Three Stars Who Made the Switch from Rock to Country

Some of country music’s biggest names didn’t start out in Nashville. In fact, a few first found fame in rock before trading electric riffs for steel guitars, and it turned out to be the best career move they ever made.

Take Conway Twitty. Long before he became one of the most recognizable voices in country music, Twitty was writing songs for Roy Orbison and charting hits as a rock singer. But it was his shift to country that cemented his legacy. Over the next two decades, Twitty racked up more No. 1 hits than anyone in the genre until George Strait came along.

Then there is Darius Rucker, who first found fame as the lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish. With 16 rock hits to his name, Rucker surprised fans when he launched a solo career in country. The gamble paid off in a big way, earning him Grammys, CMA Awards, and ACM trophies for his chart-topping country songs.

And finally, Kid Rock. Known first for blending rock and rap, Kid Rock’s musical evolution took a Southern turn with “Picture,” his hit country duet with Sheryl Crow. He sealed his place in the country scene with “All Summer Long,” a crossover anthem that ruled both country and rock charts.

These three stars may have started with rock ‘n’ roll dreams, but it was country music that made them legends.