See How 18 Country Stars Looked When They Were Young
(Left) Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer / Getty Images / (Center) Paul Natkin / Contributor / Getty Images / (Right) Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer / Getty Images
See 18 Photos Of Country Music Artists In Their Younger Years, Before They Hit It Big & Became The Legends We Know Today
Many country stars have been (or were) in the business for decades. Those who started their careers long before the prevalence of the internet didn’t have their photos circulating like modern artists do.
Not to mention, many country artists emerged on the scene with a different “look” than they’re known for today. For example, Willie Nelson started his career with short hair and no beard, and he wore a suit. He adopted his now-famous braids, bandana, and scruffy beard later in his career.
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Below, we’ve included photos of 18 beloved country stars in their younger years. Take a look at the photos, and see if you can recognize who they are. We’ll also provide a clue below each artist’s photo. Then, we’ll reveal everyone’s identities at the end of the list.
See Photos Of 17 Country Stars When They Were Young Below
Country Star #1
This lovely lady was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2009, several years after she retired from performing.
Country Star #2
The young fella in this photo may be clean-shaven here, but he was known for rocking a mustache in the later years of his career!
Country Star #3
The handsome outlaw in this photo formed his first band when he was only 14 years old. He’s obviously a little older in this picture here, but it was still taken early in his career!
Country Star #4
This young man was born into a country music family. Both he and his father are in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Country Star #5
Now who is this well-dressed gentleman? He’s quite young in this picture, but he just celebrated his 90th birthday in 2023!
Country Star #6
This artist was only 13 years old when her debut single was released. Now, she’s set to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame later this year (2023).
Country Star #7
We sadly lost this fiddle-playing star in 2020, just four years after he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Country Star #8
It may be a little easier to identify the young country star in this photo. But we don’t blame you if you’re stumped, because this artist looks quite different without his signature mustache and white hat.
Country Star #9
This young country singer was photographed in 1956 when he would have been 24-25 years old. He went on to become a country music icon, and died in 2013 at the age of 81.
Country Star #10
The handsome fella in this picture is known as a country singer-songwriter and actor. This particular photo was taken in December 1970 when he was 34 years old.
Country Star #11
The young artist in this photo was known for sporting a more rugged appearance for most of his career. He passed away on April 6, 2016, which was also his 79th birthday.
Country Star #12
This beautiful young lady was only 13 when this picture was taken. She was the same age when she broke into the country music scene with the release of her debut single.
Country Star #13
The fiddle-playing singer in this picture was born to be a star. Her artistry has been recognized with tons of accolades, including 27 Grammy Awards.
Country Star #14
This good-lookin’ guy didn’t start his career as a country artist. He made the shift into country in later years, and passed away in 2020 at the age of 81.
Country Star #15
The stunning star in this photo was 27-28 years old at the time. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008.
Country Star #16
This country star was just 21 years old when this picture was taken. She released her first single nine years later (in 1997) and scored her first #1 hit three years after that (in 2000).
Country Star #17
The country singer in this snapshot achieved an even greater level of fame after starring in a movie with Burt Reynolds in 1977.
Country Star #18
It may be pretty easy for y’all to figure out who the young artist is in this photo. But in case you’re stumped, here’s your hint. She was only 13 years old when she recorded what many consider to be her signature song!
So Who Are/Were All Of These Country Stars In The Photos?
Now that you’ve looked through the photos and read the clues, here’s who all of the artists are/were.
