Top Ten List of My Favorite Male Country Music Singers

Choosing a list of favorite singers is like standing in front of the Baskin-Robbins ice cream case and trying to decide on a flavor. They're all good, so you just have to pick and then come in again to try another.

Number one on this list has to be George Strait. Truly the King of Country Music, he has won more awards for his music than you can even try to keep track of. On April 9, 2009 he was named the "Artist of the Decade" by the Academy of Country Music, and his new single, "River of Love" became his 57^th number one song.

I have to jump back in time to the early and best who paved the way for the newbies. George Jones, "The Possum", built some of the framework that modern country music still uses. George has a new album out, "Burn the Playhouse Down" (http://www.georgejones.com/bio/index.php ) which features leftover duet recordings of George and a host of singers. These have never been heard before. His daughter co-wrote one of the songs, "You and Me and Time" and she sings it with him. (Sound samples at the link above.)

Hank Williams was an even earlier pillar of country music. Although his career was abbreviated, his musical influence is still pervasive. Standards like "Your Cheatin' Heart" and "I'm so Lonesome I Could Cry" are nearly 80 years old, and yet the message of his songs touches listeners today.

Another timeless singer, Johnny Cash, is unforgettable. The movie, "Walk the Line", is a tribute to Cash. His life and career were filled with ups and downs, but his contributions to the world of country music can only be praised. Johnny Cash was a member of the group "The Highwaymen", along with Willie Nelson. Willie Nelson, songwriter extraordinaire, is one of those celebrities you just have to like despite his brushes with trouble. He has written many songs that made other performers famous, including "Crazy" which was recorded by Patsy Cline, and "Pretty Paper" recorded by Roy Orbison.

For someone my age, Glenn Campbell has to be included. I grew up watching his TV show, which to me defined the new country music. John Hartford was the "silent" cohort on the show, another songwriter whose work was recorded and popularized by so many other singers. While he wasn't really known as a singer, his songs have found their way throughout the country music field and helped many others with their success.

Don Williams is a classic country musician whose hits like "Tulsa Time" and "I Believe in You" are country classics, the essence of his signature laid back style. He no longer tours, but he released a great album in 2008 called "The Journey". Kenny Rogers must be included on my list, if for no reason other than "The Gambler". But then I remember that this singer has been in the business for 50 years, and he's still as fresh and engaging as ever.

Garth Brooks is last but not least. Funny how I didn't pay much attention to him when he was setting the country music world on fire. Even though I thought he was a great talent, I was turned off by what seemed like marketing overkill, I think. Now that his songs have become standards, the hype doesn't really matter anymore. Plus he's organized some really great charities for kids. (http://www.tfkf.com/t4kidsopen.html )

Find links to individual artists' websites here:

http://www.bellaonline.com/subjects/376.asp