Hank Williams: The father of modern country music, Hank Williams set the blueprint for the genre and achieved universal appeal.
Johnny Cash: Known as the "Man in Black," Cash blended old folk with contemporary country, blues, and other genres.
Merle Haggard: Despite a troubled early life, Haggard became an influential country musician, known for his versatile musical style.
Loretta Lynn: A pioneering country songwriter, Lynn addressed the issues of married, working-class women and paved the way for others.
Willie Nelson: A nonagenarian and counterculture icon, Nelson married counterculture with country and helped develop "outlaw country."
Dolly Parton: Parton brought country music to the mainstream, with a career spanning both country and pop genres.
Waylon Jennings: A country pioneer who embodied outlaw country, Jennings collaborated with Willie Nelson and blurred the lines between country and rock.