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There have been a number of terrific country music artists over the years. The genre continues to produce several rather talented performers who are proving to have real staying power. And, not surprisingly, country music fans tend to display a good deal of loyalty.
We'll take a quick look at eight great country music legends who have left a lasting mark on the world with their talent, even if a few of them were taken from us pretty early on in life.
Topping our list is Johnny Cash. The indisputable kind of country, Cash was born in Arkansas, in February of 1923 and passed away September 2003. His long list of quality hits included Folsom Prison Blues, Ring of Fire (which was written by June Carter, not long before she became June Carter Cash) and I Walk The Line (a song Johnny wrote specifically for June, also before she became his wife).
Hank Williams made a big impression on the music world in his brief 29 years of life. Born in Alabama the same year as Cash (1923), Williams passed away in January 1953. Hey Good Lookin', I'm so Lonesome I Could Cry and I'm A Long Gone Daddy are amongst the unforgettable songs that Hank left to fans before his untimely death. We're fortunate that he also left us his very talented son, Hank Williams Jr., who continues on the family tradition of classic country music.
Patsy Cline is another famed artist who lost her life far too soon. Cline passed away in 1963, at 30 years of age. Born in '32, in Virginia, she's remembered for evocative hits that include I Fall To Pieces and Crazy.
Fourth on the Eight Great list is not an individual, but a family act; The Carter Family. Of course, daughter June Carter Cash may be the most memorable of the clan. June became the second wife of singer Johnny Cash and was the absolute love of his life, probably long before he ever entertained the idea of June becoming his bride. Born in 1929, in Virginia, June, like her famous husband, passed away in 2003. The Carter family's musical numbers included Keep On The Sunnyside and Wildwood Flower. June's vibrant personality, musical talent (she was a wonderful writer as well as a singer) and beauty are not easily forgotten.
Willie Nelson is an artist who is still active in his field. Willie's made a name for himself with interesting personal ventures aside from his musical accomplishments. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1933, I'm sure Willie will have some creations still in store for his fans. Biggest hits to date; Stardust, Always On My Mind and On The Road Again.
One of Willie's contemporaries and a favorite singing partner, Waylon Jennings, was born in Littlefield Texas in 1937. Waylon left this world in 2002, leaving us a string of country music hits that included My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys and I'm A Ramblin Man.
George Jones, born in Beaumont Texas in 1931, has had a long run of musical success. His many hits would take too long to mention, so we'll credit two of the continually popular selections; He Stopped Loving Her Today and The Cold Hard Truth.
In the number eight spot on our tribute list is Conway Twitty. He performed many memorable duets with Loretta Lynn (most likely next on our list if we kept going) along with his solo achievements. Born in 1933, Twitty was a Mississippi boy. He passed away in 1993. Conway's hit songs included Hello Darlin' and After The Fire Is Gone.
Stars that shine this brightly never really go out. Even when they're no longer with us, their music will live on amongst following generations of listeners.
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