The Cadillac Three

Over 183.6K+ followers on spotify, Popular for country rock, southern rock, country, red dirt music genre.

The Cadillac Three are a band synonymous with the Southern rock and country music scene, renowned for their authentic sound and vibrant live performances. The group hails from Nashville, Tennessee, a city famous for its deep-rooted music heritage. Comprised of members Jaren Johnston (lead vocals, guitar), Kelby Ray (bass guitar, lap steel, vocals), and Neil Mason (drums, vocals), they are often celebrated for their tight-knit chemistry, stemming from their shared upbringing. All three members attended the same high school, where their collective passion for music first took hold. Influenced heavily by the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers Band, their childhood experiences in Nashville immersed them in a diverse musical landscape. Johnston, specifically, was inspired early on by his father, who is also a musician and songwriter, providing a creative environment which nurtured his budding talent. Their foray into music began within the local high school scene, gradually expanding as they honed their craft, energetically meshing rock and country elements into a sound truly representative of their Southern roots.

The musical journey of The Cadillac Three is a testament to their dedication and authenticity. Emerging initially under the moniker American Bang, the group decided to redefine their artistic direction and thus rebranded as The Cadillac Three. This reinvention marked a pivotal point in their career, helping them carve out a distinctive niche within the genre. Embracing a blend of Southern rock, country, and blues, they released their self-titled debut album in 2012 through Big Machine Records, which laid the groundwork for their signature sound. Their career trajectory has been marked by a steady upward climb, driven by their engaging live shows and commitment to genuine storytelling. Breakthrough moments, such as the release of their hit single 'The South' in 2013, featuring artists like Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan, and Dierks Bentley, highlighted their ability to infuse their sound with collaborative creativity. Over the years, their music has evolved to reflect both personal and artistic maturity, transcending traditional genre boundaries while maintaining their Southern rock ethos.

The Cadillac Three's discography is a vibrant reflection of their musical evolution and prowess. Their eponymous debut album 'The Cadillac Three' was introduced in 2012, setting the stage for subsequent successes. 'Bury Me in My Boots', released in 2016, was their sophomore effort that solidified their presence in the music industry; it was well-received and peaked within the Top 40 of the Billboard 200. Following this, they launched 'Legacy' in 2017, which showcased their ability to seamlessly intertwine heartfelt lyrics with robust instrumental backing. 2019 saw the release of 'Country Fuzz', a project celebrated for its genre-blending experimental sounds that included rock, country, and blues influences. Their keen sense of rhythm and harmony is evident across their bodies of work, with each album reflecting their growth both sonically and lyrically. Throughout their career, they have consistently delivered music that resonates with their fanbase, each release demonstrating their prowess in crafting compelling Southern-infused rock anthems.

The Cadillac Three have made significant inroads into the charts, building a repertoire of hit songs that highlight their knack for combining infectious melodies with engaging lyrics. Their 2013 breakout single 'The South' soared on the charts, garnering substantial radio play and streaming activity, thanks to its catchy chorus and dynamic collaboration. Another noteworthy track, 'White Lightning', found its place in listeners' hearts, bringing them further recognition from both country and rock audiences. The track became one of their most streamed songs, contributing to their growing popularity. Additionally, 'Party Like You', from their album 'Bury Me in My Boots', found commercial success, charting on both country and rock charts. Their song 'Dang If We Didn't', showcasing their trademark gritty sound with a modern twist, further confirmed their versatility. Each release continues to elevate their status in the music scene, emphasizing their innate ability to create hits that appeal to diverse music fans.

Collaboration plays a significant role in The Cadillac Three's musical narrative, providing them with an avenue to explore and expand their creative horizons. One of their most prominent collaborations was the 2013 track 'The South', which featured an all-star lineup including Florida Georgia Line, Dierks Bentley, and Mike Eli of the Eli Young Band. This partnership not only cemented their place within the music community but also showcased their ability to work harmoniously with other artists to produce memorable music. Beyond featured tracks, Jaren Johnston has established a name for himself as a prolific songwriter, penning hits for country music heavyweights such as Tim McGraw and Keith Urban. This dual approach has allowed them to gain a broader perspective on their creative process, opening doors to a plethora of featured works that highlight their adaptability and collaborations across various music styles. These experiences have been instrumental in refining their sound and expanding their musical influence.

In the modern music landscape, streaming statistics serve as an indicator of an artist's reach and popularity. The Cadillac Three has successfully connected with a global audience, as evidenced by their robust streaming numbers across major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. On Spotify alone, they boast over 1.5 million monthly listeners, illustrating the wide appeal of their music beyond traditional radio play. Songs like 'The South' and 'White Lightning' have collectively amassed millions of streams, affirming their status as Southern rock mainstays. On Apple Music, similar trends reflect their growing fanbase, with albums such as 'Country Fuzz' garnering significant playtime. On YouTube, their live performance videos, particularly at music festivals and concert tours, regularly accumulate thousands of views each, showcasing their dynamic stage presence and connecting audiences worldwide. This broad digital footprint underscores their relevance in today's digital music era, proving that their sound resonates deeply with listeners across diverse demographics.

The Cadillac Three's contributions to the music industry have not gone unnoticed, with numerous awards and accolades highlighting their journey. While they may not have yet taken home the coveted Grammy, they have earned nominations that reflect their stature within the industry. Their consistent presence in the CMT Music Awards nominations is a testament to both their artistic prowess and fan appeal. Moreover, their albums have achieved commercial success, receiving Gold certification from the RIAA, pointing to significant sales milestones that further solidify their influence. The band's dynamic nature and authenticity have earned them critical acclaim from various music magazines and publications, such as Rolling Stone and Billboard, which regularly highlight their contributions to the Southern rock genre. Their ability to fuse traditional country and rock elements into a modern sound has earned them not only a loyal following but also respect and recognition from industry peers, continually affirming their place in the music landscape.

The Cadillac Three are often lauded for their distinct musical style, combining traditional Southern rock with contemporary country influences, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and refreshingly current. Much of their musical identity is derived from pioneers of Southern rock, such as Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top, whose influence can be heard in the gritty guitars and robust rhythms that characterize their music. However, The Cadillac Three bring their flair to the genre, blending elements of blues and country to forge a unique sonic signature that stands out in today's music scene. Their lyrics often weave together stories reflecting Southern life, love, and the band's journey, delivered with sincerity and a raw edge that resonates with audiences. The trio's influences extend beyond Southern rock, reflecting broader musical tastes, including classic rock and roll and country icons, which they skillfully integrate into their sound. This eclectic blend informs their dynamic live performances and recordings, making them a standout act in the genre.