Perhaps you’ve known the state as the home to the popular pop-rock band Hootie & the Blowfish, but there’s actually a number of male country singers from South Carolina too.
Keep on scrolling below to find out, and you’ll be surprised by the depth and breadth of South Carolina’s musical talent.
1. Darius Rucker
One of the most famous country singers from South Carolina is Darius Rucker. He first attained stardom as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of Hootie & the Blowfish and became a country singer after he went solo.
Born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, the three-time GRAMMY Award winner has enjoyed a successful music career spanning a quarter of a century. And his soulful baritone has been among the most recognizable voices through the years.
2. Josh Turner
Josh Turner, who took the country music scene by storm in 2001, hailed from Hannah, South Carolina.
The country crooner has often referenced growing up in the South in his songs and often talks about what makes him proud to be part of such incredible culture. He also admits that he sometimes feels guilty for “being the first Turner to move away from Hannah.”
3. Lee Brice
Born and raised in Sumter, South Carolina, Lee Brice moved to Music City in 2002 and started writing songs for some of Nashville’s best. He gained early success with tracks recorded by artists like Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, and Jason Aldean.
However, it took him nearly a decade to finally hit the right formula as a solo artist – with his 2011 single, “A Woman Like You,” becoming his first No. 1 single and opening the door for much more success.
While he has accomplished his goals, he often comes back to his hometown and even brings out his ties to South Carolina in his music. “I constantly sing, and talk, and write about South Carolina. I don’t know. It’s kind of a pride thing for me,” the singer said.
4. Aaron Tippin
Tippin spent most of his early years at a family farm near Greer, South Carolina, where he first began singing to pass the time while doing hard work. But things changed for Tippin when he landed a song publishing contract after competing on The Nashville Network’s “You Can Be A Star” talent contest in 1986.
Despite his successful career, Tippin isn’t shy about his heritage. In fact, he got himself a tattoo of a palmetto tree with a crescent moon over it as a tribute to the state he considers to be home.
5. Bill Anderson
Another one among the country music singers from South Carolina is Bill Anderson, who has been equally successful as a singer and composer. He has topped the country charts in the ’60s and ’70s – even crossing over to pop – with songs such as “My Life (Throw It Away If I Want To),” “Still,” and “Mama Sang a Song.”
The talented artist was born in Columbia, South Carolina but spent most of his growing-up years around Atlanta, Georgia.
Indeed, male country singers from North or South Carolina have made such impressive careers in Music City.
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aaron tippin, Bill Anderson, darius rucker, Josh Turner, Lee Brice