Uncle Tupelo, the seminal ’90s band from Belleville, Illinois, is often hailed as the genesis of alt-country. While high school friends Jay Farrar, Jeff Tweedy and Mike Heidorn may shirk that credit, their mutual quest to blend punk rock roots with traditional folk classic country melodies had a profound effect on roots music.

Formed in 1987, Uncle Tupelo released four full-length albums before disbanding in 1994. Tweedy formed the band Wilco, while Farrar formed Son Volt as well as performing solo.