“This is real, this is your life in a song, yeah this is country music,” sings Brad Paisley, one of country music’s A-list singer/songwriters.

The issue with today’s “country fans” is growing daily, and it is because of those who just adore country music, but in truth only know what plays on the 99.5 FM country station.

Believe it or not, there is more depth to this genre than Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan. While they are amazing and deserve all they have worked for, let’s try to look past the fame and appearances and remember the songs that got these singers started and the stars who inspired them. These artists made it possible for country music to become a wide- or “Country Wide” genre.

Reba McEntire

She started off singing with her sisters at rodeos where her dad competed as the “Singing McEntire’s.” Reba McEntire, also known from her show “Reba” and currently “Malibu Country,” is also a talented artist who got her Nashville break with “You Lift Me Up” in 1980 and her album, “Rumor Has It,” sold Platinum three times over. She is still going strong more than 30 years later with songs like “Turn On the Radio.”

Dolly Parton

Of course the origin of the music is dedicated to this founder of music. She was and still is so significant; there is even a DollyWood theme park. She sang songs as a solo artist like “I Will Always Love You” and as well teaming up with artists like Loretta Lynn. To be honest, if you’ve never heard of her then there is no way you can pretend to be a hick.

Loretta Lynn

She in fact was a “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” which explains where the song and movie came from. She is just one more founder of the genre.

Other artists

Aside from the genre’s founders, country music has a long timeline of dedicated musicians who have stuck with the industry for the majority of their lives.

Alan Jackson, along with George Strait, are still making music. Straight has more than 50 number one hits, and if you can’t name more than one then there is a true problem.

Then we have artists that started in their young age and are still making music, such as Tim McGraw with songs like “Way Back When” and his wife, Faith Hill.

Johnny Cash, Alabama and the Charlie Daniels Band are beyond notable artists that sometimes go unappreciated.

And don’t pretend you know George Jones just because Jason Aldean sings about him in “Dirt Road Anthem,” in fact, you probably don’t know that Brantley Gilbert wrote that song.

Liking country music when country wasn’t cool is key in proving you are not a wannabe country lover. This year everyone tuned in for the CMA’s but even last year very few individuals watched. The change is significant.

For those who are hardcore fans of the country lifestyle, get ready for Country Thunder, four days of pure country in Twin Lakes, Wisc.; it is four days of mud, trucks, the national guard and music headlined by Dierks Bentley, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley and Lady Antebellum.

By: Marki Kaim