Uncle Tupelo was an
alternative country music group from
Belleville, Illinois, active between 1987 and 1994.
Jay Farrar,
Jeff Tweedy, and
Mike Heidorn formed the band after the lead singer of their previous band, The Primitives, left to attend college. The trio recorded three albums for
Rockville Records, before signing with
Sire Records and expanding to a five-piece. Shortly after the release of the band's major label debut album
Anodyne, Farrar announced his decision to leave the band owing to a soured relationship with his co-songwriter Tweedy. Uncle Tupelo split on May 1, 1994, after completing a farewell tour. Following the breakup, Farrar formed
Son Volt with Heidorn, while the remaining members continued as
Wilco.