Cross Canadian Ragweed

Most red dirt fans would agree that Cross Canadian Ragweed was one of the best bands to ever come onto the scene. Sadly, they called it quits because of their busy lives, but they did leave us with quite a bit of awesomeness to hang onto before going.

The bands name was made from a combination of the original members' names: Grady Cross, Cody Canada, Randy Ragsdale.

Originally formed in Yukon, Oklahoma, the three childhood friends abandoned their Lynard Skynard and Merle Haggard covers and started doing their own thing aquiring Jeremy Plato on bass. They ended up in Stillwater, Oklahoma getting some airplay on college radio stations, and next thing you know they had released several successful albums.







I don't even know how to put into words how much I love this band because it will just end up sounding cliche. They're pretty much as classic red dirt as you can get with a southern rock influence that made them one of a kind.

As amazing songwriters always do, they gave their crowds songs that almost everyone could relate to, whether they were heartfelt or party-all-night anthems.

In 2010, the guys had to call for a break because Randy Ragsdale really needed to be at home with his family. Instead of proceeding on without him, the group chose to split saying that they were only Ragweed with the four members and if there weren't those four, then they weren't Ragweed at all.

Since then, Cody Canada and Jeremy Plato have formed their own band called The Departed. Ragsdale is said to be touring with Stoney LaRue, while Grady Cross bought and runs the bar that was the scene of Cross Canadian Ragweed's first venue in 1994.

As much as I wish these guys were still around, I'm happy they're still doing what they want. Maybe, just maybe, someday they'll get back together, but until then I guess I'll just listen to my CCR favorites and cry lonely.