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Was the decade's biggest country star, with high-energy live shows and massive crossover appeal. His 1990 album, No Fences, produced chart-toppers like "Friends in Low Places" and "The Thunder Rolls
Garth Brooks
Already a star, she reached new heights in the '90s with theatrical performances and powerful ballads like "Fancy" and "Is There Life Out There".
Reba McEntire
Credited with coining and popularizing the term "alt-country," this band fused the angst of punk rock with the raw, heartfelt storytelling of country music. Their 1990 album, No Depression, became a seminal work for the genre.
Uncle Tupelo
I wear boots in the summer heat,
With a twangy voice that can't be beat.
I sing of heartbreak and open plains,
With fiddle tunes and heartfelt strains.
What genre am I?
Country
The best-selling female artist of the 1990s, she injected a heavy dose of rock and pop into country music. Her 1997 album, Come On Over, became a global phenomenon with hit singles like "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!" and "You're Still the One".
Shania Twain
Showcased his talents as a vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist, and won numerous awards. His big hits included "I Still Believe in You" and "Go Rest High on That Mountain".
Vince Gill
Formed by Jeff Tweedy after Uncle Tupelo's breakup, this band initially continued in the alt-country vein before developing into a more experimental, alternative rock sound.
Wilco
I blend the twang with a modern twist,
Roots and rebels in the mixing list.
Acoustic strums and stories new,
Old-fashioned soul with a daring view.
What genre am I?
Alt Country
The "King of Country" maintained his traditional sound while continuing to dominate the charts throughout the decade. Essential hits include "Check Yes or No" and "I Cross My Heart".
George Strait
Their 1998 breakthrough album, Wide Open Spaces, mixed bluegrass with catchy country-pop and featured hit singles like the title track and "There's Your Trouble"
The Chicks(Dixie Chicks)
The other band formed from Uncle Tupelo, led by Jay Farrar, retained a more traditional folk and roots-oriented sound. Their 1995 album, Trace, is considered a landmark alt-country record.
Son Volt
This duo combined country tradition with high-energy "turbo-tonk" on hits like "Boot Scootin' Boogie" and "Brand New Man," becoming the most successful duo in country music history.
Brooks and Dunn
After a slow start, he found his footing in the mid-'90s with hits like "Don't Take the Girl" and "I Like It, I Love It." He also began a celebrated series of duets with his wife, Faith Hill, including "It's Your Love"
Tim McGraw
A hugely influential figure in alt-country and Americana, blend of country, folk, and rock came to fruition with albums like 1998's Grammy-winning Car Wheels on a Gravel Road.
Lucinda Williams
With his traditional honky-tonk and storytelling style, Jackson was a grounding force in the country genre. Iconic tracks include "Chattahoochee" and "Don't Rock the Jukebox".
Alan Jackson
By the end of the decade, she had become a massive crossover star with hits like the catchy, pop-friendly "This Kiss"
Faith Hill
This Minneapolis band was a foundational part of the movement, known for their powerful songwriting and harmonies. Their 1992 album, Hollywood Town Hall, and 1995's Tomorrow the Green Grass are considered classics.
The Jayhawks