The Artists & Luminaries of East Kentucky
U.S. 23 stands as an iconic pilgrimage for enthusiasts of country music. This region has gifted the world a remarkable number of hit country artists per capita, a testament to its rich musical heritage. Among the luminaries are legends such as Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle, The Judds, Chris Stapleton, Keith Whitley, Dwight Yoakam, and Patty Loveless. As this picturesque highway weaves through seven counties, including Johnson County, it offers mesmerizing vistas of Kentucky’s stunning state parks.
Lose yourself in the magic of the U.S. 23 Country Music Highway Museum, catch a spellbinding performance at Sipp Theater, and let the breathtaking “Soundtrack of Kentucky” resonate through your soul.
Uncover the stories, melodies, and legacies of regional talents who have shaped the genre’s musical landscape.
From “Butcher Holler” in Johnson County, Loretta Lynn is also known as the Queen of Country Music. Her greatest hit, “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” is also the name of the movie portraying Lynn’s rags-to-riches story. With a voice that carries the weight of experience and the warmth of authenticity, her melodies resonate with audiences across generations.
Chris Stapleton, from Staffordsville in Johnson County, is a Country and Bluegrass singer/songwriter. He has written numerous hit songs recorded by artists such as George Strait, Luke Bryan, and Kenny Chesney. Stapleton has won many CMA awards including Best Male Vocalist, New Artist of the Year, and Album of the Year. He has also won several Grammy Awards including Best Country Album and Best Country Solo Performance. Stapleton released his first album Traveller in 2015.
Childers grew up in Lawrence County, Kentucky, with a father in the coal industry and a mother who worked as a nurse. As a boy, he sang for his Free Will Baptist Church congregation and learned a few chords on a guitar given to him by his grandfather. He started writing songs at 13 and occasionally played them for friends at parties. At 15, when his grandfather died, Childers turned to bluegrass as a way to remember him.
The Judds were a Country Music duo comprised of Naomi Judd and her daughter Wynonna. Their greatest hits include “Mama, He’s Crazy” and “Love Can Build a Bridge.” After eight years as a successful duo, the Judds ceased performing due to Naomi’s health problems. Wynonna then began her career as a solo artist.
Dwight Yoakam was born in Pike County and lived for a short time in Floyd County before his family moved to Ohio. His hit songs include “Guitars, Cadillacs” and “Honky Tonk Man.” Yoakam recorded “Readin’, Rightin’, Route 23,” which pays tribute to his childhood move from Kentucky.
Patty Loveless is from Elkhorn City in Pike County. She has charted over 40 singles on the Billboard charts including 5 number ones. Among her most popular songs are “I’m That Kind of Girl” and “Timber I’m Falling in Love.”
Bluegrass singer Ricky Skaggs is from Blaine in Lawrence County. He was inducted in the Grand Ole Opry in May 1982 at the age of 27, making him the youngest member to ever be inducted at that time. A few of his hit songs include “Crying my Heart Out Over You” and “Don’t Cheat in Our Hometown.”
Born Brenda Gail Webb, Crystal Gayle signed with Decca Records who suggested a name change to avoid confusion with labelmate Brenda Lee. Gayle, who is from Johnson County, is Loretta Lynn’s younger sister. She recorded several hit songs including “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” and “I’ll Get Over You.”
Magoffin County native Rebecca Lynn Howard is a singer/songwriter who started her career in Nashville immediately after graduating high school. Famous for her hit song “Forgive,” her musical career began with the Kentucky Opry Jr. Pros at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg,
Billy Ray Cyrus is a singer, songwriter, and actor best known for his Number 1 single “Achy Breaky Heart.” He was born in Flatwoods, a small community in Greenup County. Cyrus was an actor on the TV series Doc, and he also co-starred in the series Hannah Montana with his daughter Miley Cyrus
Sundy Best is an American country duo formed by Nick Jamerson and Kris Bentley from Prestonsburg, Ky. Their music is a blend of country, Appalachian folk, bluegrass rock, soul, and R&B. The duo announced their break-up in March 2018. In October 2020, the duo announced that they would be reuniting.
Keith Whitley, from Sandy Hook in Elliott County, charted 19 singles on the Billboard Country Charts including “When You Say Nothing at All” and “Don’t Close Your Eyes.” He was married to fellow country music singer Lorrie Morgan.
Lawrence County native Larry Cordle is a singer/songwriter most famous for writing “Murder on Music Row,” which was recorded by George Strait and Alan Jackson. He also wrote “Highway 40 Blues,” recorded by Ricky Skaggs.
Born in Olive Hill in Carter County, Tom T. Hall is a country music singer, songwriter, novelist, and short-story writer. He wrote 11 Number 1 hits including “Harper Valley P.T.A.” Hall became known to fans as “The Storyteller” due to his storytelling skills in his songwriting.
Frank Brown was nicknamed “Hylo” due to his ability to sing both high and low ranges. From the community of River in Johnson County, Brown’s first hit was “Lost to a Stranger.”
Born in Jenkins in Letcher County, Gary Stewart is best known for his Number 1 hit song “She’s Actin’ Single (I’m Drinking Doubles).”
