The 1970s were a transformative decade in country music — a wild blend of Nashville polish, outlaw grit, and genre-bending experimentation. Pop crossovers became the norm, traditional honky-tonk still held ground, and the outlaw movement was rewriting the rules altogether. Yet, amidst the chart-toppers and genre-shakers, some incredible voices often get left out of the broader conversation.
They may not have crossed over into pop superstardom or maintained chart dominance for decades, but these artists made real, lasting contributions to country music — and it’s time we give them their due.
1. Gene Watson — The Singer’s Singer
Gene Watson’s voice is smooth as Tennessee whiskey, with phrasing that elevates even the simplest ballad into soul-stirring poetry. Though he began recording in the ’60s, it was the mid-1970s that saw him blossom into a dependable hitmaker.
Standout tracks like “Love in the Hot Afternoon” (1975), “Paper Rosie” (1977), and the heartbreak anthem “Farewell Party” (1978) showcase a singer who never chased trends, but delivered every line with masterful authenticity. For fans of traditional country vocals, Gene remains a gold standard.
2. Mo Bandy — The Honky-Tonk Truth Teller
For pure, barroom-sawdust country, Mo Bandy was your man. With hits like “Bandy the Rodeo Clown” (1975) and “It Was Always So Easy (To Find an Unhappy Woman)” (1976), Bandy sang working-class heartbreak with nasal twang and unwavering grit.
He didn’t need reinvention. His brand of cheating songs, drinkin’ ballads, and dancefloor classics never apologized — and never disappointed.
3. Donna Fargo — The Sunny Hitmaker
In 1972, Donna Fargo exploded with “The Happiest Girl in the Whole U.S.A.” and “Funny Face” — both self-penned, both chart-dominating. Her optimistic tone and accessible lyrics brought her CMA and Grammy wins, and songs like “Superman” and “You Were Always There” kept her relevant well into the decade.
She might be overlooked today for her sunshine-pop sound in an era drifting toward outlaw rebellion, but her songwriting success and trailblazing female presence deserve high praise.
4. Gary Stewart — The King of Honky Tonk Rock
Gary Stewart brought danger and soul to country. His 1975 masterpiece “Out of Hand” — with tracks like “Drinkin’ Thing” and “She’s Actin’ Single (I’m Drinkin’ Doubles)” — infused honky tonk with southern rock fire.
Stewart’s voice, trembling with vibrato and rawness, set him apart from every other artist on radio. His commercial peak may have been brief, but his legacy is anything but small.
5. Sammi Smith — The Voice of Liberation
Best known for the Kris Kristofferson-penned hit “Help Me Make It Through the Night”, Sammi Smith was more than a one-hit wonder. Her voice was smoky, sultry, and emotive, and her catalog in the early-mid ’70s was rich with mature, introspective material.
Aligning with the outlaw movement, she helped usher in a new, grown-up voice for women in country — and her broader contributions deserve far more celebration.
6. Billie Jo Spears — Grit and Grace
“Blanket on the Ground” (1975) brought Billie Jo Spears major acclaim, especially internationally. But with songs like “57 Chevrolet” and “If You Want Me,” she gave voice to independent women and did it with a husky, soulful sound that set her apart.
She wasn’t flashy — but she was fierce, and her message still resonates.
7. Johnny Rodriguez — Breaking Barriers Smoothly
As one of country’s first major Hispanic stars, Johnny Rodriguez brought Latin flavor and romantic vocal stylings to the forefront. Between 1972–1978, he scored an impressive run of 15 consecutive Top 10 hits, including “Riding My Thumb to Mexico” and “Just Get Up and Close the Door.”
He opened doors for others, and did it with style, talent, and class.
8. Freddy Fender — The Comeback King
Freddy Fender’s 1975 bilingual smash “Before the Next Teardrop Falls” was a cultural milestone, blending Tejano, swamp pop, and country in a way that hadn’t been done before. His follow-up “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights” cemented him as an icon.
Fender’s success made Tex-Mex country a national phenomenon, and his story of redemption remains deeply inspiring.
9. Mel Street — The Voice of Pure Heartache
Mel Street’s tragically short life ended in 1978, but in just a few years, he created a body of work that still haunts fans of classic country. “Borrowed Angel,” “Loving on Back Streets,” and “Smoky Mountain Memories” were soaked in sorrow and sung with baritone richness.
A voice like his doesn’t come around often — and it’s a crime how often he’s forgotten.
10. Joe Stampley — Louisiana Swagger & Fun
With a foot in swamp pop and honky tonk, Joe Stampley delivered hits like “Roll On Big Mama” and “All These Things” with playful charisma. Later, he partnered with Mo Bandy for a series of novelty duet smashes, but his solo work of the early ’70s stands strong on its own.
He brought energy and laughter — an underrated pillar of the genre.
11. Margo Smith — Glamour and the Yodel
A former schoolteacher with a unique voice, Margo Smith made waves with two No. 1 hits in 1978: “Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You” and “It Only Hurts for a Little While.” Her clear tone and signature yodel made her instantly recognizable.
She may be remembered by some as a novelty act — but that would be a disservice to her skill and success.
12. Razzy Bailey — The Soul of the South
Mixing R&B smoothness with country storytelling, Razzy Bailey carved out a late-70s niche with songs like “Tonight She’s Gonna Love Me Like There Was No Tomorrow” and “What Time Do You Have to Be Back to Heaven.”
His biggest hits came in the early ’80s, but he laid the groundwork in the late ’70s — and his soulful approach to country remains influential.
13. Jeannie C. Riley — More Than Just One Song
Everyone remembers “Harper Valley PTA” — a 1968 smash that won her a Grammy and CMA. But Jeannie C. Riley remained active on the charts well into the 1970s, delivering gems like “There Never Was a Time” and “Good Enough to Be Your Wife.”
Her bold image and storytelling flair helped pave the way for country women unafraid to speak up.
Conclusion: Unsung, But Not Forgotten
These artists may not always get the headlines, but they shaped the sound of 1970s country. They were real, raw, romantic, rebellious — and they deserve more credit for holding the line during a decade of massive change.
So next time you’re digging through your collection or queuing up a playlist, don’t stop at the usual suspects. Give these names a spin. You might rediscover something extraordinary.