The Best of Roots Rock Music

A blog dedicated to the best of roots rock music. Find the latest news, reviews, and interviews with the top artists in the genre.

What is Roots Rock Music?

Roots rock music is a musical genre that combines elements of rock ‘n’ roll, folk, country, and blues. The genre developed in the 1970s as artists began to explore their own roots in American music.

Roots rock artists were often inspired by the music of earlier generations, but they also sought to create their own sound. They used traditional instruments and song structures, but they also incorporated new elements, such as electric guitars and amplification.

Roots rock music has remained popular throughout the years, and it continues to influence other genres of music. Some of the most popular roots rock artists include Bob Dylan, The Band, Neil Young, The Eagles, and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

The Origins of Roots Rock Music

Roots rock music is a type of rock music that is defined by its roots in traditional American musics such as country, folk, and blues. The term “roots rock” was coined in the mid-1970s by Rock critic Dave Marsh to describe the music of artists like Bob Dylan, The Band, Neil Young, and Creedence Clearwater Revival. These artists were all influenced by traditional American music, but they also incorporated elements of rock and roll into their sound.

Roots rock quickly gained popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s with the release of albums like The Exile on Main Street by The Rolling Stones and Rumours by Fleetwood Mac. In the 1990s, roots rock experienced a resurgence in popularity with bands like Wilco and Uncle Tupelo.

The Best Roots Rock Artists

Roots rock is a style of popular music that evolved out of the rock and roll of the 1950s and 1960s. It is a blend of blues, country, folk, and rock & roll. The term “roots rock” was coined in the mid-1970s by Dave Marsh, a music critic for Creem magazine.

Some of the best roots rock artists include:

The Band: Formed in Toronto, Canada in 1968, The Band was originally the backing band for Bob Dylan. They released their debut album, Music from Big Pink, in 1968. The Band is considered one of the most influential groups in roots rock history.

The Eagles: Formed in Los Angeles, California in 1971, The Eagles are a country-rock band that has sold over 150 million albums worldwide. They are best known for their hits “Hotel California” and “Take It Easy.”

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Formed in Gainesville, Florida in 1976, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are a rock & roll band that has sold over 80 million albums worldwide. They are best known for their hits “I Won’t Back Down” and “Free Fallin’.”

Lucinda Williams: Lucinda Williams is a singer-songwriter who was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana in 1953. She is considered one of the most important figures in Americana music. Her debut album, Lucinda Williams, was released in 1988.

The Best Roots Rock Albums

Root rock is a subgenre of rock music that combines elements of rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and country music. The term “roots rock” was coined by Rockabilly Hall of Fame founder Roger Alan Wade in the 1980s.

The best roots rock albums represent a wide range of styles, from the country-infused sounds of The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers to the more R&B-based style of Little Feat and Booker T. & The MGs. There are also essential albums from artists who defy easy genre categorization, like Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and The Band.

Here are 10 of the best roots rock albums ever made.

The Best Roots Rock Songs

There are many great roots rock songs out there, but these are our picks for the best of the best. From classics like “The Weight” by The Band to more recent hits like “I Am the Highway” by Audioslave, these are the songs that we think define this genre of music.

Roots rock is a type of music that takes elements of other genres, including folk, blues, country, and rock ‘n’ roll, and creates something new and unique. This type of music is often seen as a reaction against the more polished sound of popular music in the 1950s and 1960s.

The roots rock movement began in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and it continues to be popular today. If you’re a fan of this genre, then you’ll definitely want to check out our list of the best roots rock songs.

Roots Rock Music Today

Roots rock music today is a genre that is a mix of traditional rock music and blues. This type of music often has a heavy guitar sound and lyrics that are about real life experiences. Some of the best roots rock bands today include The Black Crowes, The Bottle Rockets, and Drive-By Truckers.

The Future of Roots Rock Music

There is no question that roots rock music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Bands like The Avett Brothers, Alabama Shakes, and Mumford & Sons have brought the genre to new heights, and there is no sign of it slowing down. But what does the future of roots rock music hold?

There are a few factors that point to continued success for roots rock music. First, the genre has always been built on a foundation of catchy melodies and hooks. This is something that will never go out of style. Second, roots rock music often tells stories that are relatable to a wide range of people. Whether it’s tales of love, loss, or struggle, there is always something that everyone can connect with.

Another reason why roots rock music will continue to thrive is because it appeals to all ages. There are many young people who are discovering the genre for the first time and falling in love with it. At the same time, older fans who have been listening for decades are still just as passionate about the music. This shows that roots rock has a timeless quality that will keep it relevant for years to come.

So what does the future hold for roots rock music? It looks bright! With its mix of catchy tunes, relatable lyrics, and a wide appeal, it’s easy to see why this genre is here to stay.

Roots Rock Music Festivals

Roots rock music festivals are the perfect way to experience the best of this genre. From the legendary New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival to the annual Austin City Limits Music Festival, there are plenty of opportunities to catch top roots rock acts performing live. These festivals often feature a mix of established acts and up-and-coming talent, making them the perfect place to discover new music.

Roots Rock Music Venues

Roots rock music is a genre that combines elements of rock and roll, country, funk, and blues. The term “roots rock” was coined in the early 1990s, and the genre has since become one of the most popular forms of rock music.

There are many great roots rock music venues around the world, but here are just a few of our favorites:

The Crooked Road in Virginia: This venue is dedicated to showcasing the best in Appalachian music. They have a great lineup of shows all year round, and they also offer educational programs about the history and culture of Appalachian music.

The Fillmore in San Francisco: This legendary venue has hosted some of the biggest names in roots rock music over the years, including Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead, and The Allman Brothers Band.

The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville: This iconic country music venue has been showcasing roots rock music for decades. They have an impressive lineup of shows all year long, and they also offer a variety of educational programs about country music history and culture.

10)Roots Rock Music in the Media

Roots rock music in the media has been growing in popularity over the past few years. This type of music often uses acoustic instruments and focuses on storytelling. It is sometimes referred to as Americana or alt-country. Here are 10 of the best roots rock albums that have been released in recent years.