The 10 Greatest Older Country Male Singers

Country music has a long and rich history, and some of the most iconic voices in the genre belong to older male singers. These artists have decades of experience under their belts, and their music has influenced generations of fans.

Here are 10 of the greatest older country male singers:

1. Willie Nelson (born 1933)

Willie Nelson is one of the most beloved and respected figures in country music. He has written some of the genre's most iconic songs, including "Crazy," "Always on My Mind," and "On the Road Again." Nelson has also starred in several films and television shows, and he continues to tour and record new music.

2. Johnny Cash (1932-2003)

Johnny Cash was known as the "Man in Black" due to his signature all-black wardrobe. He was a pioneer in the outlaw country movement, and his music often reflected his own struggles with addiction and redemption. Cash wrote some of the most enduring songs in country music, including "Ring of Fire," "Walk the Line," and "Hurt."

3. Merle Haggard (1937-2016)

Merle Haggard was known for his traditional country sound and his honest, heartfelt lyrics. He wrote some of the genre's most iconic songs, including "Okie from Muskogee," "The Fightin' Side of Me," and "Mama Tried." Haggard was also a successful actor, starring in several films and television shows.

4. George Jones (1931-2013)

George Jones was known as the "No Show Jones" due to his reputation for missing concerts. However, he was also one of the most talented singers in country music history. Jones wrote some of the genre's most heart-wrenching songs, including "He Stopped Loving Her Today," "The Grand Tour," and "Walk Through This World with Me."

5. Waylon Jennings (1937-2002)

Waylon Jennings was one of the pioneers of the outlaw country movement. He was known for his rebellious attitude and his unique vocal style. Jennings wrote some of the genre's most memorable songs, including "Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys," "Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)," and "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way."

6. Kris Kristofferson (born 1936)

Kris Kristofferson is a singer-songwriter, actor, and author. He is best known for his country music songs, which often reflect his own experiences with addiction and redemption. Kristofferson has written some of the genre's most iconic songs, including "Me and Bobby McGee," "For the Good Times," and "Sunday Morning Coming Down."

7. Hank Williams (1923-1953)

Hank Williams was one of the most influential country music singers of all time. He wrote some of the genre's most iconic songs, including "Your Cheatin' Heart," "Hey Good Lookin'," and "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry." Williams died tragically at the age of 29, but his music continues to inspire and influence artists today.

8. Johnny Horton (1925-1960)

Johnny Horton was a country music singer and songwriter who was best known for his historical ballads. He wrote some of the genre's most iconic songs, including "The Battle of New Orleans," "Sink the Bismarck," and "North to Alaska." Horton died tragically in a plane crash at the age of 35, but his music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

9. Patsy Cline (1932-1963)

Patsy Cline was one of the most popular and influential country music singers of all time. She was known for her powerful vocal style and her heartbreaking songs about love and loss. Cline wrote some of the genre's most iconic songs, including "Crazy," "I Fall to Pieces," and "Walkin' After Midnight." Cline died tragically in a plane crash at the age of 30, but her music continues to inspire and influence artists today.

10. Glen Campbell (1936-2017)

Glen Campbell was a country music singer, guitarist, and actor. He was known for his smooth vocal style and his crossover success with pop music. Campbell wrote some of the genre's most iconic songs, including "Rhinestone Cowboy," "Wichita Lineman," and "By the Time I Get to Phoenix." Campbell died tragically from Alzheimer's disease at the age of 81, but his music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

These are just a few of the many great older country male singers. Their music has influenced generations of fans, and their songs continue to be enjoyed today.