The Cadillac Three is a Nashville-based Southern rock band known for their unique sound and style that blends country, rock, and blues. Formed in 2011, the band consists of Jaren Johnston on lead vocals and guitar, Kelby Ray on lap steel guitar, bass, and vocals, and Neil Mason on drums and vocals.
Over the years, The Cadillac Three has gained a dedicated fan base and has established themselves as one of the most exciting and original acts in the country music scene.
In this article, we will explore the early years of The Cadillac Three, the individual talents of each band member, and their contributions to the band’s success. We will also delve into the band’s unique sound and style, their chart-topping hits and fan-favorites, their touring and live performances, and their awards and accolades.
Additionally, we will take a look at what the future holds for The Cadillac Three and what fans can expect from the band in the years to come.
Key Takeaways
- The Cadillac Three is a Nashville-based Southern rock band known for their unique blend of Southern rock, country, and blues.
- They have gained critical acclaim and established themselves as one of the premier Southern rock bands of the modern era, with several hits on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and multiple award nominations and wins.
- The band’s music is characterized by Jaren Johnston’s powerful vocals, Kelby Ray’s multi-talented musicianship, and Neil Mason’s dynamic drumming style, all reflecting their Southern roots, love for rock and roll, and passion for storytelling.
- Touring and live performances have been crucial to their success, showcasing their talent as musicians and performers and allowing them to connect with fans around the world.
The Early Years of The Cadillac Three
During their formative years, The Cadillac Three honed their unique blend of Southern rock, country, and blues through countless gigs in local bars and clubs. The band was formed in Nashville, Tennessee in 2011, comprising of Jaren Johnston on vocals and guitar, Kelby Ray on lap steel guitar, bass and vocals, and Neil Mason on drums and vocals. All three members had already established themselves as successful songwriters and musicians in the Nashville scene, having penned hits for artists like Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, and Miranda Lambert.
The Cadillac Three’s early live performances were characterized by their high-energy sound and tight musicianship, which helped them build a loyal fanbase in Nashville and beyond. They released their debut album, โTennessee Mojo,โ in 2013, which showcased their unique sound and earned critical acclaim. The album included standout tracks like โThe South,โ which featured guest appearances from Dierks Bentley, Florida Georgia Line, and Mike Eli of the Eli Young Band.
With the release of their debut album, The Cadillac Three were firmly established as one of the most exciting and innovative bands in the Southern rock and country music scenes.
Jaren Johnston: The Voice of The Cadillac Three
Jaren Johnston’s powerful vocals have become synonymous with the unique sound of the Southern rock genre. As the lead singer of The Cadillac Three, Johnston’s raspy and soulful voice has been a driving force behind the band’s success. His ability to effortlessly blend country, rock, and blues influences has won over fans and critics alike, making him one of the most respected voices in modern Southern rock.
To fully appreciate Johnston’s vocal talent, here are three things to keep in mind:
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Johnston’s vocal ability is rooted in his love for classic Southern rock bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers. He has cited these bands as major influences on his sound and vocal style.
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Johnston’s voice is often described as ‘gritty’or ‘raw,’which adds an extra layer of intensity to The Cadillac Three’s music.
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Despite his impressive vocal range, Johnston is also known for his songwriting skills. He has written hit songs for other country artists, including Keith Urban and Tim McGraw.
Kelby Ray: The Multi-Talented Musician
Kelby Ray, a multi-talented musician, has been an integral part of The Cadillac Three since its formation in 2011. Ray’s skills as a bassist, guitarist, and lap steel player have contributed greatly to the band’s unique sound and success in the Southern rock genre.
He is known for his ability to blend different styles of music, including country, rock, and blues, to create a sound that is both familiar and fresh.
In addition to his musical talents, Ray is also a skilled songwriter and has co-written many of The Cadillac Three’s hit songs. He is known for his ability to tell stories through his lyrics and capture the spirit of the South in his songwriting.
Ray’s contributions to The Cadillac Three have helped the band achieve commercial success and establish themselves as one of the premier Southern rock bands of the modern era.
Neil Mason: The Driving Force behind The Cadillac Three’s Rhythms
Neil Mason’s dynamic drumming style provides the driving force behind the rhythmic foundation of The Cadillac Three’s sound. Mason’s drumming has been described as a mix of classic rock, country, and blues, which perfectly complements the band’s unique blend of Southern rock and country music. His drumming style is characterized by powerful, driving beats that provide the backbone for the band’s music.
In addition to his drumming, Mason also contributes to the band’s songwriting process, showcasing his versatility as a musician. Mason’s songwriting contributions to the band are integral to their sound, providing a unique perspective and adding depth to their music.
Mason’s drumming is heavily influenced by classic rock bands such as Led Zeppelin and The Who, which can be heard in his powerful and dynamic playing style. Mason’s background as a producer and engineer has helped shape the band’s sound and contributed to their overall success.
Mason’s live performances are known for their high-energy and dynamic nature, which further showcases his talent as a drummer and musician.
To fully appreciate Neil Mason’s role in The Cadillac Three, here are some noteworthy points to consider:
The Cadillac Three’s Unique Sound and Style
The distinct sound and style of The Cadillac Three is characterized by a unique blend of Southern rock and country music, which draws influence from classic rock and blues. The band’s music is characterized by heavy guitar riffs, swaggering rhythms, and raw, unapologetic lyrics. They have been praised for their ability to blend different genres seamlessly, creating a sound that is both familiar and fresh.
One of the defining features of The Cadillac Three’s sound is the use of slide guitar, which is a staple of Southern rock and blues. The band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, Jaren Johnston, is known for his gritty vocals and his ability to make the guitar sing. The rhythm section, comprising bassist Kelby Ray and drummer Neil Mason, provides a solid foundation for the band’s music, with Mason’s drumming style adding a unique flavor to their sound.
Overall, The Cadillac Three’s music is a reflection of their Southern roots, their love for rock and roll, and their passion for storytelling.
Collaborations with Other Artists
Collaborations with other artists have allowed Jaren Johnston, the lead vocalist and guitarist of The Cadillac Three, to showcase his songwriting skills and explore different musical styles. Johnston is known for his ability to write powerful and emotional lyrics that resonate with listeners.
He has collaborated with several artists in the country music industry, including Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, and Jake Owen. One of Johnston’s most successful collaborations was with Keith Urban on the hit single ‘You Gonna Fly’. Johnston co-wrote the song with Preston Brust and Chris Lucas of the country duo LoCash. The song was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earning a nomination for Single of the Year at the 2013 Academy of Country Music Awards.
Collaborating with other artists has allowed Johnston to share his talents with a wider audience, while also allowing him to learn from other musicians and explore different musical genres. Collaborations with other artists have been an important aspect of The Cadillac Three’s success. Johnston’s songwriting skills and musical talents have been showcased through his collaborations with other artists, allowing him to reach new heights and explore different musical styles.
These collaborations have also allowed Johnston to learn from other musicians and grow as an artist, ultimately contributing to the success of The Cadillac Three.
Chart-Topping Hits and Fan-Favorites
Achieving chart-topping hits and garnering fan-favorites are key indicators of The Cadillac Three’s success in the country music industry. The band has had several hits on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, including ‘The South,’which peaked at number 29, and ‘White Lightning,’which reached number 33. In addition, their song ‘Graffiti’was a top 40 hit on the Hot Country Songs chart. These accomplishments have solidified The Cadillac Three’s place in the industry and have helped them gain a loyal fan base.
Aside from their chart success, The Cadillac Three has also gained a following for their live performances and fan-favorite songs. Their hit ‘The South’has become an anthem for many fans and is often played at their concerts. Other notable fan-favorites include ‘Days of Gold,”Peace, Love & Dixie,’and ‘Bury Me in My Boots.’These songs showcase the band’s unique sound and have helped them gain a dedicated fan base that continues to support them on their musical journey.
Touring and Live Performances
Touring and live performances have been a crucial aspect of The Cadillac Three’s career, allowing them to connect with fans and showcase their unique sound on stage. The band has toured extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and Australia, playing at renowned venues and festivals such as the Ryman Auditorium, CMA Fest, Download Festival, and the Country to Country Festival. They have also shared the stage with notable artists such as Tim McGraw, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and ZZ Top.
The Cadillac Three’s live performances are known for their high energy and dynamic sound, blending elements of country, rock, and blues. The band’s unique approach to music has garnered them a loyal fan base, with fans often traveling long distances to attend their shows. The band’s live performances have also been praised by critics, with Rolling Stone describing them as ‘a force to be reckoned with on stage.’
The Cadillac Three’s commitment to touring and live performances has undoubtedly played a significant role in their success, allowing them to connect with fans and establish themselves as one of the most exciting acts in contemporary country music.
Awards and Accolades
Recognition for their unique sound and style has earned The Cadillac Three several awards and accolades from the music industry and fans alike. The band has been nominated for multiple awards, including the Country Music Association Award for Vocal Group of the Year in 2015 and 2016, and the Academy of Country Music Award for Vocal Event of the Year in 2017.
In addition, they have won several awards, including the UK Classic Rock Roll of Honour Award for Best New Band in 2014, and the Inspirational Award at the 2018 UK Americana Awards.
The Cadillac Three’s ability to seamlessly blend country, rock, and blues has not gone unnoticed, and they have been praised by critics and fans alike. The band’s unique sound and style have earned them a dedicated fanbase and have established them as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Their success and recognition are a testament to their hard work and dedication to their craft, and it is clear that The Cadillac Three’s music will continue to captivate audiences and earn them further accolades in the years to come.
The Future of The Cadillac Three: What’s Next for the Band?
The future prospects of The Cadillac Three are highly anticipated by their dedicated fanbase and industry professionals. The band has proven to be versatile in their musical style, ranging from country rock to blues rock, and they have showcased their ability to evolve with each album release.
Their latest album, ‘Tabasco and Sweet Tea,’released in 2020, is a testament to their constant innovation and experimentation. With this in mind, it will be interesting to see where the band goes next in terms of their sound and lyrical content.
Aside from their musical direction, The Cadillac Three has also been known for their energetic live performances, which have garnered them a strong following. It is expected that they will continue to tour extensively in the years to come, especially as the world slowly recovers from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With a loyal fanbase and a solid reputation, The Cadillac Three is poised to continue making waves in the music industry, and their future endeavors will undoubtedly be met with anticipation and excitement.