Merle Haggard is the greatest country artist of all time -- at least according to the editors of Rolling Stone.
The music mag has compiled a list of the Top 100 country artists in history, and Merle takes the top spot. Hank Williams Senior is number-two, and Johnny Cash is number-three. Here's the whole Top 10:
- Merle Haggard
- Hank Williams
- Johnny Cash
- Loretta Lynn
- The Carter Family
- Willie Nelson
- Waylon Jennings
- Dolly Parton
- George Jones
- Garth Brooks
Other notables include Glen Campbell at number-17, George Strait at number-20, Shania Twain at number-25, Charlie Pride at number-31 and Miranda Lambert at number-33.
- You really could put Merle, Hank or Johnny at number-one.
- Garth is the first truly contemporary artist on the list at number-10, and Miranda is the first person under age 40.
- The number-100 artist: John Denver.
- Country has such a long history that it's almost impossible to narrow it down to 100 names.
- It's only fitting that country's legends get the top spots. Country is all about showing respect for those who paved the way.