Blackjack Billy

In 2011, Nashville gave rise to Blackjack Billy, a band branded, accurately or not, as "the Rolling Stones of country." Songwriters and singers Rob Blackledge and Noll Billings came together with Jeff Coplan, who also works as a producer and recording engineer, after each had launched solo careers, secured publishing deals, or done both. Once bassist Patrick Cornell and drummer Brad Cummings joined, the group took shape and pursued the sound it describes as "redneck rock." Its first single, "The Booze Cruise," came out independently in spring 2013.