listsBy Bob Harris

When John Prine died in 2020, it seemed like the whole world burst into tears. The news of his passing triggered an outpouring of love and respect that was in equal parts heartfelt and phenomenal. His music had touched the souls of all who heard it – transcending the borders of the generations and the genres. He told the truth as he saw it with tender wisdom - combining honesty, compassion, empathy and homespun humour. He was incredibly endearing and totally unique.

Few artists have created a catalogue to match that of Rosanne Cash. From her awesome chart success in the 1980s to her Grammy-winning work today, she has established herself as a writer to trust implicitly, creating music of touching power, imagination, integrity, truth and beauty. She has become a vital voice of reason in these increasingly troubled and confusing times.

Hank Williams was the first bonafide superstar of country music. Known as the Hillbilly Shakespeare, he wrote, recorded and performed careworn songs of love, loss and loneliness. Although rooted in country, his sound was laced with the echoes of church music, folk and the blues. He chiselled songs that reflected the harsh reality of his upbringing and, as a spina bifida sufferer, mirrored the pain and disconnection of his later life.