The music doesn’t care if the singer grew up rich or poor. Great songs from artists who knew both are counted among the best in country music.
There are legends on both sides, but this list of country stars who grew up rich and poor makes clear that learning how to work for your dinner at a young age is an advantage. There are nearly two dozen stars — and 10 Hall of Famers — on that side of the ledger.
Compare that to just nine artists who grew up rich, and one starts to ask if there’s a bias or if songwriters raised in more humble households just know how to connect more effectively.
From homelessness and squalor, to mansions and luxury, learn the backgrounds of nearly 30 country singers. Some may have had certain advantages, but all have relied upon a steely work ethic to top country music charts repeatedly.
Hank Williams Jr., Miranda Lambert and Alan Jackson are a few names on the list. You’ll also learn about Kid Rock, Darius Rucker and Dolly Parton‘s raising.
9 Country Stars Who Grew Up Rich
The son of a rock star, the daughter of a famous actor, a son of a car dealer and two wealth managers’ kids are among the country artists listed below. These nine country stars grew up rich, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t work hard to get where they are today.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes
19 Country Stars Who Grew Up Dirt Poor
Most of the country artists on this list of stars who grew up poor were so poor that they didn’t even know it. Remarkably, the majority of these 19 singers reflect on their formative years with a smile, choosing to remember the love instead of the lack of food, running water or basic shelter.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes