One of the most polite country music artists was arrested at the start of this year, and another one was arrested a few days later.
On this list of the most startling news stories about country music in 2024, neither of them ranks in the top five.
There are several arrests. Two of the hitmakers you know and love were facing unresolved felony charges, and at least four of them were imprisoned.
- Taste of Country named Cody Johnson’s “Dirt Cheap” the No. 1 country song of 2024.
- Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion album was chosen as the top country album of 2024.
- Toby Keith, Joe Bonsall and Kris Kristofferson were three Country Music Hall of Fame artists who died in 2024.
In addition, 2024 will be remembered as the year of crossovers and collaborations, two of which are featured in the year-end gallery below. You’re better than us if you were able to forecast who would have the year’s top song a year ago.
By looking over a year’s worth of headlines and tracking interaction and reaction over time, Taste of Country produced this list of the top 13 most startling news items. The year was favorable for both lawlessness and romantic relationships. This year, a well-publicized split in country music was averted.
As a matter of fact, no significant country pair or group of people called it quits.
This list includes one significant death, a new role for Carrie Underwood, and Randy Travis’s comeback. At number 13, the Country Music Hall of Famer really starts this list. There aren’t many things that would astound you more than hearing the legend’s latest song in May.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
