21 of country music's greatest voices

Many country fans, especially traditionalists, consider George Jones to be the genre's finest vocalist. And when you consider his unique timbre, and you hear the emotion in "He Stopped Loving Her Today," it's easy to see why. 

Crossing between rock and country seamlessly, Linda Ronstadt's vocals are equal parts powerful and pure. Even when collaborating with titans like Johnny Cash and Emmylou Harris, Ronstadt's vocals still stand out. 

With her syrupy, expressive alto, Patsy Cline infused a whole lot of her own real-life heartbreak into hit songs like "Crazy" and "She's Got You" throughout her short career, which ended too soon when she died in a plane crash in 1963 at just 30 years old. 

One of country's most prolific and talented songwriters, Dolly Parton also possesses one of the genre's most distinctive, and compelling, voices. Now well into her 70s, Parton can still perform "9 to 5" and "Jolene" nearly as flawlessly as she did when those iconic songs were released. 

'90s pop-country powerhouse Martina McBride boasts one of the genre's biggest voices, which soars on songs like "Independence Day" and "With A Broken Wing." 

Even if you're not crazy about his pop-inflected brand of country, there's no denying that Garth Brooks boasts one of country's most distinctive voices. And when paired with his wife, fellow artist Trisha Yearwood, there are few duos more vocally talented. 

Keith Whitley's life may have been cut short, but his status as one of country music's most talented vocalists of any decade will endure. Whitley brings a distinct timbre and subtle tenderness to songs like "When You Say Nothing At All" and "I'm No Stranger to the Rain." 

There are few voices smoother — and more universally beloved — in country music than King George's. Since the 1980s, Strait has charmed audiences with his rich, Texas-tinged baritone. 

With his booming bass, Johnny Cash may have had one of the most recognizable voices in country music. From "Folsom Prison Blues," to the "Man in Black," there's no denying Cash's vocal prowess. 

Twangy and resonant, Hank Williams remains the most influential singer in all of country music. And still, all these years later, he's one of the finest voices the genre has ever produced thanks to Williams's uncanny ability to infuse emotion into his songs. 

Vince Gill's unique tenor sound, equal parts delicate and powerful, made him one of the most successful country artists of the 1990s. For a real showcase of his vocal power, listen to "I Still Believe in You" and "Go Rest High On That Mountain" back-to-back. 

Blending country, rock, and R&B, there's no voice in country music quite like Chris Stapleton's. And whether it's a smoldering ballad like "Fire Away" or a barn-burner like "Don't Let Me Be The Second One to Know," Stapleton's voice always shines. 

In the middle of the 20th century, Ray Price's smooth baritone ruled the airwaves thanks to songs like "Crazy Arms" and "For the Good Times," both tracks that sound just as good in 2023 as they did in 1956 and 1968, respectively. 

Considering how rich and powerful her vocals are, it's almost impossible to believe that Tanya Tucker was just 13 years old when she recorded "Delta Dawn," one of the finest vocal performances in all of country music history. And even today, Tucker is still showing off those powerhouse pipes with new music, including 2023's "Sweet Western Sound." 

There has been, and never will be, another singer like Merle Haggard. His hard-scrabble life experiences and distinct brand of workin' man's blues are as infused into his vocals as they are into his lyrics on songs like "Mama Tried" and "Silver Wings." 

With more than 27 wins, Alison Krauss has won more Grammy Awards than just about anyone, and that's thanks in large part to her wide-ranging soprano, which has an uncanny ability to go from pure to haunting to powerful, all in the same song. Need proof? Just listen to "Whiskey Lullaby." 

Smooth and full, Glen Campbell's baritone was honed from an early age. Songs like "Wichita Lineman" and "Galveston," both stunning showcases of Campbell's talent, which endured throughout his decades-long career. 

The reigning "Queen of Country Music," Reba McEntire is the total package. She's an incredible performer, and those pipes always manage to steal the show. From Broadway to '90s country, there's pretty much nothing Reba can't sing. 

Gruff and a little rough around the edges, Waylon Jennings's voice is totally unique, and there's no mistaking his version of "Luckenbach, Texas' for anyone else's. 

From "Coal Miner's Daughter" to "Van Lear Rose," Loretta Lynn's vocal power remained intact throughout her 50-year career in country music. When she died in October 2022, the genre lost one of its most influential songwriters and singers. 

Whether you're listening to "Digging Up Bones" or "Forever and Ever Amen," Randy Travis's voice is always rich and comforting.