27 Best Male Country Singers Of The 60s

11. Charley Pride

Charley Pride was an American country music singer who succeeded greatly in the 1960s. He became the most successful African American star in country music during that decade.

Pride made history as the first black member of the Grand Ole Opry after DeFord Bailey and became the first black singer to have a #1 country record. He was named the CMA’s top male vocalist in 1971 and 1972.

Pride had an impressive 52 Top-10 Country hits at the height of his musical career. His best tracks include “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” and “Crystal Chandeliers.”

12. Faron Young

Known as the “Hillbilly Heartthrob,” Faron Young stood out in the country music genre. His charm, charisma, and undeniable talent contributed significantly to the era’s music landscape.

One of his signature songs, “Hello Walls,” topped the Billboard Country charts and crossed over to the pop charts. Penned by a then-unknown Willie Nelson, it showcases Young’s emotive singing and ability to weave a compelling narrative.

In 2000, he was rightfully brought into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Beyond his successful music career, Young also enjoyed a fruitful acting career, appearing in films like “Hidden Guns” and “Raiders of Old California.”

13. Johnny Horton

Johnny Horton is another memorable artist from the 1960s country music scene. With his powerful voice and unique storytelling skills, he succeeded after performing regularly on the popular radio program “Louisiana Hayride.”

His 1959 single “The Battle of New Orleans” became a monumental hit, topping both country and pop charts. It won the Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Performance in 1960.

Other notable songs in his discography include “North to Alaska” and “Sink the Bismark.”

Though his career was tragically cut short by a car accident in 1960, Horton’s influence on the country music scene still inspires us today.

14. Bobby Bare

When reminiscing about the best 60s male country singers, it would be remiss not to mention Bobby Bare. His rich baritone voice and unique storytelling ability set him apart as a versatile artist, dabbling in several genres like pop and folk.

Following his discharge from the army, Bare moved to Los Angeles and, in 1958, achieved his first success with the novelty song “The All American Boy.”

However, it was in the 1960s that he found his stride, establishing himself as a prominent country artist with hits like “Detroit City.” This song earned him the Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording in 1964.

15. Don Gibson

Don Gibson was a legendary country musician during the 1950s and 1960s. He made significant contributions to the Nashville Sound genre, which featured smoother production and appealed to pop audiences. He was also a talented songwriter.

Many famous artists, including Johnny Cash, recorded his songs, cementing his place in country music history. Some of his most famous songs include “Sea of Heartbreak” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You.”

As recognition of his immense talent and impact on country music, Gibson was also inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1973.

16. Ferlin Husky

In the dynamic world of 1960s country music, Ferlin Husky showed great versatility and charisma with his rich voice and unique comedic alter ego.

Starting as a disc jockey, he soon found his true calling in music. His first significant success came with his 1953 hit “A Dear John Letter,” a duet with Jean Shepard.

However, the 1960 release of “Wings of a Dove” solidified Husky’s standing in country music. This spiritually-infused song was a crossover hit, reaching #1 on the country charts and climbing to the Top 15 on the pop charts.

17. Eddy Arnold

In the rolling hills of Tennessee, a musical luminary emerged—Eddy Arnold, who left a noticeable mark on country music for generations. His smooth, velvety vocal style made him a standout figure in the genre.

Arnold burst onto the music scene in 1945, but it was during the 1960s when he truly came into his own. One of his greatest hits was the heart-rending “Make the World Go Away,” which topped the Billboard Country charts.

Throughout his career, he sold more than 85 million records. He was also inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1966.

18. Buck Owens

Buck Owens was a legendary country music singer and songwriter who impacted the genre in the 1960s. He is best known for popularizing the “Bakersfield sound,” characterized by its clear, twangy, and danceable style.

His energetic performances and catchy songs made him a fan favorite during this era, with hit tracks such as “Act Naturally” and “Love’s Gonna Live Here.” He was inducted into the prestigious Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville in 1996.

Owens also co-hosted the popular television variety show “Hee Haw” from 1969 to 1986, becoming a beloved figure in households across America.

19. Porter Wagoner

Porter Wagoner was a renowned country music singer in the 1960s. His rich baritone voice and flamboyant rhinestone-studded suits made him a memorable figure in the genre.

Wagoner’s career peaked during the 60s with the success of his country show. He often collaborated with fellow country singer Norma Jean and even brought soul music icon James Brown to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.

Some of his most notable tracks include “Green, Green Grass of Home” and “The Carroll County Accident.” His contributions to country music earned him 3 Grammy Awards and a Grand Ole Opry Membership in 1957.

20. Stonewall Jackson

In the rich tapestry of the 1960s country music scene, Stonewall Jackson emerged as a vibrant figure with his unique blend of honky-tonk and traditional country music.

One of his greatest hits includes the track “Waterloo,” with its traditional honky-tonk rhythms. The song reached #1 on the country charts and crossed over to the pop charts, establishing him as a household name in country music.

He was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1956, a prestigious membership he held for over 60 years.