney LaRue, among others. Music Road Records - A record label in Austin, Texas,started in 2007, and owned by Jimmy LaFave. The label has signed artists such as Sam Baker, Slaid Cleaves, and Walt Wilkins, among others. Smith Music Group - A music label based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas that has signed various Red Dirt artists, such as Brandon Jenkins, Phil Hamilton, and Randy Rogers. In terms of notable commentators on the genre, Joe Nick Patoski is a renowned journalist who is recognized for his contributions to the preservation and documentation of traditional American music genres. He has authored books on Willie Nelson and Selena, among other artists. Additionally, Tom Skinner is a Red Dirt legend, who was instrumental in the development and establishment of the Red Dirt genre in its formative years. He played a key role in influencing fellow musicians and recording labels to embrace the genre, introducing them to his circle of friends in the industry.