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5 Great Artists Carrying The Torch of Southern Rock in 2024

By Terrie Carr

We called it “Southern Rock” – Now it’s called a Country Hybrid….but I still call it SOUTHERN ROCK!

Ever since I can remember being a rock music fan, Southern Rock was on my playlist. Albums from Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allmans, Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot, The Outlaws, and more were in my collection. Amazing storytelling, fantastic musicianship, and some cool covers too! Southern Rock was a way of life.

What Is Southern Rock?

Described as a subgenre of rock, based out of the southern states in the U.S. – Mixing Rock, Country, and Blues, it became prominent in the 1970’s and has dominated the airwaves ever since. WDHA listeners in particular are Southern Rock fans and have always made sure the station has a healthy dose of their American Southern state favorite rockers played on the station. There have been bands like Black Stone Cherry, Blackberry Smoke, and Drive-By Truckers thankfully keeping the south rolling, but there has been a resurgence in the past few years that has been inspiring.

This week I am giving out tickets to the “Rock, Ribs & Ridges” Festival at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta – AND Hardy at PNC on June 20th, so I figured, let’s get Southern for the WDHA Coffee Break and mix up some Classic Southern Rockers, and some of the cool new artists carrying the torch.

TC collection
Hanging With the legendary Dickie Betts

Rock, Ribs & Ridges

I’m also so excited to have an exciting new female artist on my list who I am fast becoming a fan of and who you will see on an upcoming WDHA Reconnect With Rockers webisode- (check out the series below)

WDHA’s Reconnect With Rockers Videos

So however you “categorize” it, (southern rock, country rock, rootsy rock, blues rock) mixing the organic Americana sound with some extra cool riffs is being rediscovered by rock fans everywhere. I LOVE it! Growing up on the Southern Rock diet, it makes me so happy to see the sound evolve sonically with a new generation of musicians!

Photo Credit- Joe Frazz
Me with Austin Meade

Check Out 5 Awesome Artists Keeping The Tradition Alive And Listen To The Rock Of New Jersey Anywhere By Downloading The WDHA App

  • Jellyroll

    Jason Bradley DeFord (better known as “Jellyroll” a name his mama gave him) is from Tennessee and started out rapping, (selling mixtapes out of his car) brought his country roots over and crossed into the ROCK realm- He has been MAJORLY successful and is fantastic live! He’s won a ton of country awards, has been nominated for multiple grammy’s and is one of the hottest acts in rock music today. His recent release “Whitsitt” Chapel is fantastic…..He rocks The Prudential Center on September 29th. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxUFzTBPTAg

  • Hardy

    Mississippi-born Michael Wilson “Hardy”, started his career after a trip to Nashville when he met and began writing with country act Florida Georgia Line, and continued to write for other artists before releasing his own ROCK single – “Jack” which was one of the biggest rock bangers of 2023. (Giving Hardy his first number one at rock radio with a second sure to follow with his latest song “Rockstar”) Hardy rocks the PNC Bank Arts Center on June 20th.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ_xpKAjOS8

  • Tim Montana

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Tim Montana! Funny thing is Tim actually didn’t start out in the country vein really, but rather making his music on his terms which I respect immensely. His sound is rock first and foremost, with a smattering of blues, a sprinkling of country, some metal anger and a total 90’s stripped down grungy vibe. Tim has a new record coming in July called “Savage” and I can’t wait. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH6iHjXoetY

  • Royale Lynn

    Royale Lynne is a name you will be hearing a lot about! Her brand of “Punktry” is loud, unique and so infectious. You will meet her on an upcoming WDHA Reconnect With Rockers webisode and I’m telling you, she’s awesome. Signed to punk/metal label “Epitaph”, she grew up a metal, goth kid, but could not escape the rootsy country rock sound around her, so she meshed the two together and has one of the coolest sounds out there. her vocals are so unique and she recently paired with Danny Worsnop from Asking Alexandria on a new tune – “Deathwish” – It’s amazing- so is she. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tVu5UAavg4

  • Austin Meade

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9fEtzMv8TU I’m such an Austin Meade fan- So much so, I brought him to WDHA for a Parking Lot Party in November! While you may be most familiar with his rock single “Blackout”, which is a perfect representation of who Austin and his band really are, look into his catalog- “Stoner Fantasy”, “Rose’ Romance”, “Happier Alone” and more showcase Austin’s killer songwriting chops, distinct style and dynamic performance. He and the band can open for Sevendust or Skynyrd….It all fits!

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