Country Music's Surprising History In Minnesota

Minnesota isn't a state that people instantly think of when you say Country music. Sure, we've got one of the largest country festivals in North America with We Fest; yes, we consistently offer sold-out shows to visiting artists, and it's FAIR to say our state fair ranks as one of the best in the nation for food, fun, and entertainment. But did you know these 5 'hidden' Minnesota Country connections?

Fishing Here Can't Be Beat

Three country artists just loved coming to Minnesota to fish, and most of us can agree it's time well spent.

Not only does Bocephus himself like coming up to Central and Northern Minnesota to drop a line in the water, but Hank Williams Jr. must also have mentioned it to his other rowdy friends.

Get our free mobile app

On top of Hank Williams Jr enjoying the land of 10,000 lakes, Travis Tritt and the late Charlie Daniels both enjoyed time spent on the water trying to catch fish.

The Man In Black Came To Minnesota Quite A Bit

Johnny Cash played Minnesota several times, including Evelth High School in 1958.

While Cash never recorded an album here, he did stop and play several times, including at We Fest back in 1984 alongside June Carter Cash.

One of country music's most iconic truck-driving songs was recorded in Minneapolis

It's somewhat hard to imagine that a truck-driving song that hit it big in Country music came from Minneapolis and not Nashville, but that's what really happened. Dave Dudley's "Six Days on the Road" was recorded at Kay Bank Studios in Minneapolis in 1963. Not familiar with it? Give it a listen below.

How many of the 5 artists named did you know who really seem to enjoy Minnesota? I just knew about Hank Williams Jr, and his love of Lake Mille Lacs for fishing.