Rednex

Biography

Rednex is a Swedish music group that achieved significant international fame in the 1990s. The project was conceived by Swedish producers Janne Ericsson, Örjan "Öban" Öberg, and Patrick Edenberg, who decided to mix American country music with Eurodance. The group's name is a deliberate misspelling of "rednecks," and their image is inspired by American redneck stereotypes.

Breakthrough and Success

Rednex exploded onto the music scene in 1994 with their debut single, "Cotton Eye Joe," a dance version of a traditional American folk song. The song was an instant international hit, reaching number one in numerous countries, including the UK, Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland. It remains their only major hit in the United States, peaking at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their debut album, "Sex & Violins," was released in 1995 and featured other successful singles like "Old Pop in an Oak" and the ballad "Wish You Were Here".

Musical Style

The musical style of Rednex is a distinctive fusion of country, bluegrass, and folk with Eurodance and pop. This unique blend, often described as "country techno," set them apart in the 90s music landscape. Their songs frequently feature a combination of female vocals for the verses and a male voice for the chorus, a structure common in Eurodance music. The lyrics often contain tongue-in-cheek humor and innuendo.

The Rednex Concept and Lineup Changes

Rednex is better described as a concept or a project rather than a traditional band. The trademark is owned by the producers, and the performers are seen as embodying the Rednex spirit. This has resulted in numerous lineup changes throughout the group's history, with no single member having a continuous tenure. The original lineup included vocalist Mary Joe (Annika Ljungberg), Ken Tacky (Arne Arstrand), Bobby Sue (Kent Olander), Billy Ray (Jonas Nilsson), and Mup (Patrick Edenberg). Since 2012, Rednex has operated with a "performer pool," allowing for multiple lineups to perform simultaneously around the world.

Later Years and Legacy

The group released their second studio album, "Farm Out," in 2000, which included the hit single "The Spirit of the Hawk". A greatest hits compilation, "The Best of the West," followed in 2002. Despite the frequent changes in performers, Rednex continues to tour and release music. They have sold over 10 million records worldwide. The band's unconventional approach and their massive hit "Cotton Eye Joe" have secured their place in 90s pop culture history.