7 Voices That Influenced Country Music

From the familiar twang of a fiddle to the cozy sound of steel pedal guitars, country music has always held a special place in the hearts of Americans. It seems like most artist have recently started turning back to country roots and there's a reason why. Right from its origins, master storytellers have turned their tales into catchy country songs. But who influenced country music to be what it is today?

1. The Carter Family

From 1927 to 1956, The Carter Family -- composed by A.P., Sara and Maybelle Carter -- was the first musical group to become country stars. They set the country standard when songs like "Wildwood Flower" and "Keep on the Sunny Side" became popular amongst blue grass and folk music listeners. Maybelle Carter revolutionized country music with her finger picking technique, appropriately named the Carter Scratch.

2. Jimmie Rodgers

As the first singer inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961, Jimmie Rodgers was a prominent voice for country music in the 1920s. He is known as the "Father of Country Music" due to his bringing forth of "hillbilly" music. Songs such as "Blue Yodel No. 1" combined the genres of folk, blues, jazz and yodeling and earned him the monikers, "The Blue Yodeler" and "The Singing Brakeman". Though his career was short lived, Rodgers' songs continue to be the blueprint for country singers today.

3. Johnny Cash

Perhaps one of the most widely known country names is Johnny Cash. Born in Arkansas, Cash grew to love country music when he tuned into radio and listened to various Ole Opry performers. He gigged in prison and embodied the rebel cowboy era while singing about criminals. He became an international ambassador of country music and has won almost every award and honor there was to win.

4. Loretta Lynn

Born in Kentucky as a coal-miner's daughter, Loretta Lynn came into the spotlight in the 1960s, her crystalline voice singing her way through 24 No. 1 singles and becoming the sole female ACM Artist in the 1970s. She is the most awarded female country music artist and has paved the way for women to speak up and use their own voices for truth. Her legacy will be carried on through the hearts of many a country singer to come.

5. Dolly Parton

Considered one the greatest singer-songwriters of all time, Dolly Parton has had no shortage of influence on the country culture. From hits such as "Jolene," and "Coat of Many Colors" to "I Will Always Love You" and "9 to 5," her music has inspired countless singers, country or otherwise. Parton has written and released over 1,000 studio recordings, remixes, and live tracks combined and her impressive career has stood unwavering since the 1960s. Her talents broadened the audience of country music, and has inspired countless artists including Reba McEntire and Olivia Newton-John.

6. George Strait

Classy yet country, George Strait's country music influence has only grown more prominent since the start of his career in the 1980s. He is considered the "King of Country" and not just because he has 60 number one hits under his belt. His down to earth personality has won the hearts of many as he performs beloved hits such as "Check Yes or No" and "Carrying Your Love With Me." The neo-traditional style of Strait's music brings a sense of nostalgia to listeners and will always be considered a classic to country music lovers.

7. Shania Twain

In the late 90s and early 2000s, country music took a stance on empowerment when Shania Twain came into the spotlight. The Ontario native's talent for combining pop with country brought country music new popularity, and allowed her to become one of the best selling country singers in history. Her three diamond albums are well earned, with the phrase "Let's Go Girls" becoming the shot heard round the world, proving that her music will continue to be loved for generations to come.