Chris DeLine

It might not make complete sense to call it the “CMT generation,” but the country music channel has certainly had an undeniable effect on the face of the genre. Historically, there’s clearly been crossover appeal between the country standards and Southern rock bands, but the past decade has seen an unusual collision between country, pop, and rock. Though not quite as unlikely as Def Leppard performing with the likes of Taylor Swift and Tim McGraw (both of which actually happened), much of this change has had to do with musicians like Kid Rock leaning heavily on their Southern-fried influences. After befriending Hank Williams Jr., Rock gradually moved away from his Bawitdaba rapping with Joe C. and Uncle Kracker, and built a fan following around his countrified songs with the support of CMT. His 2007 album found what might be the ultimate balance between the ever-shifting face of rock-influenced country; the album would go on to sell some four million copies worldwide and help solidify the Detroit native as one of the nation’s premier mainstream crossover rock stars. But just as his career would be different without the backing of certain outlets, Rock would be nothing without his influences, and there are few more important to the history of Southern rock than Lynyrd Skynyrd. The legendary band has been touring with him this summer will bring their show to Minnesota as they join Rock for what is likely to be one of the year’s most boisterous showcases. All ages.

[This critics’ pick was originally published by City Pages.]