In no certain order, Sync has compiled a list of our all-time favorite Riverfest acts. If you think we missed one, leave it in the comments.
Drive-By Truckers — This band draws various members from Georgia and Alabama, but is consistently led by Patterson Hood. Featuring a three-guitar onslaught, the band funnels influence from Southern rock traditions from bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd. The band’s most ambitious project was Southern Rock Opera. They were at Riverfest just last year.
B.B. King — Lucille and King graced the stage at Riverfest back in 2005. Originally the Beale Street Blues Boy, now known as the King of Blues, King has won 14 Grammys. His famous guitar(s) Lucille was named after a fire in Twist, Arkansas. Hear King tell the story here.
Blues Traveler — This band is quintessential for a ’90s nostalgia playlist. With hits like “Run-Around” and “Hook,” the gentle picking of the guitar transports listeners to their living rooms, between episodes of "Saved By The Bell" and "Friends." Blues Traveler played Riverfest in 2002.
Widespread Panic — This band hails from the town of Athens, Georgia, which is home to the University of Georgia. John Bell dropped out of journalism school and tried to gather a band with his friend Panic, dubbed so becuase of well-known anxiety. That was 27 years ago, according to their website. Widespread Panic performed in 2011.
George Clinton — The ’70s bands Parliament and Funkadelic were the brainchildren of George Clinton. His work fueled the funk genre and by the ’80s he had begun recording solo albums. Clinton produced prolifically on into the ’90s and showed up at Riverfest in 2011.
Hootie & The Blowfish — Darius Rucker has a solo career now, but it’s worth noting that his roots with Hootie made all of that possible. It’s also worth noting that they were a good band, that produced many hits starting with their 1994 radio debut. The band headlined the 2004 festival.
Willie Nelson — You don’t get to smoke a joint on top of the White House without having a little talent. Nelson’s presence in country music has been cemented since his outlaw days in the ’70s, but he started around 20 years before that. One of the veterans of American music in general, Nelson continues to capture the attention of music fans, he came to Arkansas in 2009.
The Black Crowes — A staple of ’90s culture, The Black Crowes are a band that has stood the test of time. Even people who don’t know the band know their songs. The band’s success started in the ’90s and they continue to release albums, their latest was in 2013. Their Riverfest appearance was in 2010.
Brad Paisley — Paisley, still a burgeoning talent with a few hits under his belt played Riverfest back in 2004. “We Danced” and “Mud on the Tires” were already in rotation on radio stations across the country, but the coming massive success had yet to taint his act.
Snoop Dogg — The best hip-hop show at Riverfest goes to Snoop D-O-double-G. Snoop skyrocketed to fame after appearing on Dr. Dre’s The Chronic. The next year he released Doggystyle under Dre’s Death Row label. From that album we got his first breakout single Gin & Juice. Snoop was at Riverfest in 2012.
Check out our Spotify playlist of the Top 10 Riverfest Acts of All Time: