Picking a stage name can be an important key to success for many country singers. Being born with an overly wordy or just plain boring name will not aid in becoming recognisable. Some of these stage names are understandable, while others are just a chance to roll off the tongue a little better.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Johnny Cash
Weirdly, Johnny Cash was born with the most half-assed name a parent could give him. Despite all of his siblings having regular names, Johnny Cash was born J D Cash. That's all there was to it, just J D Cash. So, before he pioneered country, 'Ol Cash chose a stage name.
Even if he hadn't, I still think he could have made it big with just letters for his first two names.
Conway Twitty
This son of a steamboat captain has one of the most recognisable names in country, but it's a stage name. He was originally christened Harold Lloyd Jenkins, which doesn't have the same ring to it at all. In an old interview, he revealed how he chose the rather fetching name of Conway Twitty.
"I got that name from a map of the United States way back in 1957. In desperation, I just got the map down and looked at the Memphis area. It's where I'm from down there, and I came across Conway, Arkansas. And then I came across Twitty Texas and put them together." So simple, so effective.
Luke Bryan
Even the current sweetheart of country uses a stage name. Luke Bryan has been lying to us all along and was originally named Thomas Luther Bryan. I can see why he changed it; he transitioned from corporate to country with one simple name change. It isn't the biggest adjustment out there, but it certainly served Thomas well.
Shania Twain
If you ever need proof that good country music can come from outside the US, Shania Twain is the shining example. She's ridden the country music charts her whole career and been blasted in every country bar from sea to sea.
But the country star is also using a stage name. Shania Twain was born Eilleen Regina Edwards, which is a massive change. According to an interview with Home Now Radio in 2001, she wanted something a little less 'Grandma.'
Originally, she was named after her two grandmothers. So, she associated her name with them. Shania Twain originally took her stepfather's last name in his honor, and then just picked Shania because she loved it. Now, she has one of the most recognisable stage names in country.
Wynonna Judd
One of the biggest country stage name switch-ups on the list has to be Wynonna Judd from Christina Claire Ciminella. Honestly, I think her original name is better. It has illiteration, a wicked ring to it, and the name Ciminella.
Her original last name does sound a little like something you would put in your clothes drawer to keep moths out, but the rest of it is amazing. Wynonna Judd served her well, but I would never have got rid of that original. Maybe it was just too much of a mouthful.
