Country music, with its themes of heartbreak, rebellion, and rural life, has produced its fair share of larger-than-life personalities. However, along with fame often comes controversy, and some of country music’s biggest stars have found themselves on the wrong side of the law. From DUIs to public disturbances, these arrests have captured headlines and sparked public fascination. Morgan Wallen’s arrest, outside Eric Church’s bar, Chiefs, in Nashville on Sunday night for throwing a chair off the roof, is just the tip of the iceberg!
Here are ten of the most famous country musicians who have been arrested:
Johnny Cash
Known for his iconic outlaw image, Johnny Cash had several brushes with the law throughout his life, including arrests for drug-related offences and trespassing. In 1965, Cash was arrested for smuggling amphetamines across the U.S.-Mexico border, an incident that inspired his song ‘Cocaine Blues.’ Another notable arrest occurred in 1967 when Cash was apprehended for trespassing in Starkville, Mississippi, after picking flowers in someone’s yard. The incident led to his famous “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash” introduction in live performances.
Willie Nelson
A staunch advocate for marijuana legalisation, Willie Nelson has been arrested multiple times for possession of cannabis, reflecting his rebellious persona. Despite facing legal consequences, Nelson remained unapologetic about his marijuana use and continued to be an influential figure in both country music and the cannabis advocacy movement.
Randy Travis
Despite his success as a country music artist, Randy Travis faced numerous DUI arrests, shedding light on his struggles with alcoholism and legal issues. n 2012, Travis was arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) after crashing his car in Texas. Subsequent arrests followed in 2013, further tarnishing his public image.
Glen Campbell
Glen Campbell’s battle with substance abuse led to arrests for DUI and drug possession. In 2003, Campbell was arrested for DUI and hit-and-run charges in Phoenix, Arizona, following a car accident. He later pleaded guilty to extreme DUI and leaving the scene of an accident.
Hank Williams Jr
The son of country music legend Hank Williams, Hank Williams Jr. has faced various legal issues throughout his life, including arrests for different offenses. One notable incident occurred in 2006 when Hank Williams Jr. was arrested in Memphis, Tennessee, for assault charges. The arrest stemmed from an altercation at a hotel where Williams allegedly assaulted a waitress.
Waylon Jennings
A key figure in the outlaw country movement, Waylon Jennings had his share of legal issues, including arrests for drug possession and firearm-related charges. In 1977, he was arrested for possession of cocaine and conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine. During the subsequent search of his home, authorities also found various firearms, including rifles and handguns. As a convicted felon at the time due to a previous drug-related offense, Jennings was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Kid Rock
Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, has faced legal issues throughout his career. One notable arrest occurred on October 21, 2007, when he was involved in a brawl at a Waffle House restaurant in Georgia. Kid Rock and five members of his entourage were arrested and charged with simple battery after an altercation with a customer at the restaurant.
Sam Hunt
On November 21, 2019, Sam Hunt faced arrest in Nashville for driving under the influence. Police observed him swerving and driving in the wrong direction down the road. They noted signs of intoxication, including the smell of alcohol and bloodshot eyes. Interestingly, during the encounter, Hunt mistakenly handed them a passport and a credit card instead of his ID.
Following the arrest, Hunt pleaded guilty to misdemeanour DUI charges. He received a sentence of 11 months and 29 days in jail, with all but 48 hours suspended. Additionally, he was mandated to complete an alcohol safety course, lost his license for a year, and had to install an interlock device in his vehicle upon license reinstatement.
Billy Currington
Billy Currington, a country music artist known for hits like ‘People Are Crazy’ and ‘Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right,’ was arrested on April 24, 2013. He was charged with making terroristic threats and elder abuse related to an incident involving a 70-year-old tour boat captain near his home in Tybee Island, Georgia. Currington allegedly threatened the captain after an altercation over a boat charter. He was later released on bond.
Chris Young
Chris Young had an encounter with agents from the Alcoholic Beverage Commission at Dawg House near Music Row earlier this year. Police reports indicate that the agents entered Tin Roof around 8:30 p.m. for a compliance check. Upon approaching Young, they requested his ID, to which he responded by asking questions and recording the agents. After receiving answers, the agents proceeded to another bar, Dawg House, to continue their checks.
Allegedly, Young and others followed the agents to Dawg House. While there, the agents conducted ABC card checks and prepared to leave. It was at this point that Young purportedly attempted to physically restrain one of the agents from exiting the bar by extending his hands. During the encounter, the 6’4″ singer was reportedly forcefully pushed to the ground and subsequently arrested. All charges were dropped within the week!
Jelly Roll
Jelly Roll’s encounters with the law began at a young age, with his first arrest occurring when he was just 14 years old. Over the course of ten years, he found himself in and out of jail for various offences, including drug possession, drug dealing, shoplifting, and aggravated robbery. Despite his troubled past, Jelly Roll’s dedication to music ultimately paved the way for his success in the country music industry.
Whilst Morgan Wallen throwing a chair from the rooftop of a bar on Broadway must not be dismissed, it’s hardly in keeping with the arrests of some of his peers and historical colleagues is it? Rock ‘n’ Roll in 2024!
