Top 10 Southern Classic Rock Pioneers

Listen to some Southern Rock music for fun. This style is full of soul, grit, and good times. Phil Walden was the one who got it all going in Macon, Georgia. He managed R&B stars like Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, and Percy Sledge, so he knew how to find good people. When he started Capricorn Records with his brothers Alan and Frank Fenter in 1969, that’s when the magic happened. They signed The Allman Brothers Band, who started Southern Rock in a big way. Soon after, the Marshall Tucker Band joined the party and brought their own unique sound. Also, let’s give Elvis Presley a big thanks. Southern Rock would not have become so popular without his Rock N’ Roll swagger. He’s pretty much the father of everything.

Now, let’s look at the top 10 Southern Rock artists who made the style so great.

10. Outlaws
These guys had a lot of wild energy and a rebellious spirit. They tore up the stage with epic guitar jams. For their wild, outlaw-like sound, they made hits like “Green Grass and High Tides” that still amaze us today.

9. Wet Willie
It was funk and soul from Wet Willie, who mixed Southern Rock with a lot of R&B goodness. Their smooth sound really comes through in songs like “Keep On Smilin’,” which is great for any day to make you feel better.

8. Elvin Bishop Group
Elvin Bishop had that chill, bluesy charm we can’t get enough of, mixing a bit of country into his rock style. His hit “Fooled Around and Fell in Love” is one of those songs that just sticks with you forever.

7. Charlie Daniels Band
Charley Daniels rocked the scene with his fiddle and a lot of attitude. “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” is a great song that combines fiery rock energy with country twang.

6. Little Feat
Along with some jazz and blues, Little Feat had a unique and cool sound that made them stand out. “Dixie Chicken” is a must-listen that shows off their unique Southern Rock sound.

5. ZZ Top
Those Texas boys with beards played bluesy riffs with a dirty edge. “La Grange” is a party-starting hit that shows they’re the kings of Southern Rock.

4. Marshall Tucker Band
These guys were unique because they had smooth voices and a laid-back country sound. With “Can’t You See,” they prove once and for all that they are the best at making chill Southern jams.

3. Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd told stories and straightforwardly played great guitar licks. “Sweet Home Alabama,” with its rock swagger, became the national song of the South.

2. Allman Brothers Band
These masters were known for their long jams, sweet harmonies, and pure Southern cool. We can’t get enough of “Ramblin’ Man,” and to be honest, they pretty much wrote the book on how to do Southern Rock.

1. Elvis Presley
Elvis was the only one who could mix gospel, country, and rock like he did. In many ways, he set the stage for what Southern Rock is today.