Only A True Cowboy Can Name 100% Of These Country Stars

Country music has a special feel to it. It conjures up images of long trail rides on the plains, and traveling across wide-open spaces. There's a loneliness to the image of the cowboy. The music we associate with cowboys is the sound of a lone guitar strummed around a campfire in the middle of nowhere, at rest after a long hard day. Lots of us have long hard days at work, and we can take solace in those moments of rest and peace when a day's work is finally done.

Sometimes cowboys are dancing in celebration with a gathering of other hard-working folks, and having a really good time—that's something we can all feel connected to. Those moments of celebration are as welcome as they are rare, and country music is the sound of those moments. Above all, country music tells hard truths about life, sometimes with a laugh and sometimes in sorrow, but always cutting to the heart of the matter. The songs and artists that express "true country" hold a special place in our hearts. This music definitely isn't just for cowboys—but it helps. A true cowboy can name all these country stars—so who's for real, and who's "all hat and no cattle"?

Question 1

What is the name of this star?

This artist is known for a karaoke favorite, "Before He Cheats," in which the singer lets off steam about an unfaithful man and describes exactly what she'll do to wreck his car. Another early hit became a catchphrase heard everywhere, "Jesus Take the Wheel." Her debut album was Some Hearts, one of the best-selling debut albums of all time, in any genre; she was also a winner on a television show talent competition, which helped rocket her to stardom. She's from Oklahoma. Who is she?

Question 2

What is the name of this star?

This singer/songwriter became known for her famous hair and her figure. She co-starred in the movie Nine to Five with Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda; she wrote and sang the movie's hit title song, too. Other hits include "Here You Come Again" from the album of the same name, and "Jolene," also from an album of the same name. She grew up poor in the mountains of Tennessee, and her first guitar was homemade. She has a theme park in Tennessee's Smoky Mountains. Who is this artist?

Question 3

What is the name of this star?

This female country star is sometimes known by only her first name—extremely unusual for this field, but she's earned it. Born in Oklahoma, she has had more #1 country albums than any other female country artist. She starred in her own hit television series from 2001 to 2007, and appeared on Broadway in a revival of Annie Get Your Gun. She's built a successful business empire from her beginnings as a recording artist, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011. Who is she?

Question 4

What is the name of this star?

An Oklahoma native, this man worked on oil rigs while playing music as a hobby with his friends. When the oil industry collapsed, he played a little bit of farm league football while still playing with his band; eventually he started playing music full-time. His debut hit song "Should've Been a Cowboy" was the most-played country song of the 1990s. He's recorded a hit song with Willie Nelson, and had 20 number one hits on the country music charts. Who's this?

Question 5

What is the name of this star?

"Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys" is one of the most iconic country songs of the last 40 years. It's funny, and a little sad, because it's true—a lot of us are "always alone, even with someone they love." A lot of us hear the version by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings in our heads, and that one was a huge hit. The song was actually written and first recorded by someone else, though. Who was it?

Question 6

What is the name of this star?

One of the most beloved artists of the 70s, this crossover artist had huge hits worldwide before his tragic loss in 1997 in a plane crash. Major successes include the songs "Take Me Home, Country Roads," "Annie's Song" which became a favorite at weddings for years, and "Thank God I'm a Country Boy." He was an activist for environmental issues—one hit song was about Jacques Cousteau's research ship, the Calypso. He spent much of his life living in and singing about Colorado. Who is he?

Question 7

What is the name of this star?

This singer is the only solo artist in history to have achieved seven "diamond" selling albums; he's ahead of The Beatles, even. He was born and raised in Oklahoma, and grew up singing and playing music with his family. He's become perhaps best known for his song "Friends in Low Places," which champions people who are far from the centers of money and power. He had a hit collaboration with Trisha Yearwood, and for a while had an alter ego with a career in music named Chris. What's his name?

Question 8

What is the name of this star?

This revered country music artist had a stroke and recovered enough to sing "Amazing Grace" at his induction ceremony to the Country Music Hall of Fame. He was the first country artist to go double platinum with his debut album. His 1991 song "Point of Light" was the theme song for a national volunteerism effort named for the song. He's appeared as an actor in more than 20 feature films and numerous television shows. He comes from North Carolina. Who is he?

Question 9

What is the name of this group?

This group—not all family—started singing backup for Johnny Cash. The name of the band doesn't refer to the actual name of anyone in the group. They were best known for singing gospel songs with rich harmonies. The children of two of the band members started a group called Wilson Fairchild. They're as well known for comedy as for music, and won multiple Grammy awards. They were featured regularly on Johnny Cash's television show. What's the name of the group?

Question 10

What is the name of this group?

This group hails from Tennessee, and started performing in the gospel tradition from their church-going days there. They're known for four-part harmonies and upbeat songs, and have declared their intent never to sing about the downside of a hard life, but about love and joy. One of their all-time greatest hits was "Elvira," a bouncy tune about being in love with a girl by that name. They've had a number of personnel changes over the years, but always stick with four singers. What's the name of this group?

Question 11

What is the name of this star?

This singer is one of the few country stars from another country—he's from New Zealand. He's been a judge on television talent competitions, and he's a number one country artist. His first hit was co-written with two of the members of The Go-Gos, "But for the Grace of God," in which he expresses gratitude for the love of his family. One of his most beloved country hits is " Blue Ain't Your Color," which spent twelve weeks in the top spot on the country charts. Who is he?

Question 12

What is the name of this star?

The impact of this artist on other artists in the genre was almost impossible to quantify. He nurtured other singers and songwriters throughout his long career, and was responsible for some of the best-known songs in country music. He passed away from diabetes in 2003. Born in Arkansas, some of his songs include "Ring of Fire" and "I Walk the Line," and the song most identified with him, "Folsom Prison Blues." He was known for wearing black, and for a song about it. What's this giant's name?

Question 13

What is the name of this star?

He was in the movie "Honeysuckle Rose," which was about a fictionalized version of himself. He comes from Texas, and some of his biggest hits have been "On the Road Again," which is something of an anthem, and "You Were Always On My Mind." He joined a country supergroup with fellow country stars Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson. He released an album specifically intended to clear his debt with the IRS. Who is he?

Question 14

What is the name of this star?

This singer is the younger sister of another country superstar. They're both from coal mining country in Kentucky. She moved with her family to Indiana when she was very young. Her first crossover hit was "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue," which topped the country charts for four weeks. Another crossover hit for her was "Talking in Your Sleep." Her tour bus was once stolen by a fugitive, but the man was apprehended and the bus returned to her. Who is this?

Question 15

What is the name of this star?

This singer had a movie made about her life story, Coal Miner's Daughter. She wrote the title song about her life. For the movie, the song was performed by the star of the movie, Sissy Spacek. She was born the child of a coal miner in the hills of Kentucky, and married at the age of thirteen. She has been one of the giants of country music, even though the raw subject matter of some of her songs has gotten them banned from play on the radio. Who is she?

Question 16

What is the name of this star?

This country legend started as a fiddler touring the Appalachians with a medicine show, and came from Tennessee. He formed a band with other Tennessee natives, the Smoky Mountain Boys. He founded the first music publishing company to be based in Nashville, and was the first person to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame who was still living at the time of induction. He once taught Richard Nixon how to use a yo-yo. Who is this?

Question 17

What is the name of this star?

This performer passed away in 1953, on New Year's Eve at the age of 29, but his influence continued to be felt for years; five of his singles released posthumously made it to number one. While a child in Alabama, he learned to play guitar from Rufus Payne. Some of his best-known songs were "Your Cheatin' Heart," "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," and "Hey, Good Lookin'." His son, named after him, also became a country music star. Who was he?

Question 18

What is the name of this star?

This guitarist started to come to fame as a member of the band Pure Prairie League, and later filled in for the late Glenn Frey as a member of the Eagles. He has won 21 Grammy awards, more than any other male country artist. He won the Country Music Association's Song of the Year award four years in a row, and appeared as a regular cast member on the Grand Ole Opry. He's perhaps best known for his hit song "When I Call Your Name." Who is he?

Question 19

What is the name of this star?

This singer is the daughter of a Marine, and was born in Alabama; she grew up as a musician in California. She started as a singer with Gram Parsons of the Byrds. She formed a supergroup with Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt, called Trio. She's cited as a primary influence on many other female artists, including the Dixie Chicks and Trisha Yearwood. In some ways, her career has brought together fans of both rock and country music. She's recorded with John Denver, among others. What's her name?

Question 20

What is the name of this star?

This legend of country music recorded some of the all-time best known songs in the genre, including the all-time #1 jukebox hit "Crazy," and she was the most popular female country singer in recording history. Her life was tragically cut short at the age of 30, but her rich voice endeared her to millions, and she remains popular. She inspired artists from K.D. lang to Trisha Yearwood to Loretta Lynn, and remains a standard against which other singers are measured. Who is she?

Question 21

What is the name of this star?

This early country artist out of Texas served as a radio technician in World War II, and attended Princeton University on the GI Bill. He returned to Texas and scored one of his all-time biggest hits, "The Wild Side of Life," which stayed at number one for over three months and became his signature song. He recorded country music's first-ever live album, At the Golden Nugget. He also gave artists like Merle Travis early breaks. Who was he?

Question 22

What is the name of this star?

Born just outside Bakersfield, this California native helped define the Bakersfield country sound. In his early life he was in and out of trouble with the law, and he served time in San Quentin before finally turning his life to music. He had a number one hit with "Sing Me Back Home," and is also known for his song "Okie from Muskogee." He enjoyed a successful career for decades before succumbing to complications from pneumonia in 2016. Who was he?

Question 23

What is the name of this star?

This singing movie star was known as "The Singing Cowboy." He made 93 films, and in the 1950s he hosted a television show named after him. He wrote some of the best-known holiday songs ever, including "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Here Comes Santa Claus," and "Up on the House Top." He is the only person to ever have been awarded stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in all five categories: film, television, music, radio, and live performance. What's his name?

Question 24

What is the name of this star?

This country artist and businessman may be better known for his appearances in television commercials for his line of sausages. He had a recurring role on the Daniel Boone television show as the title character's sidekick. When he had his own television show in 1963, he gave Jim Henson one of his first big breaks. He was perhaps best known for his recording/song, "Big Bad John," a hit in the early 1960s. Who was he?

Question 25

What is the name of this star?

This son of Memphis wasn't Elvis; he was one of the many artists nurtured and encouraged by Johnny Cash, and he wrote many songs that were hits for Cash. He may be best known for discovering and recording Jerry Lee Lewis, and producing Lewis' "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On." He produced and wrote songs for some of the biggest names in country music, including Dolly Parton. He founded one of the biggest music publishing houses in Texas. What's his name?

Question 26

What is the name of this star?

This pillar of country music was born in Kentucky, and hosted television's first popular country music show, Ozark Jubilee. He recorded gospel songs as well as country songs, and had several big hits in both genres. One of his most successful recordings was "Just a Closer Walk with Thee," which has become a beloved version of that standard. He was awarded a gold record for "Peace in the Valley," which was the last song he ever performed. He was Pat Boone's father-in-law. Who was he?

Question 27

What is the name of this star?

This man was one of the first black country music stars, and remains the only superstar of color in the field. Born in Mississippi, he first planned a career in baseball. He learned music listening to Hank Williams and Roy Acuff. He first achieved success without fans realizing what his ethnic background was, and for years, when he appeared at concerts, he would allow a period of time for audience members to see him to the side of the stage before beginning his performance. What's his name?

Question 28

What is the name of this star?

There was another singing cowboy movie star—this one actually took over for the first one on a movie that had originally been planned to star the other guy. He became closely identified with his horse, Trigger, and his romantic co-star, Dale Evans. He and Evans married, after he was widowed from his first wife, in 1947. This star even gave his household name to a chain of restaurants later in his life. Who was he?

Question 29

What is the name of this star?

This singing cowboy also made movies, and although he didn't achieve the stupendous success of some of his colleagues (like Gene Autry), he was a bankable star for years. The movie studios first noticed him for his work on Broadway, but he began as an avid young music fan and musician growing up in Texas. He became perhaps best known for singing the theme song to the movie "High Noon," starring Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly. What's his name?

Question 30

What is the name of this star?

This country superstar's best known songs include "D-I-V-O-R-C-E" and (perhaps ironically) "Stand By Your Man." The song "Stand By Your Man" in particular has become a cultural touchstone. This singer came to prominence at the same time as other female country superstars, and she helped break ground for other women artists in the genre. Her songs talked about the realities of women's lives, and touched a chord. She grew up in rural Mississippi picking cotton as a child. Who is she?

Question 31

What is the name of this star?

Another artist from Mississippi, this singer's career spanned five decades. He was parodied in the Broadway musical Bye Bye Birdie. He first achieved stardom with a pop hit, a cover of " It's Only Make Believe," the Broadway show tune. As a country star, he recorded a series of hit duets with Loretta Lynn, including "Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man." Some of his songs provoked controversy, like "Saturday Night Special." Who did all this?

Question 32

What is the name of this group?

This group formed from a real family, and they came out of Virginia. They stayed at the forefront of commercial country music, with their own style of harmony singing that was wildly successful. They were never really commercially successful on the scale of other country stars. Among other innovations, they brought a new guitar-picking style to the music scene in the mountains of their home. One of their biggest hits was "Keep on the Sunny Side." What family band was this?

Question 33

What is the name of this group?

This family-based band has had huge influence within country music and outside the genre. Rather than using session musicians in the studio or on the road, the members of the band played all the instruments. They are from Alabama. Some of their biggest early hits were "Feels So Right," "Love in the First Degree," and "Take Me Down." The band has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. What's the name of this group?

Question 34

What is the name of this star?

This recording artist is another giant in the genre and performs with his own band. He's had multiple chart-topping hits, one of which is with one of the best-known country songs ever recorded, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia." He does extensive charity work. He was born in North Carolina and was brought up with gospel music, bluegrass, and the music on radio stations out of Nashville. His career has spanned over fifty years (and counting). What's his name?

Question 35

What is the name of this star?

This self-styled "outlaw country" artist struggled with the temptations of the road for years, but he still penned multiple hit songs and became a successful artist. In the 1980s he joined a country supergroup called The Highwaymen; the group consisted of this artist, along with Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and Johnny Cash. He is perhaps best known as the voice singing the theme song for the popular television show "The Dukes of Hazzard," which he also narrated. Who was he?

Question 36

What is the name of this group?

This group started as a gospel group with four singers, founded by a preacher in Missouri. They performed regularly on television, with recurring spots on The Grand Ol' Opry and the Eddy Arnold Time television show. Membership of the group shifted often over the years. They became regular backing singers for Elvis Presley, and appeared with him on records and in films. They also sang with Patsy Cline and pop stars including Julie Andrews. The group's career spanned over fifty years. Who are they?

Question 37

What is the name of this star?

This pivotal country singer was born in Texas and influenced countless singers after him. He sang on the streets in Texas for tips as a child, and came from a troubled family. He was married for many years to already-successful Tammy Wynette, and they continued to collaborate successfully even after they divorced. He recorded some songs under another name, calling himself "Thumper." He won a Grammy when he was nearly fifty and was named CMA's male vocalist of the year in 1980 and 1981. Who is this?

Question 38

What is the name of this star?

This country powerhouse was born in Houston, Texas, and was a seasoned professional by the age of fourteen; she had a hit record by the time she was 21. She learned to play accordion and read music from her mother by the age of six. She had a television show in the early 1980s with her sisters. She plays multiple instruments, including steel guitar and mandolin. She's toured with Red Foley, Tex Ritter, and Johnny Cash, and played Vegas, too. Who is she?

Question 39

What is the name of this star?

This crossover country and pop star had multiple hits, including two of his best-known, "Gentle on my Mind" and "Rhinestone Cowboy," which became his signature tune (and which inspired a movie starring Dolly Parton and Sylvester Stallone). Before he made a name for himself as a solo artist, he was an in-demand session musician and songwriter. He hosted a comedy-variety show on television in the late 1960s/early 1970s. He won a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award in 2012, and passed away in 2013. Who was he?

Question 40

What is the name of this star?

This Texas-born singer and songwriter began singing in Arizona, where his family moved in search of work during the Depression. He moved to Bakersfield, California with his wife and began to take part in the growing country music scene there as a house musician. When he began recording his own work, unlike other artists recording in Nashville at the time, he recorded with his touring band, which helped him keep his distinctive sound. His 1963 hit song "Act Naturally" was covered by the Beatles. What's his name?

Question 41

What is the name of this star?

Another country superstar who crossed over into the pop charts, this Texan singer is known for hits that include "The Gambler" and "Lucille." His duet with Kim Carnes, "Don't Fall in Love with a Dreamer," was another massive success. He continued to tour successfully for decades, and finally retired from touring in late 2017; dates scheduled for 2018 had to be cancelled because of his health. He started a chain of chicken restaurants in 1991. He's had television mini-series based on his songs. Who is he?

Question 42

What is the name of this star?

This singer had a television show and is best known for his recording of the song "Sixteen Tons," though the credit for writing the song goes to Merle Travis. He was born in Tennessee. When he was a radio personality, he was nicknamed "The Ol' Pea-Picker." He made several appearances on the I Love Lucy television show, which made him famous. He voiced a mouse on an animated special, The Mouse on the Mayflower, for NBC. Who was he?

Question 43

What is the name of this star?

This recording artist struggled with a stutter, which he sometimes highlighted—his biography is titled Stutterin' Boy. He was born in Florida and his stutter was the result of a childhood case of malaria. He wrote many popular songs for other singers, then finally began recording his songs in the late 1950s. He's appeared in movies like Smokey and the Bandit and The Cannonball Run. He had a theater in Branson, Missouri from 1990 through 2002. Who's this good ol' boy?

Question 44

What is the name of this star?

This country star's best-known song might be "Green, Green Grass of Home." He came from the Ozark region of Missouri. He was known for wearing flashy suits and for his outrageous blonde hairdo, and was a mainstay of the Grand Ol' Opry. He's also known for hosting a television show that ran for twenty years, finally ending in 1981. He recorded duets with Dolly Parton before she became a superstar, and continued supporting her career for years; they fell out, but reconciled. Who was he?

Question 45

What is the name of this star?

One of this woman's most famous songs was "It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels," which she wrote as a response to another hit country song, Hank Thompson's "The Wild Side of Life." She was an inspiration to Loretta Lynn and countless other female country artists who came after her. She was born in Nashville rather than coming there later in life, but worked many demanding jobs while also singing on the radio and for audiences throughout the South. Who was she?

Question 46

What is the name of this star?

This singer is best known for huge crossover hits in the 70s: "Behind Closed Doors" and "The Most Beautiful Girl." He was nicknamed "The Silver Fox" for his mane of silver hair. He had a small part in the 1978 Clint Eastwood movie Every Which Way But Loose. He famously took a lighter to the award envelope (after opening it) when presenting an award at the 1975 Country Music Awards, announcing that the award went to his friend John Denver. Who was he?

Question 47

What is the name of this star?

This singer-songwriter from Illinois was discovered by Kris Kristofferson, and he started by playing folk clubs in Chicago. He became known for his sometimes humorous songs about life and his more serious social commentary. He's won multiple awards for songwriting, including lifetime achievement awards in multiple countries. He's recorded an entire album of duets with legendary women country singers, including Lucinda Williams, Emmylou Harris, Dolores Keane, and Iris DeMent. He's also in the movie Daddy & Them. Who is this songwriter's songwriter?

Question 48

What is the name of this star?

This famed session musician who went on to stardom was known as a virtuoso guitarist. He came from Georgia, and was encouraged by guitar great Chet Atkins. He won a Grammy for best male vocal country performance for "When You’re Hot, You’re Hot." He was known for his wit and charm, and astonishing skill as a musician. He appeared in the movie Smokey and the Bandit. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2017. What's this legend's name?

Question 49

What is the name of this group?

These Virginia brothers, actually brothers as their band name suggested, wrote "Man of Constant Sorrow," immortalized in the Coen brothers' movie O Brother Where Art Thou. They also wrote a popular song which is performed in the same movie. They were mainly a bluegrass group, and played with a band called the Clinch Mountain Boys, the membership of which was always changing. The band toured with the surviving brother for many years after the passing of one of the brothers. Who were these brothers?

Question 50

What is the name of this star?

This famous country musician first formed the bluegrass group the Foggy Mountain Boys in 1948, and was half of that legendary duo with partner Lester Flatt. He pioneered a three-fingered banjo picking style, and his song "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" is one of the enduring classics of the instrument—it's as frequently called for in bluegrass circles as "Freebird" is at rock concerts. He was from North Carolina, and co-wrote the theme song for The Beverly Hillbillies. Who was this man?

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