Hank Williams
Hank Williams poses for a portrait circa 1948 in Nashville. Despite dying at 29, Williams set a high standard for country music with his emotive songwriting and soulful voice. Classics like Your Cheatin Heart, I m So Lonesome I Could Cry, and Cold, Cold Heart
Merle Haggard
Merle Haggard led his band The Strangers during a performance in New York City on June 23, 1993. Known as the working man s poet, Haggard s music reflected his troubled past and the struggles of the common man. Hits like Mama Tried, Silver Wings, If We Make It Through December,
Loretta Lynn
Loretta Lynn performed at Ascend Amphitheater on September 19, 2015, in Nashville. The Coal Miner s Daughter turned her hardscrabble upbringing into a storied career. Her autobiographical songs, like You Ain t Woman Enough and Don t Come Home A Drinkin ,
Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash performed at the Festival of Country Music, Wembley Arena. The Man in Black is celebrated for his deep, gravelly voice and rebellious spirit. Iconic songs like I Walk the Line, Ring of Fire, and Folsom Prison Blues highlight his career.
Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton performed at Agua Caliente Casino on January 24, 2014, in Rancho Mirage, California. With a warm, distinctive voice and exceptional songwriting ability, Parton has won 11 Grammys and been nominated over 50 times. Known for songs like Coat of Many Colors,
George Jones
George Jones performed at Fanfair in 1999 in Nashville. Renowned for his emotive voice, Jones struggled with substance abuse, earning the nickname No Show Jones. His hits include He Stopped Loving Her Today, If Drinkin Don t Kill Me, and I Don t Need Your Rockin Chair.
Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson performed at the Glastonbury Festival on June 25, 2000, in Glastonbury, England. A leader of the Outlaw movement, Nelson pushed for artistic freedom in the late 1960s. His unconventional style and prolific songwriting led to classics like Crazy,
Patsy Cline
Patsy Cline circa 1958, was a pioneer in country music with her deep, rich voice. Songs like I Fall to Pieces, Crazy, and Walking After Midnight showcase her talent. Despite her career being cut short by a plane crash in 1963, her influence endures, with the film Sweet Dreams
Tammy Wynette
Tammy Wynette performed at Fanfair on January 1, 1995, in Nashville. Known for her unique voice, Wynette became famous with hits like Stand By Your Man and D-I-V-O-R-C-E. Originally a hairdresser in Mississippi, her emotive singing resonated with audiences
Waylon Jennings
Waylon Jennings performed at Alex Cooley's Capri Ballroom on February 17, 1979, in Atlanta. As a former member of Buddy Holly s band, Jennings rose to prominence in the early 1970s as part of the Outlaw movement, advocating for creative control over his music.