Top 50 Most Popular Country Singers Of All Time

Taylor Swift first captivated audiences with her natural charm and remarkable talent, launching her career in the heart of country music. Moving to Nashville to chase her musical dreams, she soared to prominence with her breakthrough album Fearless, skillfully merging classic country elements with catchy pop melodies.

Swift's fearless experimentation across genres has made her a dynamic force in the music industry, securing her status as one of the most influential singer-songwriters of her era. With sales topping 200 million records worldwide and eight chart-topping Billboard Hot 100 hits, her impact is undeniable.

In recent years, Swift has explored indie-folk and alternative rock sounds, further highlighting her artistic versatility. Her achievements include 11 Grammy Awards and a coveted spot on Rolling Stone's 2015 list of the 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time, cementing her legacy in modern music.

Dolly Parton’s journey to stardom began early, as her extraordinary musical talent shone through when she performed on local radio shows as a child. Her natural charisma and passion for music set the stage for a legendary career.

At just 13 years old, she made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry—an iconic moment that signaled her future as a country music icon. Over the years, Parton has achieved 25 number-one country singles, making her a trailblazer who effortlessly bridged the gap between country and pop.

In addition to her unparalleled success in music, Dolly Parton has found acclaim as an actress and is celebrated for her far-reaching philanthropic efforts, most notably through The Dollywood Foundation.

Carrie Underwood captured the nation's heart after winning the fourth season of American Idol, instantly becoming a rising star in the country music scene. Her debut single, "Inside Your Heaven," made history as she became the only country artist to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Her incredible talent and influence have been widely recognized—she was honored as one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in 2014. Over her career, Underwood has earned an impressive seven Grammy Awards, twelve Billboard Music Awards, and seventeen American Music Awards.

With her powerful vocal range and versatility, Carrie Underwood effortlessly bridges genres, occasionally venturing into pop and gospel. This cross-genre success has helped her win over fans far beyond traditional country music audiences.

Johnny Cash's journey in music started with hardship but was marked by extraordinary transformation. Beginning as a defiant and rebellious figure, he later reinvented himself and reshaped his career during the late 1960s, setting the stage for a powerful legacy in the industry.

As his persona evolved, Cash became an outspoken activist, expanding his influence far beyond country music. He earned multiple Grammy Awards and Country Music Association honors, all while blurring genre lines by combining rock and roll, blues, folk, and gospel into his unmistakable style.

For decades, Cash’s deep, resonant bass-baritone voice captivated millions, renowned for its emotional depth and ability to both comfort and inspire. Raised in rural Arkansas as the son of cotton farmers, he first achieved fame in the 1950s, forging a unique path in the country music scene.

His impact on music was so significant that he became the youngest living inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The compelling chapters of his life and career were later immortalized in the award-winning 2005 film "Walk the Line," with Joaquin Phoenix portraying the legendary singer.

Willie Nelson stands as a true icon in the world of country music, demonstrating extraordinary commitment since early childhood. At just seven years old, he wrote his first song, and began performing soon after. His passion for music led him to Nashville, where he started crafting songs for Pamper Music.

Nelson's songwriting prowess produced classics for some of country’s biggest names, including Faron Young and Patsy Cline. His breakthrough solo album, Red-Headed Stranger, cemented his legacy. As a trailblazer of the outlaw country movement, Nelson continues to influence the genre, performing and releasing new material well into his 80s.

Known as "Little Miss Dynamite," Brenda Lee emerged as an undeniable country music sensation during the 1960s. Despite her petite stature, Lee possessed a powerhouse voice that captured listeners and left a lasting mark on the era's radio waves.

Excluding music legends like Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Ray Charles, no other artist matched Lee's impressive number of top-ten hits in that decade. While "Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree" remains a holiday favorite, the heartfelt ballad "I’m Sorry" is widely considered her signature song.

Honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Brenda Lee was also a pioneer as the first woman to be inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Blake Shelton is a highly accomplished country music star whose journey began as a songwriter, penning tunes for music publishers before launching his own performance career. His breakthrough arrived with the release of his debut single, "Austin," under Giant Records—a song that swiftly climbed to No. 1 on the country charts.

Known for skillfully merging rock influences with classic country melodies, Shelton has built a signature sound that resonates with fans and critics alike. His exceptional talent has earned him numerous accolades, including a Billboard Music Award, ten Country Music Association Awards, six Academy of Country Music Awards, and ten CMT Music Awards.

Many of Shelton's albums and singles have dominated the charts, and he was named a CMT Artist of the Year as well. In addition to his musical success, Shelton has achieved widespread popularity as a coach on The Voice, where members of his team have won the competition an impressive eight times.

Shania Twain is one of the best-selling female artists in country music history, having sold over 100 million records worldwide. Although her self-titled debut album in 1993 struggled to gain traction, it marked the beginning of a remarkable career.

Undeterred by early setbacks, Twain returned with her breakthrough album, The Woman in Me, which quickly became a massive success. While some critics have questioned her country credentials, many recognize her as the "Queen of Country Pop." Her music, blending mainstream pop with country influences, is celebrated for messages of feminism and female empowerment.

Tim McGraw stands out as one of country music’s most influential figures, thanks to his dynamic talents as a singer, actor, guitarist, and producer. His ability to craft emotionally resonant songs has garnered him a devoted following, making his music a timeless staple across generations.

Known for delivering powerful ballads and heartfelt love songs, McGraw made a sensational debut in the mid-90s. Over his prolific career, he has released 16 studio albums, with ten rising to number one on the Top Country Albums chart.

Tim McGraw’s impressive legacy includes an array of awards: three Grammys, three People's Choice Awards, ten American Music Awards, eleven Country Music Association Awards, and fourteen Academy of Country Music Awards—reflecting his enduring impact on the country music scene.

Chris Stapleton stands out as one of the most acclaimed vocalists and songwriters in country music, renowned for his soulful voice and deeply resonant lyrics. Before rising to fame as a solo artist in 2015, Stapleton was a member of two influential bands: the SteelDrivers and the Jompson Brothers. His debut album, Traveller, made an immediate impact by reaching number one on the Billboard 200.

With over 170 songwriting credits, Stapleton has contributed to an array of chart-topping hits such as "Never Wanted Nothing More," "Your Man," and "Love’s Gonna Make It Alright." His songwriting and musicianship have played a pivotal role in shaping both country and mainstream music, showcasing remarkable artistic diversity.

Primarily recognized as a country artist, Stapleton has also crossed genres through collaborations with global stars like Adele and Ed Sheeran. His extraordinary talent has been recognized with five Grammy Awards and ten Country Music Association Awards, securing his position as a true icon in the music industry.

Garth Brooks burst onto the scene in 1989 with Capitol Records, redefining country music by expertly blending influences from country, pop, and rock. His groundbreaking style struck a chord with fans worldwide, driving record sales of over 170 million copies and cementing his place as a music icon.

Not only is Brooks a dynamic performer, but he is also an accomplished songwriter whose storytelling continues to resonate with listeners. His enduring influence has led to his inductions into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2016.

Brooks made further history with his third album, Ropin' the Wind, which became the first country album to top the Billboard 200 chart. This milestone solidified Garth Brooks' legendary status in the annals of country music.

Known as "The Queen of Country," Reba McEntire stands as one of America's most successful female country artists. With over 75 million records sold worldwide and more than 100 singles making their mark on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, her influence on the genre is undeniable.

Remarkably, Reba's acclaimed album, From My Broken Heart, was released following a personal tragedy in which she lost eight of her band members in a plane crash—a loss that deeply shaped both her life and music.

Though rooted in country, Reba has broadened her artistic reach by embracing various musical genres. Her powerful vocal control and ability to master intricate melodies set her apart as a truly exceptional performer in the world of country music.

Born to a sharecropper’s family in Arkansas, Glen Campbell began his musical journey in the 1960s as part of Los Angeles’s renowned session band, the Wrecking Crew. He quickly rose to prominence with a string of hit songs throughout the 1960s and 1970s, and gained further recognition by hosting his own popular TV variety show.

Campbell became celebrated for his ability to blend pop, country, and rock influences into his music, resulting in massive crossover hits. This innovative fusion played a significant role in broadening the appeal of country music to new audiences.

Spanning over five decades, his remarkable career has seen him sell more than 45 million records worldwide. Additionally, he earned twelve gold albums, four platinum records, and one double-platinum album, cementing his legacy as one of country music’s most successful artists.

Loretta Lynn, famously known as the "Coal Miner’s Daughter," enjoyed a remarkable career in country music that spanned over six decades. Celebrated as one of the all-time greats, she holds the distinction of being the most awarded female country singer in history.

Lynn is fondly remembered for her iconic duets with Conway Twitty and her impressive record of ten number-one country albums. She achieved multiple gold records, earned three Grammy Awards, and received honors from the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music. Her extraordinary story inspired the 1980 musical film "Coal Miner's Daughter," which was based on her life.

Keith Urban began his musical journey in Australia, where he quickly gained attention before making the move to Nashville following the release of his self-titled debut album in 1990. A gifted songwriter and guitarist, Urban has often credited his parents for fostering his passion for American country music, laying the foundation for his future success.

Over the years, Urban has amassed numerous accolades from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association, celebrated for his distinctive fusion of country and rock influences. A Grammy Award winner for Best Male Country Vocal Performance, he further expanded his influence as a judge on the hit TV show American Idol.

Emmylou Harris was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008 and honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. Her celebrated career began with key collaborations alongside Gram Parsons, which set the stage for her enduring influence in country music.

Her debut album, Pieces of the Sky, marked her entrance into the country scene, while her follow-up, Elite Hotel, soared to the top of the charts. Renowned for her partnerships with iconic musicians like Neil Young and Linda Ronstadt, Harris has earned 14 Grammy Awards and is a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Recognized as the first master of genre-blending in country music, Bob Wills skillfully merged jazz, hillbilly, blues, urban dance rhythms, and Latin influences into his signature style of "Texas fiddle music." His innovation transformed the landscape of country music.

Wills went on to demonstrate that country music could be as dynamic and versatile as any genre worldwide. Widely regarded as the founder and King of Western Swing, he established the Texas Playboys in 1934, pioneering a sound that captivated audiences.

Thanks to their jazz-inspired arrangements, the Texas Playboys achieved national prominence throughout the 1940s. Bob Wills received his due recognition with induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1968, and, in 1999, he and the Texas Playboys were also honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Hank Williams is hailed as one of the most influential figures in the history of country music. He first captivated audiences through local radio performances in Montgomery, Alabama, setting the stage for a legendary career.

Williams established his own band, The Drifting Cowboys, quickly earning a devoted following in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida thanks to his emotive voice and genuine storytelling.

Although his life and career were tragically cut short by a fatal heart attack at just 29, Hank Williams became one of America's earliest and most iconic country superstars. His profound legacy continues to shape the genre.

Many of his timeless songs have inspired generations of country artists. Today, his influence endures as modern musicians pay tribute by covering his classics, ensuring Hank Williams remains a celebrated icon in contemporary country music.

Few country artists can match Alan Jackson's impressive career, spanning over three decades. Often called the "quiet man" among country stars, Jackson boasts more than 30 chart-topping singles and nearly 80 million records sold—over half of those in the United States alone.

Celebrated for his "neotraditional country" style, Alan Jackson is also a talented songwriter, having authored many of his own hits. In total, 66 of his songs have landed spots on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.

George Jones possessed a remarkable voice that brought incredible authenticity and emotion to the country genre. His ability to convey complex feelings through his singing made even the most intricate songs captivating.

With a career defined by numerous hit records, Jones earned international fame and was deeply committed to the lyrics he sang. His legendary track, "He Stopped Loving Her Today," remains one of the most beloved songs in country music history.

Merle Haggard, born in Oildale, California, at the tail end of the Great Depression, faced a challenging early life—especially after losing his father. His turbulent youth included multiple incarcerations, but it also fueled his later artistry.

Defying the odds, Haggard transformed his troubles into a legendary country music career. Often called the poet laureate of country music, his songwriting offered vivid, honest glimpses into his complex world, resonating deeply with listeners.

Inspired by Jimmie Rodgers, Merle began recording in 1962, crafting songs that explored self-reckoning and the persistent search for meaning and redemption. His lyrics often reflected life's bargains and heartfelt struggles.

With classics like "I’m a Lonesome Fugitive," "Branded Man," "Mama Tried," and "Sing Me Back Home," Haggard scored a remarkable 38 Number One hits on the country charts between 1966 and 1987, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.

Tanya Tucker, who shot to stardom at the age of 13 with her 1972 hit "Delta Dawn", went on to become one of the few child artists to mature into adulthood without losing her audience.

In fact, she is one of the only child stars who continue to be successful years into her music career. That country twang in her voice helped her release several successful albums and earn several Country Music Association award nominations over the years.

Often credited with bringing a rock and roll sound to outlaw country, she won her first two Grammys for Best Country Album and Best Country Song in 2020. Even though it's been more than fifty years since she first found fame, Tanya seems to be doing amazingly well.

Toby Keith quickly rose to stardom after releasing his first four studio albums in the 1990s, each earning Gold or higher certification. This early success firmly established him as a powerhouse in the world of country music.

His debut single "Should've Been a Cowboy" topped the country charts, launching a streak of chart-topping hits. Notably, "How Do You Like Me Now?!" dominated the airwaves and became the number one country song of 2000.

Beyond his music career, Toby Keith has made numerous television appearances as part of his professional engagements. He even appeared at the inaugural Total Nonstop Action Wrestling weekly pay-per-view, showcasing his versatility and wide appeal.

In recognition of his significant contributions to the arts, Keith received the National Medal of Arts from President Donald Trump in a private ceremony in early 2021, a precaution taken due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Carter Family, consisting of A.P. Carter, his wife Sara, and sister-in-law Maybelle, forever transformed the landscape of American music. Together, they pioneered a fresh and distinctive country sound that resonated with listeners nationwide.

Emerging in the late 1920s, their heartfelt harmonies and creative use of guitar, autoharp, and banjo set them apart from traditional country musicians. Their style, drawn from rich folk roots, became the blueprint for modern country music.

By the time they disbanded in 1943, The Carter Family had recorded over 250 songs, leaving a tremendous legacy. Their influence extended well beyond country, fueling the American folk revival of the 1960s and inspiring countless artists for generations to come.

The greatest singing duo in country music history, Charlie and Ira Louvin were known to record songs furiously and went on to release three albums in 1958 alone. Known for their simple string-based music in the 1950s, they mostly wrote and performed country, bluegrass, and gospel music.

Credited with popularizing the vocal technique of close harmony in country and country rock, the duo became regulars at the Grand Ole Opry. They are best remembered for their string of hit singles in the late 1950s and early '60s.

Famous for his honesty and emotional appeal with his romantic ballads, Kenny Chesney is a successful singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer, who has recorded over 20 albums. He has sung more than 30 songs that have gone on to hit the number-one spot on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts.

While he has headlined a few successful tours, his Flip-Flop Summer Tour went on to become the highest-grossing country tour in 2007. Needless to say, Chesney's spectacular success drew the attention of the Country Music Association, which ended up awarding him the Entertainer of the Year Award for four consecutive years.

Widely regarded as the definitive pioneer of the Outlaw Movement in country music, Waylon Jennings became a symbol of rebellion and innovation during his era. He began playing guitar at just eight years old and was performing professionally by fourteen, choosing to leave high school at sixteen to fully commit to his musical ambitions.

Waylon Jennings was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001 and honored posthumously with the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award by the Academy of Country Music in 2007. He was instrumental in shaping the outlaw country sound throughout the 1970s.

Known for his powerful, gritty vocals and a catalog of bold, boundary-pushing songs, Jennings carved out a distinct legacy that set him apart in country music history.

Brad Paisley, who made his debut in 1999 with Who Needs Pictures, has released 11 studio albums since then. So far, he has had ten singles that have managed to reach the number-one spot on the US Billboard Country Airplay chart.

The artist mainly records and performs with his band The Drama Kings and his style expands through country rock, hard rock, and Southern rock. As of now, Paisley has won three Grammy awards, 14 Academy of Country Music Awards, 14 Country Music Association Awards, and two American Music Awards.

Alison Krauss may not have been the commercial sensation as most other country artists on our list, but she is definitely one of the most decorated ones. She started her outstanding musical journey by competing in local contests by the age of eight and recording for the first time by the time she was 14.

While she was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2019, Krauss was also inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in late 2021. That said, it is imperative to mention that only Beyoncé, Quincy Jones, and Georg Solti have won Grammy awards than her.

Eddy Arnold is an exceptional crossover artist whose golden voice allowed him to shuffle seamlessly between storytelling and easy-listening crooning. While he thrived on hits like 1947's "I'll Hold You in My Heart" and 1965's "Make the World Go Away" to hold his ground, he also earned the tag of "Tennessee Plowboy" for he was a farmhand on his sharecropper father's estate.

Arnold made his radio debut in 1936 and went on to score 147 songs on the Billboard country music charts. He ranked 22nd on Country Music Television's 2003 list of "The 40 Greatest Men of Country Music" and is reported to have sold over 85 million records to date.

Luke Bryan first made his mark in the country music scene by writing songs for notable artists like Travis Tritt and Billy Currington. His songwriting talent paved the way for a successful solo career that would soon take the genre by storm.

In the 2010s, Bryan became a household name, achieving massive commercial success. He boasts over 75 million records sold worldwide, with his first ten albums producing an impressive 27 number-one hits. Honored as "Entertainer of the Year" by the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2013, Bryan credits influences from icons such as George Strait and even the Beastie Boys for shaping his distinctive sound.

George Strait, often hailed as the "King of Country," played a pivotal role in revitalizing classic western swing and honky-tonk sounds within the country music genre. Despite facing early career challenges, Strait rose to prominence during the 1980s and 1990s. His legendary status was cemented as he went on to sell over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling country artists in history.

As a trailblazer of the neotraditionalist movement in country music, Strait's big break came in 1981 when he landed a one-song deal with MCA Records. That opportunity launched a journey that would shape the future of country music for generations.

Buck banked on his genial, rubbery singing style and his tough guitar playing to define the hard-driving Bakersfield Sound of the 1960s. He played in dance bands for years before his career took off courtesy of hits such as "Act Naturally", "My Heart Skips a Beat", and "I've Got a Tiger By the Tail".

One of the most successful country hit-makers of the era, Owens grew up in North Texas and moved with his family to Arizona during the Depression. He was also the lead singer for Buck Owens and the Buckaroos, which had 21 No. 1 hits on the Billboard country music chart.

A member of both the Country Music Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, he co-hosted the popular show Hee Haw with Roy Clark.

Those who are familiar with classic country music would be aware of the fact that Ray Price became a crucial figure in both honky-tonk and the string-swept modern sounds of Countrypolitan.

Born in a tiny town in northeastern Texas, he used to shuttle between his family farm and Dallas. Therefore, some of the songs that he began to record in 1949 mirrored his journey from the country to the city.

His wide-ranging baritone is regarded by many as among the best male voices of country music. Elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1996, Price continued to record and tour into his 80s.

Not a lot of country singers since the inception of this school of music have been as prolific as "Big Iron" singer Marty Robbins. The man is credited with recording over 500 songs from the 1940s to the early 1980s.

Robbins, whose music was a hit with both pop and country music listeners, garnered multiple Grammy awards and had several top hits throughout his career. His inimitable work is known to have inspired hugely popular stars such as Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.

Add to that the fact that he had a fairly successful career as a NASCAR driver.

Roger Miller began his musical career as a songwriter in the late 1950s and reached the peak of his fame in the mid-1960s. Best known for his honky-tonk-influenced novelty songs and his chart-topping country and pop numbers, he was a versatile entertainer who was a comic genius, a playful singer, and a colourful songwriter.

He wrote and performed several songs for the 1973 Disney animated film Robin Hood and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1995.

A mandolinist, singer, and songwriter, Bill Monroe is regarded as the "Father of Bluegrass" for his achievement of having created the bluegrass music genre. He said the genre was pretty much "Scottish bagpipes and ole-time fiddlin'.

He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1970, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1971, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, respectively.

Since he was considered to be the "father of bluegrass", he was also, therefore, an inaugural inductee into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor in 1991.

Dubbed "The King of Country Music", Roy Acuff is often credited with moving the country genre from its traditional "hoedown" format into the singer-driven sound that we are habituated to today.

He got his start in the 1930s with the Smoky Mountain Boys and was a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1938. The well-regarded Hank Williams was once reported saying that Acuff had more drawing power in the South than God himself.

Roy went on to become the co-founder of Acuff-Rose Records, which soon established itself as one of the most significant labels in country music.

The Virginia-born Patsy Cline is widely considered to be one of the greatest country singers of all time. While she first made a name for herself by participating in local radio and television programs, she set the stage on fire nationally with her televised performance of "Walkin’ After Midnight" in 1957.

Even though a near-fatal car accident threatened to derail her flourishing career in 1961, she returned with a bang to the Grand Ole Opry stage just six weeks later. Songs like "I Fall to Pieces" and "Crazy" helped her become one of the first country performers to successfully crossover to the pop music charts.

Luke Combs rapidly emerged as a leading country star, showcasing his talent from a young age and making waves with his debut album in 2017, which soared to number four on the Billboard 200 charts. Combs' signature sound, blending traditional country with elements of other genres, helped propel his swift rise to fame and connect with fans across the musical spectrum.

Honored as the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year in 2021, Combs boasts two Grammy nominations, six CMA Awards, and two iHeartRadio Music Awards. Continually topping the charts, he remains a driving force in modern country music, captivating audiences with every new release.

Miranda Lambert burst onto the country music scene in 2001 with her self-titled debut album, quickly establishing herself as a powerhouse singer-songwriter. Known for her heartfelt and genuine compositions, she has developed a devoted fan base drawn to her authentic storytelling and emotional performances.

In addition to her successful solo career, Lambert is a founding member of the acclaimed group Pistol Annies and boasts multiple Grammy awards. She made history as the first woman to earn two Album of the Year honors from the Country Music Association Awards. Lambert’s music stands out for its bold, feisty lyrics and unflinching honesty, making her songs both empowering and deeply relatable.

This Mississippi native, who was a serial hitmaker throughout the '60s and '70s, is considered among the genre's most influential and successful artists. She and Loretta Lynn are credited with bringing a woman's perspective to the male-dominated country music field; an endeavour that helped other women find representation in the genre.

Also an actress and author, Wynette carried an emotional and pure voice and had the remarkable ability to make any song she recorded her own.

One of the best to sing country, Conway Twitty had 55 number-one hits that not only propelled him to stardom but also helped him maintain his undeniable stature as a country artist.

Not many people know that he was offered a contract by the Phillies to play pro baseball, but turned it down. His prolific country music career saw him record nearly 60 studio albums.

However, it is imperative to mention that his pop-rock hit "It's Only Make Believe" is perhaps his best-known track. Twitty, who received a string of Country Music Association awards for duets with Loretta Lynn, was inducted into both the Country Music and Rockabilly Halls of Fame.

While he was originally a part of the 1950s rockabilly scene, he was also best known as a country music performer.

Nicknamed "the Storyteller", Tom T. Hall was a country singer-songwriter and short-story author who penned 12 No. 1 hit songs. Out of all the songs that he composed, 26 reached the Top 10, and one, "Harper Valley PTA", went on to become an international pop crossover hit.

Hall brought humour to his lyrics that were quite descriptive in nature. His imagination peaked in songs such as "Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine". He was included in Rolling Stone's list of 100 Greatest Songwriters.

Kitty Wells, who was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, in a house full of talented artists, managed to break down barriers for women in country music. Her song, "It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels", went on to become an enormous success on the country and pop charts and pushed her to the cup of stardom.

For the next decade and more, she continued to make her presence felt on top of the charts and was a consistent award winner; therefore, earning the epithet of the "Queen of Country Music."  In fact, she was only the third country singer to win the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ernest Tubb was a singer-songwriter who was one of the pioneers of country music, whose massive hit song, "Walking the Floor Over You" (1941), marked the rise of the honky tonk style of music.

One of his most requested songs, which was often used in dance halls throughout Texas during waltz lessons, was "Waltz Across Texas". It was written by his nephew Quanah Talmadge Tubb.

Tubb, who has also recorded duets with the then up-and-coming Loretta Lynn in the early 1960s, is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame who always stayed dedicated to country music and encouraged new talent.

Known as "The Father of Country Music," Jimmie Rodgers rose to fame in 1927 after being discovered, along with his band, at the historic Bristol Sessions hosted by the Victor Talking Machine Company.

Shortly after, Rodgers seized the opportunity to record with Victor, setting the stage for a legendary career. His signature yodeling made him an early superstar, and memorable songs like "In The Jailhouse Now" and "Blue Yodel No. 1" launched him to national stardom.

Jimmie Rodgers' innovative style influenced nearly every country artist who followed in his footsteps. Tragically, he passed away in 1933 due to tuberculosis-related complications, shortly after his final recording session.

Credited with making honky-tonk country mainstream, Jean Shepard rose to prominence with her 1953 hit "A Dear John Letter". She was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry in 1955 and soon went on to record 24 albums over the next 25 years; each of which helped her become a pioneer for women in country music.

One of the very first female country superstars, the honky-tonk singer-songwriter released a total of 73 singles to the Hot Country Songs chart.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to claim that Lefty Frizzell enjoyed success on par with his Texas buddy Hank Williams in the early 1950s. His career took off with the instant classic "If You've Got the Money I've Got the Time" and he went on to top the charts five times between 1950 and 1952.

Known for the natural warmth and gravity in his singing, he went on to influence generations of singers and is, therefore, deservingly hailed as one of the most influential country music vocal stylists of all time.

Frizzell has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1982 as well as the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Make way for the undisputed "Queen of Rockabilly", Wanda Jackson, who came to prominence in the 1950s opening for Elvis Presley. Right in between country and rock and roll emerged rockabilly, and Jackson thrived on her biting vocals to emerge as the role model for female singers in the genre.

Not a lot of female vocalists have been able to display her range and ability, whose tunes such as "Right or Wrong" helped her establish herself as one of the first women to have an envious career in rock and roll.

It is not in the least bit surprising then that she is counted among the first female stars in the genre of country music.