Top 11 Country Singers with Deep Voices

If there is one thing that defines Country music, it is the deep baritone or bass voice. That deep male voice creates the mood of the music as much as the music itself. There have been plenty of these singers over the years. So, finding the best country singers with deep voices is no easy

If there is one thing that defines Country music, it is the deep baritone or bass voice. That deep male voice creates the mood of the music as much as the music itself. There have been plenty of these singers over the years. So, finding the best country singers with deep voices is no easy task.

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Interestingly, some country singers developed their baritone voices over time. Some were born with them. But for others, it took time to mature. In one case, we shall look at one singer in particular. He, through misfortune, although you could say good fortune, saw his deep voice develop unexpectedly.

The deep Country voice has been common to singers through the years. So, I shall include some of the newer singers and, of course, some that are not so new. So, let’s take a look at the greatest deep-voiced country singers of all time.

Randy Travis

Randy Travis

Randy Travis seemed to make an immediate impact in country music circles when he arrived on the scene in the late 70s. A distinctive and recognizable voice, he has recorded over 20 studio albums. He is a firm favorite with some for his neo-traditional sound.

He suffered a stroke in 2013, which threatened his life. And even though he lost the power of speech for a while, his very distinctive baritone voice remained. These days he no longer sings, but his records are still popular on most country music radio stations.

Trace Adkins

Trace Adkins

From the late 70s and 80s to the 90s, the next on the list is Trace Adkins. His very classic country sound with its Southern overtones made him an instant success. 

Arriving in 1996, his deep bass-baritone voice helped him to sell over eleven million records. This has made him a fixture on the Billboard Country Music chart.

Thirty years later, he is still performing and recording and has now also moved into acting. An archetypal country singer with a great deep voice for his music.

Waylon Jennings

The Essential Waylon Jennings 

Let’s carry on with one of the greats of country music. Whichever way you look at it, Waylon Jennings is a country music legend. Singer, songwriter, rebel, he personifies the word ‘legend’ as few others can.

Most people know he came to people’s attention as the bass player with Buddy Holly. Joe Mauldin had been the original bass player with Holly, playing Double Bass. But, the venues were getting bigger, and the sound was getting louder. 

Humble Beginnings

Waylon Jennings was hired to play ‘electric bass’ for the fateful Winter Dance Party tour. He left sessions in New York and traveled up to meet with Holly in Chicago by train. 

Jennings was known for his prowess on his Telecaster. But, there weren’t many good ‘electric’ bass players around at the time. The Fender Precision had come out in 1951, but it was still viewed skeptically by some. Except for the rock n’ rollers.

A Twist of Fate

Jennings gave up his seat to the Big Bopper on the flight that killed Buddy Holly. Richardson was sick and didn’t need another night on the freezing cold tour bus. Jennings came back home; those on the flight didn’t.

Along with Willie Nelson, he took on the ‘old guard’ of Country music and changed it forever. He, along with others, represented the “outlaw” side of Country music. The album, Wanted! The Outlaws broke all sales records. His latter bands included The Highwaymen with Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and Johnny Cash.

The Voice

He had this gritty, no prisoners, baritone voice that suited his persona and his style. The very manifestation of the “Outlaw” era he helped to create. In later years, he had major health problems, brought on partly by his lifestyle. 

He’s gone now, but we are left with some great music and a man who changed things for the better. No better accolade.

Chris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton

From an old ‘warhorse’ to one of the younger breed. Chris Stapleton will certainly be one of the younger members of this list. Here is a man who is popular today in Country music circles. He started his career not long ago, writing songs for other country artists. Also, he played in several bands before launching his career in 2015.

His first solo album, Traveler, sold more than three million copies and reached number one on the Billboard Country music chart. Still a very active singer and writer, and we are likely to hear a lot more from him in the future.

Jamey Johnson

Jamey Johnson

Staying with another of the ‘new breed’ of Country artists, Jamey Johnson has established himself in a very short space of time. Like Chris Stapleton, he started by writing for other country singers. 

These included Trace Adkins, Willie Nelson, and Joe Nichols. He started his solo career in 2005 and is well thought of by audiences. He has a very good baritone voice that is at the top of that range, which he uses to great effect.

Josh Turner

Josh Turner

There are some Country singers with deep voices that have been able to mix other genres with their own. In some Country circles, this is frowned upon. Almost seen as a betrayal of Country Music. 

Josh Turner has been able to make the transition. Mixing Country with Pop and being successful at both.

I mentioned at the beginning of this review about a singer who had suffered a misfortune that might have worked in his favor. That is Josh Turner.

An Injury To His Voice

He suffered a vocal cord injury which has changed his voice. It was no simple thing either. Requiring surgery and therapy as well as him having to take singing lessons to strengthen his voice.

The outcome was a much deeper and stronger voice than he had enjoyed before. Today he is one of the most popular singers with a deep voice in Country music.

Jim Reeves

I Love You Because

Let’s go back in time a bit now, 1953, to be exact. That was the year that Jim Reeves announced his arrival in Country music circles with his song “Mexican Joe.” 

He became a prominent entertainer in both Country and mainstream music from then on. Between 1955 and 1964, his records made it into both charts, and he became a fixture in music circles with a succession of hit records.

He was considered an ambassador for Country music in what was called the “Nashville Sound.” Additionally, he was affectionately known as “Gentleman Jim” because of his pleasant nature.

Taken Too Young

He was at the controls of a single-engine plane when it flew into a storm and heavy rain. Both he and his business manager were killed in the accident. He was just 40 years old.

Following his death, re-releases of singles brought him six number one records. A great baritone who could ‘croon’ with the best of them.

Don Williams

I Recall a Gypsy Woman (Live)

Some would say that Don Williams was the epitome of Country music. From his deep, gentle voice right up to his cowboy hat, he just looked like Nashville.

He was known as the “Gentle Giant” and had a long and distinguished career. Some say he should have had more success than he did. But, he did have 17 number ones on the Country charts and brought Country music into the public eye in the UK. 

Songs like “I Recall a Gypsy Woman” and “You’re My Best Friend,” both of which enjoyed success, gave him international recognition.

A Standard To Follow

For a while, he was the standard that others needed to follow. His deep, calm voice and his easy-going personality and smile, set him apart.

Today many singers name him as a big influence. You can see that by the number of Country artists that cover and play his songs. Don Wiliams was a Country music icon with a deep voice who was also an international singing star.

Merle Haggard

Branded Man / Sing Me Back Home / Okie From Muskogee

From the peaceful persona of one Country artist to what seems at times like the tortured soul of another. Merle Haggard is one of the biggest names with a deep voice in Country music. But more than that. Here is a man who lived his life like the stories he sang about.

His voice was something very special. Many Country music fans cite him as being the best of them all. His rich and deep baritone vocal sound was impressive.

He Lived The Genre

Many of the lyrics of Country music songs talk about poverty, heartache, and even prison. Merle Haggard lived them all. While a young man, he had his run-ins with the law and was incarcerated several times. 

His life was one full of depression and despair, and that was reflected in his songs. He could write songs about these experiences that resonated with people. As a result, “The Fugitive” and “Branded Man” are still popular today.

A Talented Man

He was best known for his deep and distinct voice, along with his ‘butterscotch’ Fender Telecaster, “Tuff Dog.” But he could also play a decent fiddle. Likewise, he was also known for pushing the boundaries. 

On one occasion, Willie Nelson, who was head of country music at Capitol at the time, put the brakes on him. “The world isn’t ready for this,” Haggard was told. One of the greats of Country music, with one of the iconic voices, he stood as a giant of the genre.

Conway Twitty

The #1 Hits Collection

Born Harold Lloyd Jenkins in 1933, he wanted to be a Country singer from a very young age. It was around 1956 that he realized he needed a name change. His given name was decidedly unremarkable and not very memorable. 

The name Conway Twitty came from a road map he was looking at one day. He saw the towns of Conway in Arkansas and Twitty in Texas.

A Crowded Scene

His career kicked off in the late 50s. At that time, he was known more for his attempts at rock n roll and some pop songs. But he probably realized he was a bit off the pace compared with the opposition at the time. 

He was competing against Jerry Lee, himself a bit of a Country singer at times, and Little Richard. And not forgetting a certain Mr. Presley who did okay. 

Back To Country

He reverted to his first choice, Country music. He had some solo successes but is best remembered for his work with Loretta Lynn. That partnership went on for many years and was a marker in both their careers.

His voice was rich and deep, and even now, many years after his death, he is still fondly remembered.

Johnny Cash

A Boy Named Sue (Live at San Quentin State Prison, San Quentin, CA – February 1969)

Where to finish this list of Country singers with deep voices was never a question. It could only be in one place with the “Man in Black.” Probably the greatest singer in Country Music with a deep voice. At times, he crossed genre boundaries with ease but never forgot his roots.

His career began in Memphis in the 50s with that all-black, slightly menacing look. That style was set off by his all-black guitar. Johnny loved Martin guitars and asked them to build him an all-black version of his favorite, the D-35.

An All-Black Martin

Company President, C. F. Martin III said no, he didn’t want a black Martin. So, they built it behind his back, and the President didn’t find out. Not until later when he saw Cash playing it on TV. A bit of a rebel was Johnny.

A great baritone voice which was often portrayed with a somber tone. His concerts at Folsom and San Quentin prisons are unforgettable pieces of ‘live’ music history. Especially his legendary track, “A Boy Named Sue,” which he sang especially for the rowdy inmates in San Quentin. In his remarkable career, he sold over 90 million records.

Off Stage

He was known for his devout Christian beliefs and was even ordained a minister. Additionally, he wrote a Christian novel, “The Man in White,” and would perform at Billy Graham’s crusades.

He was always keen to help rehabilitate drug offenders and others who fell out with the law. And, despite being a Country music icon, he would openly defend the likes of Bob Dylan. In his early days, Dylan sang on the ‘fringes’ of country music.

More than the most famous Country singer with a deep voice. But also a great man in so many respects, and no better place top to round off my look at fantastic deep-voiced country singers.

Searching for Superb Songs or Singers?

We can help with that. Take a look at our handy articles on the Best Songs About Cheating and Lying, the Top Songs About Home, the Best Songs About Loneliness, the Frank Sinatra Genre, and Singers That Sound Like Adele for more great song selections.

Country Singers with Deep Voices – Final Thoughts

Well, that is quite a list. And, there are so many not included. Charlie Rich, Charley Pride, and Kenny Rogers. All had voices that fell into the range we were talking about. They could all have been included. Add them to the list, and you have some of the finest Country music has to offer.

Until next time, let the music play.

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