The Best Honky Tonk Bands/Artists

To many music fans, honky tonk music encompasses if not a subgenre, then is a general name for old school, retro country music. Elements of country music, like a fiddle, steel guitar that emanated in Oklahoma and Texas were present in honky music, as was the ragtime sound. Honky tonks was a nickname for bars that played country western music or in the present day, honky tonks would be simply known as dive bars. Simply put, honky tonk music, even today, remains wildly popular. For some people, honky tonk music was taken to the masses by the Rolling Stones' popular hit, "Honky Tonk Women," which was inspired by honky tonk artists.

So, what are the best honky tonk bands and artists? Any list of honky tonk artists has to include the first family of modern country music, the Williams. Beginning with Hank Williams and moving down his bloodline, they were extremely popular because of their blend of honky tonk country along with elements of rhythm and blues. Additionally, you'll see the likes of Jimmie Rodgers, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Billy Joe Shaver and Loretta Lynn on this list. All of these artists are legends of country music and thus, honky tonk music. This list answers the questions "who are the best honky tonk bands of all time?" and "who is the greatest honky tonk musician ever?"

If you know enough about the genre, please vote based on the quality of the band's music instead of just voting for the most popular honky tonk bands that you might've heard of. {#nodes}