Country’s Class of ’89 Celebrated

Where were you in '89? It was the year Taylor Swift was born, and the year Keith Whitley died.

And while veteran country acts Alabama, Dolly Parton and Ronnie Milsap continued to have hit records, 1989 will also be remembered for giving country music fans their first taste of Garth Brooks, Clint Black, Alan Jackson and Travis Tritt. Dubbed "The Class of '89," each of them had their first major hits during that year, and dominated the early 90s, increasing country music's popularity and visibility like never before.

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the debut of the class of '89, Country Weekly magazine pays tribute to these stars and more, with their February 23 issue. Look for it on newsstands now.