The Cadillac Three: Nashville's Southern Rock Powerhouse

The Cadillac Three are a hard-driving American band that blends country storytelling with the raw energy of Southern rock and heavy guitar riffs. Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, the trio has carved a dedicated international following through relentless touring and albums like 2016's "Bury Me in My Boots," which charted in both the US and UK.

Early career

The band's roots trace back to high school friendships in Nashville, with the core lineup solidifying as The Cadillac Three in 2011. Before that, members Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason, and Kelby Ray performed under the name American Bang, releasing a rock album on Warner Bros. Records in 2010.

This early major-label experience provided industry insight, but the group soon refocused on a grittier, more distinctly Southern sound that felt authentic to their roots. They rebranded and began building a reputation through explosive live shows, catching the attention of Big Machine Records.

Breakthrough

The band's self-titled debut album, "The Cadillac Three," was released in 2012, but their true commercial breakthrough arrived with the 2016 album "Bury Me in My Boots." The album debuted at number 5 on the UK Country Albums chart and number 32 on the US Billboard Top Country Albums chart, fueled by a strong overseas fanbase.

This success was driven by relentless roadwork and standout singles that became anthems. Signing with Big Machine Label Group provided a significant platform, and their music found a natural home on rock and country radio formats.

Key tracks

The South — This collaboration with Florida Georgia Line, Dierks Bentley, and Mike Eli became a platinum-certified regional anthem, highlighting Johnston's potent songwriting for others.

White Lightning — The lead single from their debut album established their signature swampy, riff-heavy sound and became a staple of their live set.

Peace Love & Dixie — A track exemplifying their party-rock spirit, it solidified their connection with fans who craved unapologetic Southern rock.

Country Fuzz — The title track from their 2020 album perfectly encapsulates their self-described genre, merging country themes with distorted guitar tones.

Tabasco & Sweet Tea — This later track showcases their ability to craft a slow-burning, atmospheric groove while maintaining their lyrical edge.

Following their breakthrough, The Cadillac Three have maintained a consistent output, releasing albums like "Legacy" (2017), "Country Fuzz" (2020), and "Tabasco & Sweet Tea" (2021). They are respected songwriters within the Nashville community, with frontman Jaren Johnston penning chart-toppers like "You Gonna Fly" for Keith Urban.

The band's powerful live show has made them a favorite on festival circuits worldwide, from the UK's Download Festival to US country festivals. Their collaboration roster includes artists like Eric Church, Chris Stapleton, and Brothers Osborne, reflecting their credibility across rock and country scenes.

Fans of The Cadillac Three's gritty Southern rock sound often appreciate the work of Blackberry Smoke, who share a similar blend of Skynyrd-inspired rock and country soul. The raw, guitar-driven energy of Whiskey Myers also resonates with the same audience, offering stories from the heartland. For the outlaw country spirit within their music, listeners turn to Jamey Johnson and his uncompromising songwriting. The modern Southern rock vibe of The Steeldrivers, especially with Chris Stapleton, explores similar thematic territory.

The music of The Cadillac Three is a regular feature on a wide array of radio stations, from mainstream country FM to dedicated classic and Southern rock formats. Their distinct "country fuzz" sound also finds a home on independent music radio stations and online rock radio streams that champion guitar-driven music with a story.

Listeners can discover the powerful Southern rock anthems of The Cadillac Three by tuning into the radio stations featured on our website. Their catalog