10 Classic Country Albums Turning 20 in 2019
From the Dixie Chicks to a surprising Dolly Parton comeback


The Dixie Chicks' 1999 album 'Fly' is among 10 essential country albums turning 20 in 1999.
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At the end of the 20th century, country music was predictably in a mood to look back. The year enjoyed the evocation of various Nashville Sounds, was gifted with George Jones’ last great album ever, and was particularly tuned into its bluegrass roots: Dolly Parton and alt-country pioneer Steve Earle went all high and lonesome, and Marty Stuart duetted with Earl Scruggs. (Plus, Jim Lauderdale teamed with Ralph Stanley and his Clinch Mountain Boys on a swell bluegrass album that didn’t quite make the cut here.) Still, the only direction is forward: Cue the Dixie Chicks, ready to fly.