circle of talented friends & family. Sentimental love songs, early gospel hymns, fiddle-breakdowns, and disaster songs are included in this set with over 20 never before reissued. Stoneman was inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame in early 2008. Deluxe package also contains a 44 page booklet with an introduction by Patsy Stoneman, which contains many rare & haunting images.  (less)

Home A Drinkin'" "I'm A Honky Tonk Girl," "Fist City," and "You're Looking at Country" show a vibrant, independent woman with her own strong beliefs and keen observations. In her songs, she (literally) fights for her man's loyalty, stands up to his abuse, and moves on when he leaves. Among these 16 cuts are duets with Ernest Tubb and Conway Twitty, the controversial "The Pill" (yes, that pill), and her autobiographical trademark, "Coal Miner's Daughter." Lynn's defiant outlook picks up where Kitty Wells left off. --Marc Greilsamer  (less)

Haggard. Even if country isn't your thang, there's no excuse for not owning this; it's America in the twentieth century, presented for your edification. Besides the names already mentioned, you've got Kitty Wells doing "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky-Tonk Angels" and Doc Watson doing "Blue Railroad Train." Nothing less than brilliant, as a non-country singer once whined. --Chris Nickson  (less)

southern gospel song "When Men Pray". Jacky Jack White has had songs on the charts as a singer/songwriter since 1985. Some of the artists who have recorded his songs include Ray Stevens, Charley Pride, Buddy Jewell, Steve Wariner, Neal McCoy and Mark Lowery.  (less)

music. His show launched the career of Dolly Parton and the two singers embarked on a series of Top 10 country duets, winning the ACM’s Vocal Duo Award three years running. Country Music Ambassador includes Porter’s chart-toppers "A Satisfied Mind" and "Misery Loves Company," plus eight more Top 10 country hits.  (less)

remind listeners how a fusion of styles and influences from both black and white musicians defined American country music in its formative decades. Included here are gems, both familiar and obscure, by the likes of Jimmie Rodgers, the Delmore Brothers, Jimmie Davis, Cliff Carlisle, and other country musicians who were clearly inspired by their blues cousins. Backed by the Nashville All-Stars, a supersonic string band comprising bluegrass masters Sam Bush (mandolin), Jerry Douglas (Dobro), Béla Fleck (banjo), and Byron House (stand-up bass), all playing on vintage 1920s and '30s acoustic instruments, Kaukonen revives and vividly reinterprets these blues-drenched country classics for a new generation of listeners. --Bob Allen  (less)