Country Music History Images

Legendary A&R man, Ralph Peer of Victor and Okeh Records.

The stars of the seminal Bristol recording sessions: Jimmie Rodgers pictured with the Carter Family in 1931.

A scene from the Grand Ol' Opry, country music's most famous live "barn dance" program, in the 1930s.

Bill Monroe, the father of bluegrass, (center) and his Blue Grass Boys.

Patsy Cline in 1961.

Hank Williams, honky-tonk hero, hard drinker, and country's greatest icon.

Country singer-guitarist Buck Owens was famously associated with the guitar driven sound of the music coming out of Bakersfield, CA.

The self-styled and hugely successful Dolly Parton.

Willie Nelson, activist, icon of "outlaw" country, and serious marijuana enthusiast.

No Fences, indeed: After ruling the charts for years, "stadium" country megastar, Garth Brooks tried out for the MLB's San Diego Padres.