Compact Discs

Compact Discs were first released in 1982. I realize that many musicians who became popular before this date now have their music re-released on CDs, but I’ll simply list some of our region’s prominent recording artists who have emerged in the era of CDs along with the date of their first recording contract:  

Keith Whitley of Sandy Hook, Kentucky – 1983

The Judds of Ashland, Kentucky – 1983

Kathy Mattea of South Charleston, West Virginia - 1984

Patty Loveless of Pikeville, Kentucky - 1985

Dwight Yoakam of Pikeville, Kentucky – 1986

Billy Ray Cyrus of Flatwoods, Kentucky - 1990

Kenny Chesney of Knoxville, Tennessee – 1993

Rodney Atkins of Cumberland Gap, Tennessee – 1996

Brad Paisley of Glen Dale, West Virginia - 1999

-- George Brosi