Country music stars like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and George Jones have played a big role in making the genre real and enjoyable for many people.

Influence on Realness:

• Johnny Cash is known for his great storytelling. His background in folk music helped keep the tradition of storytelling alive in country music.
• Dolly Parton writes lyrics that tell her own personal stories. This makes her songs easier for people to connect with.

Reaching More Fans:

• These legends have helped country music reach a wider audience. For example, Cash’s album “At Folsom Prison” sold over 6 million copies!

• Dolly’s song “Jolene” has been covered by more than 300 artists, including those in pop music.

• Today, about 35% of people who listen to country music are non-white. This shows that the genre is changing and growing!