Saving Country Music’s 2017 Artist of the Year
One of the most erroneous arguments made in music is that traditionally-inspired country cannot be relevant to the modern ear—that it’s a mode stuck in nostalgia, with a by-gone influence not receptive by the young and hip of today. They’ll tell you fiddle and steel guitar are the instruments of our fathers and grandfathers, no longer appropriate to today’s musical palette. You need drum machines and electronic accoutrements to reach the audiences of the here and now.
Yet all you have to do is attend a Turnpike Troubadours show, see the passion in their fans, the cross section of ages and backgrounds represented, and the enthusiasm the wells up in the crowd as they sing along with every word frontman Evan Felker utters, to understand just how misguided the notion is that true country music cannot be strikingly relevant, boldly original, and timeless. It just has to be given a chance.
Like blue jeans, good songs that speak to people’s hearts and experiences, and that are delivered with passion and enthusiasm, are eternally relevant and in style. It’s the styles of the here and now that are receptive to trends and the mood swings of the masses. Whether listening to a Turnpike Troubadours record, or standing out in the crowd of a live show and basking in the feeling that all is right in the world, the Turnpike Troubadours aren’t just entertaining, they’re enriching, and fulfilling in a way that doesn’t just uplift your spirit for 3 1/2 minutes, but for the rest of the week, or longer. You carry the melodies with you throughout each day, and the words echo in your mind to help you through mundane times.
Artist of the Year is not strictly a music award, though the Turnpike Troubadours deserve incredible accolades for their efforts in 2017 with their latest album A Long Way From Your Heart. Along with being one of the best records of 2017, the album includes some of the best songs from a critical standpoint, while also carrying a wide appeal. The band’s string of sold-out shows stretching from their native Oklahoma all the way to Europe deserve accolades all their own.
But the reason that the Turnpike Troubadours are Saving Country Music’s 2017 Artist of the Year is because they have injected a passion and relevancy in true country music while staying decidedly grounded to the roots, proving all the naysayers wrong that the traditions of the music are overwrought.
The Turnpike Troubadours are giving a hope to true country music in the future, creating a bridge between the independent and mainstream— Texas music and Americana—and creating a big tent where everyone can come and enjoy the bounty of roots music amid one of the most polarizing times in modern American and World history, proving the power of music to unite, and uplift, and inspire, and endure. In short, The Turnpike Troubadours are the band and artist for right here, right now.
The Turnpike Troubadours join previous recipients of Saving Country Music’s Artists of the Year such as Sturgill Simpson, Whitey Morgan and Marty Stuart, by moving the music forward, yet doing so in a way that keeps it grounded in it’s past. More than anyone, the Turnpike Troubadours helped save country music in 2017.
WWJFORPRES
January 2, 2018 @ 9:06 am
Was hoping to see Wheeler Walker Junior’s name. Darn.
SHANE
January 2, 2018 @ 10:20 am
Agreed WWFJR
Aggc
January 3, 2018 @ 5:28 pm
Seriously? Take away the vulgarity and what do you have?
Nothing.
BeaumontsFanATX
January 4, 2018 @ 7:03 pm
And he is just a rip off of The Beaumonts, who have been doing the same schtick for more than a decade and are incredibly talented musicians. Seriously, give them a shot…They make WWJr look like a 13 year old who just read their first hustler.
Aggc
January 4, 2018 @ 8:03 pm
Just my opinion but if you have to be that vulgar to get noticed then you are obviously compensating for a lack talent elsewhere. Seriously, it’s just disgusting and pathetic.
Kenneth
January 6, 2018 @ 5:57 am
He’s closer to a Cletus T Judd than a Cody Jinks or Tyler Childers. Purely there for comedic entertainment. “And F#$% your dog, hope he never comes home” lol. I enjoy him but not really “artist of the year caliber.
Gina
January 2, 2018 @ 9:10 am
Good choice. They are so good.
hoptowntiger94
January 2, 2018 @ 9:26 am
I think they are too regional. They don’t (nor care to) translate outside the Red Dirt region.
Although a more obvious choice, Jason Isbell really broke some barriers this year and appealed to all sectors of the genre nationally and internationally – CMA nomination, very successful Ryman residency, album sales success.
Nate
January 2, 2018 @ 9:49 am
Jason Isbell, while a fantastic artist in his own right, is not a “traditional” country music artist. He leans much more toward folk and Americana, and his last album was rock-based. I think at least with the artists who have been named SCM’s Artist of the Year thus far, they’ve all shown a propensity to sit firmly within the confines of what we see as country music.
R2D2
January 2, 2018 @ 9:52 am
I don’t think they’re too regional. They play all over the country and now the world. If they didn’t care then they wouldn’t play outside Texas and Oklahoma. While I do think their subject matter (at least where their songs and stories take place) is very regional, the overall message/theme of most of their songs is very relateable to all type of regions of the country.
Kross
January 2, 2018 @ 10:14 am
I’ve seen them in Gorgia 5 times. Every venue has gotten progressivly bigger and each show was sold out.
Cool Lester Smooth
January 2, 2018 @ 10:33 am
They sell a ton of records and, anecdotally, they sold out Brighton Music Hall up in Boston in a few days – I bought my tickets at triple the face price.
Craig Danger
January 2, 2018 @ 10:38 am
Shout out for a Lester Freamon reference my man
Stringbuzz
January 2, 2018 @ 10:40 am
Brighton music hall only holds like 300 people though.
Cool Lester Smooth
January 2, 2018 @ 11:04 pm
It’s also Massachusetts.
I bought Randy Rogers tickets at the venue, the day of the show, when they played Paradise.
josh
January 6, 2018 @ 11:04 am
500 sellable
Andrew
January 2, 2018 @ 12:49 pm
“They don’t (nor care to) translate outside the Red Dirt region.”
Not true. Here in Nebraska they played a sold out show in Lincoln and are frequently requested by the listeners of the radio station I work at.
hoptowntiger94
January 2, 2018 @ 12:56 pm
I can just speak from experience. However, it’s a fact they don’t tour extensively or nationally as BJ Barham, or Old Crow Medicine Show, or Leroy Virgil. Those guys play 1/2 filled rooms across the country and poor their hearts out every night.
I became a fan in 2010 and because of were I lived it took me 7 years to see them in concert and I wasn’t impressed- they mailed in a poorly attended show in Knoxville (ended the night on a new song).
Midwest Fred
January 2, 2018 @ 2:09 pm
Looking at their tour next year they’re in Washington, Idaho, Florida, Nebraska, DC, South Dakota, Virginia, Philly, NY, Texas, Colorado, Kentucky, Oregon, Utah, Alabama, Tennessee Don’t know how much more national they could be?
Enix
January 2, 2018 @ 3:46 pm
I was at that show, it wasn’t poorly attended at all.
hoptowntiger94
January 2, 2018 @ 5:04 pm
It wasn’t sold out (I’d guess 2/3rds capacity). But these guys sell out venues 3X the size of M&M in Texas, Oklahoma and the Midwest.
Trust me there were many other issues with the night that I have spelled out in past comment sections (weather, broken down bus, horrendous acoustics). But not playing to a sold out crowd I think did factor into their performance.
Nick
January 2, 2018 @ 5:22 pm
So you are blaming weather, horrendous acoustics and a broken down bus on the band? Turnpike has been road hammers for the past ten years. They don’t need to play 300 nights a year like American Aquarium to make a good living. They sell more tickets to one show then AA does in a months worth. They are out growing every venue in the country (besides stadiums and amphitheaters). I was bummed because they played on a Wednesday night here about a month ago. Expected the crowd to be smaller and less into it. The show sold out, crowd and the band was as rowdy as I’ve ever seen,
Enix
January 2, 2018 @ 5:36 pm
So it’s the bands fault if the weather was shitty, bus broke down (which it hadn’t), and the acoustics weren’t great in a newer venue? This was their first time in Knoxville, filling a venue that holds 1,200 two-thirds full isn’t shabby. I’ve read your comments on other posts about the band and they’ve offered to refund your money for that show, so I’m confused as to why you’re still upset about it.. to watch them at a different venue and see what happens.
Kevin Broughton
January 2, 2018 @ 3:57 pm
…you left out “politicized his music even more.”
Kent Spencer
January 2, 2018 @ 3:59 pm
In response to “too regional” that is precisely the problem. So much of today’s music lacks uniqueness or personally, and is formulaic. Turnpike Troubadours sing songs with a personality and story that is uniquely and identifiably all there own. There is not enough of that now days.
Nick
January 3, 2018 @ 3:30 am
I’m from Ohio. I have no problem “getting” their music. Great pick IMo
hoptowntiger94
January 3, 2018 @ 7:19 am
How many times have you seen them in concert in Ohio?
Nick
January 3, 2018 @ 7:42 am
I haven’t. I’d love to see them sometime, but I don’t get to too many shows. You just mentioned that they don’t translate well in other regions. With modern music services we’re living in a fantastic time for discovering local, regional, and independent artists. Turnpike is at a phase where they’re established, they have a solid catalog, and they’re still young. I don’t even think this latest album is necessarily their best, but it’s a great album regardless and proves their legitimacy and talent. Just my thoughts.
BTW, I haven’t read every reply in this thread but there are two Nicks. Sorry for any confusion.
hoptowntiger94
January 3, 2018 @ 9:23 am
I did not say they didn’t translate the well to other regions. I’m from Pittsburgh and was a fan since 2010. I said they were too regional to be considered for this recognition because they rarely tour outside their red dirt confort zone and when they do, it’s very mixed results- apathy and drunkness.
R2D2
January 3, 2018 @ 1:12 pm
That is a big time assumption. I have seen them twice in Iowa and they put on fantastic shows each time.. And as someone pointed out above check out their next tour, which is similar to the last couple years. They hit each part of the country.
Scott
January 6, 2018 @ 10:45 am
I respectfully disagree. I have seen them several times in Nebraska to sold out shows. They reach a wide audience.
gabman1234567
January 8, 2018 @ 2:08 pm
A lot of people in New Mexico are huge Turnpike Troubadours fans
Lexington Lew
January 2, 2018 @ 9:33 am
Good choice, my favorite pure country album of the year. Which is saying something when I’m a biased Kentuckian and Tyler Childers and Angaleena Presley put out great works this year.
I do think we will look back in disbelief when we remember Isbell has been shut out of the all the major awards on this website during this 3 album run he is on. Or at least I’m 99% sure he hasn’t gotten one of the big honors here, I’ll double check in a second.
Cameron
January 2, 2018 @ 9:51 am
They play outside of their region. The crowds are growing.
Chris
January 2, 2018 @ 9:56 am
You will get no argument from me regarding this pick.
I can’t get enough of them.
DimM
January 2, 2018 @ 9:59 am
Listening and supporting Turnpike’s Troubadours: That’s what makes you country.
Kenny
January 2, 2018 @ 10:04 am
Trigger I think you had a typo good sir, believe you meant to type Cody Jinks!
DJ
January 2, 2018 @ 11:53 am
Me too!
Charlie
January 2, 2018 @ 10:04 am
Who are the winners? I think it’s . . .
2017 – Turnpike Troubadours
2016 – Sturgill Simpson
2015 – Whitey Morgan
2014 – Sturgill Simpson
2013 – Jason Isbell and Sturgill Simpson
2012 – Marty Stuart
2011 – Justin Towns Earle
2010 – Jayke Orvis
I like the pick. if there is one band I would recommend to a non-country fan to bring them into the fold, it would be Turnpike Troubadours.
I got to get to one of their shows sometime! They’re close on Aug. 4, but that could be a gig night.
Someguy
January 2, 2018 @ 12:25 pm
>if there is one band I would recommend to a non-country fan to bring them into the fold, it would be Turnpike Troubadours.
Nailed it. This, along with Felkers exceptional songwriting, is what sets them apart. And is probably the #1 requirement if we are gonna “save country music”
Cool Lester Smooth
January 2, 2018 @ 11:07 pm
I’d go with Stapleton, just because he’s got that ridiculous voice and blues-y songs…but TT are my go-to for converting “I only like ZBB” people.
BJones
January 2, 2018 @ 10:04 am
These guys are good but really more of a rock band in my view.
Ryan
January 2, 2018 @ 10:15 am
Not trying to argue, but how are they a rock band?
R2D2
January 2, 2018 @ 10:31 am
Same question here.. I think it’s obvious they have some rock influences and country/rock songs but they feel like a pretty straightforward country band to me.
Therhodeo
January 2, 2018 @ 5:45 pm
You guys obviously don’t get it. Maybe you just can’t hear how not country they are over all the fiddle and pedal steel. They’re obviously just a bunch of city boys from Tahlequah. Ha they even sing about European made shotguns…
Kenny M.
January 3, 2018 @ 2:34 am
“city boys from Tahlequah” That’s too funny
RWP
January 2, 2018 @ 10:12 am
Sounds like a commercial for the new season of “Nashville”
RWP
January 2, 2018 @ 10:15 am
This is what I get for being a smart ass. That comment was supposed to be for the Carrie Underwood article.
Turnpike Troubadours rule anyway. Good pick.
Jared
January 2, 2018 @ 10:26 am
I’ve seen TTs a couple times at different Maryland venues – twice in the DC area and once in the western, more rural part of the state. Each show was FANTASTIC and packed with energy – both from the fans and the band. Totally disagree that anything about the band is “too regional”. Just darn good music.
Delores Coon
January 2, 2018 @ 10:34 am
– I would like to donate GARY ALLANfor the artist of the year
ScottG
January 2, 2018 @ 10:36 am
Nice choice. My favorite album in a long time. I gave Purgatory a shot after all the acclaim here but still think A Long Way from Your Heart is the best. Anyway, that might be splitting hairs…can’t complain about the quality of music coming out lately.
Debating seeing them play at an arena with Miranda Lambert and John Pardi. Would so much rather see them headline in a smaller venue, but might have to settle for this in the Seattle area. Nice to see them coming out here regardless.
KGD
January 2, 2018 @ 5:57 pm
I’m going to just see Miranda and Pardi. Would LOVE to see the Troubadours thrown into that package.
#alwaysgototheshow
Craig Danger
January 2, 2018 @ 10:37 am
Pardon me while I stand up and applaud
Stringbuzz
January 2, 2018 @ 10:45 am
Can’t complain with the choice. Understand why it was made.
There are pretty solid arguments for others to made as well.
But this is to celebrate TT.
I am curious on how much of an impact they will actually make beyond their fan-base, which I will admit is growing.
musicfan
January 2, 2018 @ 1:53 pm
Well, they did score an appearance on Austin City Limits. For a scrappy little band from NE Oklahoma to me that is proof of their appeal and talent. I’ve been a fan for almost 7 years, and from halfway through the first song I heard them do, I knew how good they were. This is well-deserved recognition for them.
Cool Lester Smooth
January 2, 2018 @ 11:09 pm
Felker’s also on World Cafe in February.
Therealbobcephus
January 2, 2018 @ 10:56 am
Was going to say waiting for the “turnpike troubadors aren’t country enough” comment but it already happened
scott
January 2, 2018 @ 11:45 am
Great choice. Saw them in 2014 at Stubb’s, blew me away. They keep getting better with each new CD release. Even my “I hate country music” friends like these guys.
Sir Adam the Great
January 2, 2018 @ 12:15 pm
I have to say, this new record was stuck in my head and may as well have been stuck in my car CD player when it first came out. They are an amazing band and a great pick.
On a side note, any word on another John Fullbright solo record?
Nick
January 2, 2018 @ 5:27 pm
Don’t be surprised if Fullbright is back with TT eventually. A recent interview, Evan jokingly said that he’s been trying to weasel back in. Wouldn’t bother me!
musicfan
January 2, 2018 @ 5:47 pm
This wouldn’t surprise me either…from what I gathered online, John joined them for their ACL taping. I would love it if he was back with them full-time!
Benny Lee
January 2, 2018 @ 12:38 pm
Awesome choice!
Glad that TT, TC, and SS all got awards this year.
OlaR
January 2, 2018 @ 12:44 pm
Good choice. The Turnpike Troubadours are a great act.
My favourite artist of 2017: Gretta Ziller. Her song “Queen Of Boomtown” is my Song of 2017 & the album of the same name is still playing 3-4 times a week.
Bob
January 2, 2018 @ 1:34 pm
Never heard of them
71dude
January 2, 2018 @ 3:17 pm
Send that second paragraph to every alleged “country” radio station in the USA.
Monica Spencer
January 2, 2018 @ 3:49 pm
Love very thing Evan writes. It’s county music! He’s 35 or more years younger than me but I can still relate to everything he says! Keep telling the story Evan. I don’t want it to end.
Jeffro
January 2, 2018 @ 4:13 pm
I could not agree more. These guys bring it. Outstanding live shows. And the songs carry me well past a week.
JP
January 2, 2018 @ 5:50 pm
Excellent Choice!!! Someone commented that they are “too regional”. Well, I live in upstate New York and I’m 61 and they translate just fine for me. Top-notch songwriting, infectious music, and solid musicianship. I own every piece of music they have put out and there’s not a clunker in the bunch. Now…if they would only Tour my neck of the woods…
Doug T
January 2, 2018 @ 6:31 pm
Saw them twice in Charlotte NC. Packed Houses both. First show I was near the stage. I turned around to see everyone there singing along to every word. Whether SiriusXM (where I first heard “Wrecked”) or Pandora whatever, the word ihas obviously gotten around. They ain’t regional any longer.
Mike2
January 2, 2018 @ 8:27 pm
Good choice. A Long Way from your Heart was probably the best Country album released last year, and certainly set a new standard for them. I think Sturgill also deserves this award for his role in bringing Tyler Childers to fame, and for his infamous busking set outside the CMA’s. However, I’m sure the comments section would be in an uproar if he won again.
Daniele
January 3, 2018 @ 2:39 am
My 2 cents on TPT being “too regional”: I’m a 42 years old italian father of two, living in Rome(Italy) and i think both their last two albums are absolutely brilliant!!
CountryKnight
January 3, 2018 @ 10:12 am
Saw them in Philadelphia at Union Station. Place was packed.
Excellent choice, Trigger. The Turnpike Troubadours are the perfect band to bridge the independent and Nashville fandom gap.
Damn shame that they aren’t on the radio. A great loss for Country Music.
WD
January 4, 2018 @ 8:08 am
Not picking Chris Stapleton reminds me of Michael Jordan not winning the MVP back in his prime. No offense to the Turnpike Troubadors or anyone else.
Karl
January 6, 2018 @ 10:47 am
As a 58 year old grandpa that grew up with real country music like Cash, Waylon, Willie, Hank Jr, Merle etc. I can absolutely agree with this selection. I first heard their music when I relocated to Texas from Chicago three years ago and have seen TT in two live shows and will continue to follow them in their successful way of saving country music.
JG
January 6, 2018 @ 2:07 pm
First saw them in Indy in June of 2016 for 10 bucks, and as someone who was not traditonally considered a country music fan, had no clue who they were. Since that show they have become by far, my favorite band and we have seen them in Nashville twice, Lexington, Fort Worth, Bloomington, Peoria, St. Louis, and Chicago!
Every show was packed, and the performances have been amazing. The audience energy and participation was especially surprising in STL and Chitown. Can’t wait to see them at Red Rock this June!
Larry Wasem
January 13, 2018 @ 1:35 pm
We’ve seen them three times in San Francisco at Slim’s. Always sold out. We have also seen them in Austin, San Antonio and twice in Tulsa. Simply the finest band in America right now. We’ll see them next month in Key West with a whole lot of other great acts at Mile 0.