3 Rock Bands From the 1970s That Went Country Before It Was Cool

Three 1970s rock bands helped shape country rock by bringing country sounds and instrumentation into rock before the blend became common. The article argues their influence reached later rock and country artists, even though some of the pioneers did not achieve mainstream success.

The Flying Burrito Brothers, associated with Gram Parsons, recorded “Wild Horses” before the Rolling Stones and built a devoted following. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band connected Southern rock and West Coast music, with their version of “Mr. Bojangles” among their best-known songs. Poco, formed from the remnants of Buffalo Springfield, combined melodic rock, harmonies and country instrumentation, and scored a major 1970s hit with “Crazy Love”.