Top 10 Greatest Country Singers of All Time
#10: George Strait
Top 10 George Michael and Wham Songs
Texas-born George Strait has a number of country music classics to his name. “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” and his version of Terry Stafford’s “Amarillo by Morning” particularly come to mind. However, Strait’s career is much more than just a couple of hits, thanks to his smooth and soulful delivery. This is a singer who can capture hard luck emotions, just as well as whimsy or passion. It’s this diversity that helps George Strait lay his claim to being among some of country music’s most versatile and reliable male voices.
#9: Patsy Cline
Sorrow, thy name is Patsy Cline. Oh sure, this country legend’s career has featured the singer running through a gamut of emotions. However, it’s perhaps her hit “Crazy” that best exemplifies just how strongly Patsy Cline can connect with her audience. There’s a palpable sense of realism to her voice that enables Cline to transcend a song’s composition. She was able to make basically anything her own, and perform it in an inimitable way. While “Crazy” may be her best-known tearjerker, the voice of Patsy Cline is one that holds so many musical riches for those willing to investigate her history.
#8: Merle Haggard
The voice of Merle Haggard is one that’s well-versed in musical education. Soul, blues and jazz all influenced this outlaw country icon, not to mention a fearless sense of lyricism. “The Hag,” as he was often known, didn’t mince words on songs like “Okie from Muskogee,” “Mama Tried” or “Are the Good Times Really Over”. Here was a man with opinions, a voice and the willingness to connect with an audience. Of course, it also helped that said voice was clear, distinct and full of charm. Merle Haggard’s songs could make you think, even if you disagreed with the sentiment, and that was a testament to the power he had as a true country maverick.
#7: Tammy Wynette
There have been many women who have laid claim to being one of the “queens” of country music. However, in the case of one Tammy Wynette? Man, it just sort of fits, doesn’t it? Wynette’s immense power as a vocalist is evident from the first time one hears those crystal clear performances on songs like “Stand by Your Man,” “Apartment #9” and “D-I-V-O-R-C-E.” Other country singers like Emmylou Harris have commented on how Wynette could “milk a vowel,” but this amazing mezzo-soprano wasn’t just a one-trick pony. No, Tammy Wynette was The. Real. Deal. Able to razzle, dazzle and absolutely enchant just about anyone within earshot. Long live the Queen.
#6: Willie Nelson
Top 10 Things We Love About Willie Nelson
The voice of Willie Nelson speaks softly, but carries a whole lot of weight and gravitas. This singer/songwriter isn’t the flashiest musician in the world, but instead makes the most of his range. He picks his spots to shine, and uses his voice to impact a sense of realism and honesty every time he sings. Nelson could compose his own stuff, but he also knew how to choose expertly-written songs and make them his own. It’s no mean feat, but it’s just one of the reasons why Willie Nelson’s career has endured for so many years.
#5: Loretta Lynn
If you were to spin one of Loretta Lynn’s records, you’d be hard-pressed not to want to hear them all. Such is the charisma and likability behind Lynn’s one-of-a-kind talent. Her discography is full of absolute bangers, from the controversial anthem for reproductive rights, “The Pill,” to her autobiographical classic, “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” Loretta Lynn was an accomplished musician through and through, able to move gracefully through rockabilly, bluegrass and traditional country with ease. Then, there’s that voice. Full of rich depth, and textured emotion. It’s not likely we’ll ever hear another Loretta Lynn in our lifetime, but, in a way, that’s okay because we always have the records.
#4: George Jones
It’s so great that the legacy of George Jones continues to capture the imaginations of music fans today, thanks in part to series like Showtime’s “George & Tammy.” The Possum, as he was known, was a complex man, full of personal demons. However, George Jones was also in possession of one of country music’s most accomplished and varied voices. Here was a singer who could be creative within basically any genre, singing circles around those pretenders to his throne. Jones was an acrobat of vocal power, sensitivity and delivery, able to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level. This Possum, as it turns out, was indeed the G.O.A.T.
#3: Hank Williams
As great as singers like George Jones were, even he perhaps wouldn’t have walked down his musical path without one Hank Williams. The latter was often, deservedly, labeled as the finest country music singer of all time. Williams’ voice and music kick started a love of country music within the hearts of countless singers and musicians, who sought to hold on to that richness in Hank’s voice. It’s warm and smooth like molasses – the sort of voice that washes over you with a deceptive power. It’s that of country’s heart and soul, and an intrinsic part of the genre’s DNA.
#2: Dolly Parton
Top 10 Best Dolly Parton Songs
A lot of people possess the wonderful gift of song, and are able to use their voices to create music. Yet, despite the wealth of singers out there, perhaps none of them possess that indescribable “it” factor that’s present in Dolly Parton. This is a voice that defines a country generation – if not several. It commands respect, evokes tears and even gets downright silly and whimsical at times. That’s because Parton is always in control; she seems to know just what she’s doing at all times and makes it appear oh so effortless. We all know “I Will Always Love You” and “Jolene,” but there’s truly so much more to this wonderful, legendary voice. Before we name our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Waylon Jennings Outlaw Country Cool Reba McEntire A Modern Country Queen Garth Brooks The Stadium Seller Conway Twitty Unapologetically Emotional Alison Krauss A Beautiful Bluegrass Soul
#1: Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash Biography: Life and Career of the Country Singer-Songwriter
Sometimes, the best answer is the most obvious. The voice of Johnny Cash is, for many, the definitive voice of country music. And it’s easy to hear why, too, since the Man in Black has delivered so many iconic performances over the years. Cash’s baritone voice is deep, sultry and rich, the perfect voice for storytelling. Songs like “Ring of Fire,” “I Walk the Line” and “Folsom Prison Blues” all display Cash’s brilliance, but he was also a musician who could adapt with age. This was seen with the man’s late-period work, where he covered artists as diverse as Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden. Johnny Cash could simply do it all, and country music was lucky to have such a talented singer in their ranks.
