Top 50 Most Popular Country Singers Of All Time

Taylor Swift, renowned for her beauty and exceptional talent, started her career rooted in country music. After moving to Nashville to pursue her musical aspirations, Swift quickly made a name for herself, especially with her breakthrough album Fearless, which beautifully blended traditional country with pop influences.

Her ability to experiment with various genres has made her a versatile singer-songwriter and positioned her among the most influential artists of her generation. Swift has sold over 200 million records globally and boasts eight number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100.

Recently, her music has adopted more indie-folk and alternative rock elements, further showcasing her creative range. With 11 Grammy Awards to her name, Swift was recognized by Rolling Stone in 2015, earning a spot on their list of the 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time.

Dolly Parton was destined for greatness, displaying her passion for music from an early age. She began her career performing on local radio stations, showcasing her remarkable talent as a child.

At just 13, she graced the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, a milestone that foreshadowed her legendary career. With 25 number-one country singles, Parton stands out as one of the most successful artists to bridge country and pop music, earning her a lasting legacy in the genre.

Beyond her musical achievements, Dolly Parton explored acting and is widely recognized for her extensive philanthropy, especially through The Dollywood Foundation.

Carrie Underwood, a talented singer and songwriter, rose to national attention after winning the fourth season of American Idol. Her breakthrough came when her debut single, "Inside Your Heaven," shattered records—making her the only country artist to debut at the top of the Billboard Hot 100.

Recognized for her remarkable influence, Underwood was named one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in 2014. She has also earned seven Grammy Awards, twelve Billboard Music Awards, and seventeen American Music Awards.

Known for her impressive vocal range, Underwood has seamlessly performed across various genres, including pop and gospel, expanding her appeal beyond country music.

Johnny Cash's musical journey began with a series of struggles, yet it was defined by remarkable transformation. Initially emerging as a rebellious figure in the industry, Cash's life and career took a significant turn in the late 1960s.

As his image evolved, so did his influence; Cash became more engaged in activism, broadening his appeal well beyond traditional country music. He won multiple Grammy and Country Music Association Awards, defying simple categorization by blending rock and roll, blues, folk, and gospel into his signature sound.

Across decades, Cash’s distinct, resonant bass-baritone voice became legendary, famed for its ability to soothe and inspire listeners. Raised in rural Arkansas by humble cotton farmers, Cash rose to fame in the 1950s, carving his own path in the country music landscape.

His extraordinary influence led to him becoming the youngest living inductee to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Cash’s compelling life and career inspired the acclaimed 2005 biopic "Walk the Line," starring Joaquin Phoenix as the iconic singer.

Willie Nelson's lifelong dedication to music is evident—he composed his first song at just seven years old. Beginning his performance career in childhood, he eventually moved to Nashville, where he started writing songs for Pamper Music.

Notably, Nelson wrote hits for legendary artists like Faron Young and Patsy Cline. His breakthrough came with the release of Red-Headed Stranger. As a pioneer of the outlaw country subgenre, Nelson remains active in his 80s, continually releasing new music and performing on tour.

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, a talented and seasoned artist, began his career as a songwriter, first making his mark by selling songs to music publishing houses. His big break came when he signed with Giant Records and released the hit single "Austin," which quickly soared to the top of the country music charts.

Shelton's musical style seamlessly blends rock elements with classic country ballads, earning him widespread recognition. His impressive list of accolades includes one Billboard Music Award, ten Country Music Association Awards, six Academy of Country Music Awards, and ten CMT Music Awards.

Throughout his career, many of Shelton's songs and albums have become chart-toppers, and he was also honored with a CMT Artist of the Year award. Beyond his musical achievements, Shelton has gained additional fame as a coach on the TV show The Voice, where eight contestants from his team have emerged as winners.

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 is not only a celebrated country singer but also a gifted actor, guitarist, and record producer. His knack for creating relatable songs has made him a major influence in the world of country music, resonating with fans across generations.

Famous for his heartfelt ballads and love songs, McGraw burst onto the country music scene in the mid-90s. Since then, he has released 16 albums, with ten of them claiming the top spot on the Top Country Albums charts.

Over the years, McGraw's remarkable achievements have earned him three Grammy Awards, three People's Choice Awards, 10 American Music Awards, 11 Country Music Association Awards, and 14 Academy of Country Music Awards.

Chris Stapleton is a highly acclaimed singer and exceptional songwriter, known for his rich voice and heartfelt lyrics. He was a member of two bands, the SteelDrivers and the Jompson Brothers, before launching his solo career in 2015. His debut solo album, Traveller, soared to the top of the Billboard 200 chart.

Stapleton has written or co-written more than 170 songs, contributing to hits like "Never Wanted Nothing More," "Your Man," and "Love’s Gonna Make It Alright." His influence extends to both country and mainstream music production, reflecting his versatility as an artist.

While primarily recognized as a country musician, Chris Stapleton has collaborated with major pop stars including Adele and Ed Sheeran. He is also the recipient of five Grammy Awards and ten Country Music Association Awards, cementing his legacy in the music industry.

Garth Brooks made his debut in 1989 with Capitol Records, blending country, pop, and rock influences into a signature sound. This innovative approach propelled him to remarkable success, with over 170 million records sold globally.

In addition to his celebrated performance career, Brooks is a prolific songwriter. His achievements have earned him inductions into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2016.

Brooks' third album, Ropin' the Wind, made history as the first country album to reach number one on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying his legendary status in 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 launched his music career in Australia before relocating to Nashville after releasing his self-titled debut album in 1990. As a talented songwriter and guitarist, he credits his parents with inspiring his love for American country music, which set the stage for his rise to stardom.

Urban has received numerous accolades from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association, earning recognition for his unique blend of rock and country sounds. A Grammy winner for Best Male Country Vocal Performance, he also served as a judge on the popular television 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 widely regarded as one of the most influential country musicians in history. He first captured listeners’ attention through performances on a local radio show in Montgomery, Alabama. Known for his heartfelt vocals, Williams formed his own band, The Drifting Cowboys, which quickly gained popularity across Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.

Although his career was tragically brief due to a fatal heart attack at the age of 29, Williams became one of America’s earliest country music superstars. His enduring impact has left a lasting legacy on the genre.

Many of his most celebrated hits have inspired generations of country artists. Today, numerous modern musicians honor his influence by releasing covers of his classic songs, keeping his memory alive within 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.

Born in Oildale, California, toward the end of the Great Depression, Merle Haggard lived a troubled life after the death of his father. He was also incarcerated several times in his youth.

However, he managed to turn his life around by kick-starting a career in country music. The poet laureate of country music, his writing was superb and transported one to his complex world rather vividly.

Merle, who wanted to live the things he'd heard Jimmie Rodgers sing about, began his recording career in 1962. His songs were primarily about bargains with the self and a relentless search for something better and meaningful.

The singer of iconic hits such as "I’m a Lonesome Fugitive", "Branded Man", "Mama Tried", and "Sing Me Back Home", he placed 38 hits at Number One on the country charts From 1966 to 1987.

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.

The terrific Toby Keith shot to fame immediately after having released his first four studio albums through the better part of the 1990s. These albums were certified Gold or higher and ended up making the man a force to be reckoned with in country music.

While many of his singles are known to have topped country charts, the first one to do so was his debut single, "Should've Been a Cowboy." his song, "How Do You Like Me Now?!" ended up becoming the number one country song of 2000.

The artist has gone on to make several television appearances as a part of his contract over the years as well. In fact, he was even seen making his presence felt at the first Total Nonstop Action Wrestling weekly pay-per-view.

Keith was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Donald Trump in a ceremony at the beginning of 2021. The event was held privately due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The trio of A. P. Carter, his wife Sara, and sister-in-law Maybelle brought the wind of change to music by going on to create a new style and a whole new sound.

Their music soon came to be recognized as the sound of modern country in the late Twenties. The formidable trio used to sing folk songs over guitar, autoharp, and banjo arrangements and did not really follow the set pattern of country tunes.

By the time the group split in 1943, they’d recorded more than 250 songs. They had a profound impact not only on country music but also on the U. S. folk revival of the 1960s.

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.

Credited with being the one true pioneer of the Outlaw Movement in country music, Waylon Jennings is a name that pretty much meant the movement back in the day. He started playing guitar at the age of eight, commenced performing at age fourteen, and completely let go of high school to focus on his musical journey by the time he turned 16.

Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001 and posthumously awarded the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award by the Academy of Country Music in 2007, Jennings drove outlaw country during the 1970s.

His rich, growling voice and a number of "rebellious" compositions helped him create his own unmistakable sound.

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's career may have seen the light of day as he began songwriting for artists such as Travis Tritt and Billy Currington, but he eventually rose to fame and success in the 2010s.

While his first ten albums featured 27 songs that went on to become number-one hits, he has now sold over 75 million records worldwide. Named the "Entertainer of the Year" by the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2013, Bryan is known to have been inspired by artists such as George Strait and Beastie Boys.

Widely recognized as the "King of Country", George Strait is credited with ushering in a revival of western swing and honky-tonk music. While the iconic country star didn't have an easy start in his career, he shot to fame in the 1980s and 1990s, therefore, establishing himself as one of the top-selling country music artists of all time by selling more than 100 million records globally.

Strait, who was also at the frontier of the neotraditionalist country style, signed a one-song contract with MCA Records in 1981, and the rest, as they say, is history.

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.

This young country music star began performing as a child and released his successful debut album in 2017, which went to the number four spot on Billboard 200. Awarded the Entertainer of the Year Award by the Country Music Association in 2021, he is known for his musical style which tends to do crossovers with country and other genres.

While he has received two Grammy Award nominations, he has also grabbed two iHeart Radio music awards, and six Country Music Association Awards thus far. Combs continues to produce hits that appeal to the masses.

This singer-songwriter began her career in 2001 when she released her self-titled debut album. Today, she is known for her compositions that resonate with many of her loyal listeners. Along with being a solo artist, Miranda Lambert is also a member of the Pistol Annies, who has received several Grammy awards.

In fact, she was the first woman to win two Album of the Year awards from the Country Music Association Awards. What makes her music relatable is the fact that she writes feisty songs, most of whose lyrics are blunt, to say the least.

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.

"The Father of Country Music", Jimmie Rodgers, got his break in 1927 when he and his band were discovered at the Bristol Sessions held by the Victor Talking Machine Company.

Soon after, they earned the golden opportunity to record an album with the company. While his iconic yodeling style made him one of country music's first big stars, hits like "In The Jailhouse Now" and "Blue Yodel No. 1" turned him into a bonafide sensation at the time.

Credited with inspiring almost all country musicians that came after him, Rodgers, unfortunately, died from tuberculosis-related complications in 1933 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.