Get out your chisels and climbing gear, folks. The results of our Mt. Rushmore of Nashville Music poll are in, and we’ve carved out the four names that came out on top: Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, and Hank Williams.
The results were pretty definitive: Parton got the most votes overall (119), Cash was second with 104 votes, Lynn was third with 74, and Williams had 57. Thanks to everyone who voted — you rocked picking four icons with amazing music history and plenty of local cred.
Dolly Parton
Raised in the Smoky Mountains, Parton brought her larger-than-life personality and voice to Music City right after graduation before soon signing with Monument Records — fitting, right? From entertainment ventures like Dollywood to philanthropic causes including Imagination Library, you’ll see her working beyond “9 to 5" regularly.
Johnny Cash
The Man in Black might have risen to fame in Memphis, TN, but it was during his Grand Ole Opry debut at Ryman Auditorium where Cash first met June Carter, and where he later recorded the variety program “The Johnny Cash Show.” Between a Nashville SC secondary jersey dedication and his own museum downtown, Cash’s influence in Nashville is still strong today.
Loretta Lynn
Lynn, known as the “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” is widely recognized as being a major force that paved the path for women in country music. She was the first woman to be nominated for entertainer of the year at the 1971 Country Music Association Awards, among countless other award show achievements.
Hank Williams
Though Williams’ life was cut short before he reached his 30s amid ongoing health problems, he was “one of the most successful touring acts in country music” at the peak years of his career from 1950-1951. Popular songs include “Hey, Good Lookin’” and “I Saw the Light,” which shares the name of the artist’s biopic starring Tom Hiddleston.
