7. Willie Nelson
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An ambassador for all genres of music, Nelson ranks this highly for his ability to blend multiple sounds while also paying homage to the classics. His distinct voice has graced the airwaves ever since his first recorded single, ‘No Place for Me’ in 1956. A highly accomplished songwriter, Nelson composed some of country music’s all-time greatest hits including ‘Hello Walls,’ by Faron Young, and ‘Crazy’ by Patsy Cline. The free-spirited Nelson is still touring well into his 80s, and continues to make music that can be enjoyed by all different types of country music fans.