Rolling Stone magazine has compiled their choices for the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time, with a handful of country artists making the list . Ray Charles, who crossed genres, recorded several country hits, and influenced country singers like Travis Tritt, placed No. 2 on the survey, just behind Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin. Johnny Cash just missed the top 20, coming in at 21, and Hank Williams landed at 27.
Also spotlighted are George Jones (No. 43), Patsy Cline (46), Dolly Parton (73), and Willie Nelson (88).
Merle Haggard, who was among the voting panel, also made the list at No. 77. His handwritten ballot reveals that his choice for No. 1 was Lefty Frizzell.
Carrie Underwood, Loretta Lynn, Shelby Lynne and Brenda Lee were among the dozens of artists, journalists, and music-industry professionals who made up the voting panel.
