Country music is having a moment.
Last year, for the first time in history, country songs swept the top three spots on Billboard’s all-genre Hot 100 chart, when “Last Night” by Morgan Wallen, Jason Aldean’s “Try That In A Small Town,” and Luke Combs’ cover of Tracy Chapman’s hit “Fast Car” held the top three spots on the chart.
And just a few weeks later, it happened again when overnight sensation Oliver Anthony debuted at #1 on the chart, along with “Fast Car” and “Last Night” holding down the top 3 spots.
Now, I already know there’s going to be some spirited debate in the comments over whether these songs should actually be considered “country.” But regardless, country music has undeniably become more popular in the mainstream over the last few years.
And Jelly Roll credits that to two people: Morgan Wallen and Zach Bryan.
During a recent appearance on the Full Send Podcast, the rapper-turned-country star discussed country music’s moment and the reason he sees the genre as bigger than it’s ever been:
“Country is as big and as cool as it’s ever been right now. It’s a really cool moment to be in country music. I’m honored to be in the middle of the wave that is country music right now.”
And he also argues that it’s the crossover success of guys like Morgan Wallen and Zach Bryan who have helped take country music to new heights:
“Morgan Wallen is almost single-handedly doing that. Him and Zach Bryan to me are doing it by themselves as far as I’m concerned. They’ve brought the national spotlight to the rest of us. We’re all just trying to get a little piece of that sunshine they brought over here.”
Jelly also has high praise for Morgan
“His voice is so good. His songs are so good. Morgan is a songwriter, dude. He’ll cut outside songs but his ear, his understanding, his songwriting, he’s more brilliant…
The streams give him the credit he deserves, but critically he’s more brilliant than he gets credit for. He is truly brilliant. I’ve been in the room with him. He’s special.
Becuase to me, all this boils down to songwriting. Like, who can actually hold their weight?…
Morgan’s brilliant.”
Whatever your feelings on Morgan, it’s hard to argue that he’s bringing new fans into country music like few artists over the past few years have done.
Check out Jelly Roll’s full interview on the podcast:
